On September 19, Holland Casino celebrated the grand reopening of its Enschede location, following an extensive year-long renovation that has transformed the venue into a more modern and guest-friendly establishment. The reopening, which was marked by a private event, featured a ceremonial act led by Mayor Roelof Bleker. The newly revamped casino now meets all the standards set by Holland Casino for its modern facilities and is once again prepared to offer an enhanced experience to its guests.
The four-story casino, situated in the heart of Enschede, has undergone significant updates to align with Holland Casino’s vision for a modern gaming environment. A key feature of the renovation is the redesigned entrance, which now allows more daylight to flood the casino floor, a factor that has been carefully considered to promote healthy gaming habits among visitors. As casino manager Rolf Paapst stated, “We have asked a lot from our guests and employees over the past year, but the results are worth it. I am incredibly proud of the outcome. The connection with Enschede is beautifully reflected in the design, from the street atlas on the ceiling to the wavy fabric installations that honor the city’s textile heritage.”
In addition to its modernized design, Holland Casino Enschede now boasts the Taste Brasserie & Wines, a fresh dining concept that enhances the overall experience for visitors. The new look and feel of the casino, Paapst added, ensures that the venue “fully meets the needs of our guests and is ready to grow further.”
Preserving Tradition While Embracing Innovation
The reopening event, which took place under the theme “Red Couture,” showcased the unique blend of tradition and innovation that Holland Casino Enschede embodies. The connection between the casino and Enschede’s rich history in textile craftsmanship was a central focus during the festivities. This relationship, which was intricately woven into the redesign, highlights the city’s deep-rooted heritage while embracing the future.
Holland Casino first embarked on the renovation project in August 2023. At the time, the 21-year-old venue was in need of significant modernization to remain competitive. Though the casino never fully closed during the renovation, various areas were temporarily inaccessible as slot machines, gaming tables, and bars were relocated or redesigned to accommodate the new layout. One such instance was the temporary closure of the Classic Bingo, which was later reinstated as part of the revamped offerings.
Despite the construction, Paapst emphasized that guest satisfaction remained a top priority. “We have managed to keep the impact on our guests to a minimum,” he explained. “They continued to visit us throughout the year, and their appreciation remained high.”
Future Plans Amidst Cost-Saving Decisions
As part of its revised corporate strategy, Holland Casino is committed to investing in its venues to remain attractive to visitors. However, the renovation of Enschede’s casino did involve some cost-saving decisions. For instance, the decision was made not to renovate the fourth floor at this time.
Reflecting on the renovation, CEO Petra de Ruiter expressed her pride in what the team achieved, given the current economic climate. “I am extremely happy for the guests, employees, and residents of Enschede with the renovated casino,” she said. “As one of the icons in the city center, it now has the grandeur it deserves on the inside. The fact that we were able to do this also makes me proud. Such a renovation in this day and age is not self-evident. Investments are under great pressure due to the high cost level that Holland Casino has to deal with. The fact that we have been able to set up such a fantastic casino in Enschede is therefore extra special to me.”
The casino’s grand reopening on September 19 was an exclusive event, but guests were invited to join the celebrations over the weekend. Visitors from September 20 to 22 enjoyed various performances and entertainment, including appearances by well-known personalities such as Mari van de Ven, DJ Sven Elias, and the Singing Hairdressers. Holland Casino Enschede is now fully operational, offering its guests a refreshed and revitalized gaming experience.