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Ostend Casino: renovated entrance, reinvented experience

The Ostend Casino, an emblematic jewel on the Belgian coast, has recently undertaken a series of major renovations to modernise its facilities and offer an unrivalled experience to its visitors. These transformations were made necessary by the record number of visitors to the casino.

A metamorphosed entrance for a reinvented welcome

On Friday 23 February 2025, the Ostend Casino officially inaugurated its completely renovated entrance hall. The new entrance, with its gigantic screens and modern display panels, aims to immerse visitors in a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere from the moment they arrive.

According to Delphine Lootens, spokeswoman for the Casino d’Ostende, this transformation was essential in order to manage the growing influx of customers.

‘We recorded an 18% increase in visitor numbers, with an average of 700 visitors a day. Our old entrance no longer met these requirements.’

Gaming room expansion: Responding to growing demand

To ensure that every visitor has the best possible experience, the casino has also expanded its gaming room. A new area dedicated to slot machines and table games has been added. The casino now boasts 400 gaming machines, the most in the region.

The expansion will reduce waiting times for players and introduce new gaming experiences.

‘We recently added an additional gaming area and completely refurbished the reception area to improve the flow for our customers.’ Delphine Lootens

Economic pillar for the city of Ostend

In addition to its role as an entertainment centre, the Ostend Casino is a major economic player for the city. With 100 permanent employees and around 70 flexible workers, it makes a significant contribution to local employment.

The income generated by the casino is also essential for the maintenance and renovation of the historic building that houses it. Thanks to the concessions paid by the establishment, ambitious projects, such as the imminent renovation of the façade, are made possible.

‘The Kursaal, with its auditorium, is an important economic driver for our city.’ Bart Tommelein, Mayor of Ostend

Modernising the auditorium into a modular concert hall

Alongside the improvements to the gaming areas, the Kursaal in Ostend, which houses the casino, has launched an ambitious project to renovate its auditorium. The investment, estimated at €25 million, will transform the auditorium into the largest modular concert hall in Belgium.

The work, due to start in October 2025, includes the installation of innovative mechanisms that will enable the space to be reconfigured as required, increasing its capacity from 2,000 to 3,000 people.

‘We will soon be able to offer a seated show one day and a rock concert the next.’ Peter Craeymeersch, Director of the Kursaal

Caroline: Caroline specializes in the casino industry, where she combines a deep knowledge of the gaming sector in France with a passion for digital innovations. She explores the changes that are revolutionizing this industry, from the integration of artificial intelligence in the user experience and data analysis to blockchain technologies that strengthen the security and transparency of transactions. Curious and committed, she is particularly interested in responsible gaming solutions and new regulations, addressing topics as varied as player protection, risky behavior management, and the importance of ethical practices. Through her in-depth and accessible articles, Caroline allows readers to better understand the trends, innovations and challenges of a constantly changing industry. She takes care to demystify new technologies and to make the link between technical advances and their concrete implications for players and operators. Her goal? To offer an informed and balanced vision of a sector in full transition, between tradition and modernity, while contributing to a dialogue around more responsible and secure gaming.