UMHLANGA, South Africa- Premier S'bu Ndebele tossed the first dice on the main floor of the spectacular Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom last night, officially opening the R727 million luxury north coast venue.

Ndebele, with a host of dignitaries who included MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism Narend Singh, congratulated Afrisun on a seven-year gamble that has paid off handsomely.

The company, which comprises majority shareholder Sun International, Moreland, Dolcoast and a number of black empowerment partners, was granted the last of the province's casino licences in August 2000.

The palatial Afro-fantasy venue just north of Umhlanga that resulted is not only expected to inject billions into the local economy, but has already produced jobs. According to Tristan Kaatze, Sun International's divisional director, Sibaya has already created 1 300 permanent jobs as well as some 5 000 temporary and 10 000 indirect jobs during construction.

During development, Afrisun built an interchange off the N2 freeway to ensure safe, efficient access to its facility, which provides parking for 2 200 vehicles. This offramp is also expected to impact on the future development of the entire Northern Corridor that is beginning to become known as the Sibaya node.

"The interchange symbolically unlocks the area for development. It emphasises the reality of the construction of the King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy and suggests further growth in the area," Kaatze explained.

One of the minority shareholders, Moreland, is already planning a new development on either side of the N2 near Sibaya.

In terms of its original casino bid, a temporary casino was created at Mount Edgecombe. The highly successful Sugar Mill casino, which opened in February 2001, has moved lock, stock and barrel to Sibaya along with its 650-strong staff, allowing for the smooth transition to what has been touted as one of the country's most technologically advanced gaming operations.

Last night's preview of the gaming facilities showed the innovative use of sophisticated smart card technology when it comes to Sibaya's 900 slots and 37 gaming tables, which include roulette, blackjack and poker and are spread over three areas: the main floor, a dedicated smoking floor and the elegant and upmarket Royal Court.

Sun International dominates local gambling with a 42% local market share thanks to extensive industry research and development, which results in the constant development of new and innovative gambling products, said Kaatze.

Included in its highly successful local products are Sun International's Mystery Jackpots, which see slot machines randomly trigger prizes that range from instant cash to holidays to motor vehicles and other prizes.

At Sibaya, there's also the specially-designed Sharks slots game, Wide Area Progressive Jackpots, which are only available at Sun International casinos, and Dem Bones, another proprietary Sun International gaming product.

With its traditional and contemporary Zulu designs and themes, the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a must-see even for locals.