Chance to try your luck at new casino

Mar 4 2003 By Jen Yelland, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

While big sums can be won and lost on the gaming floor, the owners, Rank, have already gambled a small fortune on the premises themselves.

Automatic shuffling machines, which handle two packs of cards at a time, cost a staggering £11,000 each.

And a roulette wheel costs a cool £5,000.

A digital CCTV system featuring 42 cameras throughout the premises was brought over from South Africa and installed at a cost of £100,000.

"Casinos are very expensive places to run," said Mr Turver.

"While gambling is exciting we do not want to attract people who are drunk or noisy and make customers feel uncomfortable."

Much of the outgoings are on wages, with 71 people employed at the casino.

Mr Turver, who has a degree in biochemistry, found his way into the industry through a dislike of laboratory work.

"I enjoy being a croupier," he said. "It's different - and the variety is phenomenal."

Trainee croupier Elizabeth O'Neill, 21, of Fartown, said: "It's good, but it's hard with the maths."

Nicola Woodcock, 29, of Berry Brow, who used to run a pub, said: "I wanted a career change and this is totally different. You have to learn your times tables, but it is interesting."

Training manager Simon Rogers, 32, of Dalton, said: "The dealing you do is very repetitive, but you are dealing to different customers every night.

"It's a bit nerve-racking at first, but once you get over that and can show off a bit it's good fun."

* Membership of the casino is free, but people must join 24 hours before they intend to visit.