Rank Opens Slew of New African Casinos Rank Entertainment Holdings, owner of the luxurious Casino Marina brand, continues to make headlines as it expands its operations in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands. The Group opened a number of new casinos recently in Zimbabwe and Madagascar, and has a few more planned for Togo, Congo and Cote d’Ivoire. ZIMBABWE Rank opened its latest casino in Africa, the 60-slot, 29-table Casino Marina Harare on 7th November 2020, followed closely by a casino in Madagascar. The Casino Marina Harare in Zimbabwe has set the high-level benchmark for gaming operators in Africa as a key attraction not only in Zimbabwe, but the Southern African region. The well attended opening event was officiated by former Finance Minister in Zimbabwe Dr. Herbet Murarwe and representing the Rank group was Executive Director Mr. Rahul Wijeratne who is being groomed to be a leader in the Rank Group. Chairperson and owner of Rank group Mr. Ravi Wijeratne and his executives have set the bar high bringing aspirational developments, world-class facilities and services to areas in Africa that would not otherwise have access to them. The facility is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy and creating employment and unique opportunities. The company’s mission in Zimbabwe is to also offer a Marina experience with class and sophistication to seal the missing boost in the gaming entertainment in the country. Situated on LongChen Plaza Belvedere, the facilities also feature a lavish bar and lounge area with access to cuisine from the restaurant.
The Guest of Honour Dr. Herbet Murarwe and Mr. Rahul Wijeratne share a game of Baccarat
MALAWI Recently Malawi also witnessed the much anticipated opening of Casino Marina Blantyre which sparked sophisticated elegance with its grand opening in the city of Blantyre in Malawi making it an addition to the home of thrills and excitement. The opening was graced by Minister of Tourism, wildlife and culture Mr. Michael Usi who was guest of honour for the colorful event.
FUTURE AFRICAN GROWTH Casino Marina whose headquarters is Colombo in Sri Lanka stands out in the gaming industry, and will be opening a 200 table, 700 slots operation in the not too distant future, in Sri Lanka as the ultimate entertainment hub that has brought the gaming industry into the next level of gaming in Africa. Casino Marina operates 9 Casinos under the same brand name including Colombo itself, two in Malawi, one in Madagascar, one in Zambia and 3 in Mozambique and the recently-opened operaton in Zimbabwe. The group is planning a 2000m2, 50-slots, 20-tables, in Kinshasa, Congo. In Yammoussoukro in Ivory Coast it plans a 2000m2, 60-slots 22-tables, and in Lome, Togo the group is also planning a casino with details that are as-yet-undisclosed. Plans are also underway for the Groups’ main casino in Sri-Lanka to move to a new, as yetundisclosed 54000m2 location with 200 tables and 700 slots. Since inception in 1994, Casino Marina made a commitment to create an operating style built around friendliness and providing the best service to all our gaming patrons from around the world. Continued on page 16
Mr. Rahul Wijeratne, Executive Director Rank Holdings, receiving the official Casino Marina Blantyre Casino License from the Chairperson of the Malawi National Gaming & Lotteries Board, Mr. Bernard Ndau, with Sogecoa partners, Managing Director, Golden Peacock Hotel, Malawi, Mr. Mike Zhang.
Mr. Rahul Wijeratne, Executive Director Rank Holdings, speaking during the opening of Casino Marina Harare.
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Gaming For Africa
Pictured during the cake cutting Mr. Tom Alcorn General Manager Casino Marina Malawi (L) Mr. Rahul Wijeratne, Executive Director Rank Holdings (C) and Golden Peacock Golden Managing Director Mr. Mike Zhang (R) February / March 2021
