Kerzner Eyes Rhode Island Market

As reported by the Boston Herald: "The race is on to build New England's next casino.

"And the likely winner is probably someone you have never heard of, a business tycoon who made his fortune in South Africa before scoring big here.

"Sol Kerzner.

"…Kerzner made a bundle with South Africa's Sun City resort, and then really hit the jackpot bankrolling Mohegan Sun, the Indian casino that is now among the largest in the world.

" Now this international gambling king, who likes to operate in the background, has quietly set up shop in another unlikely locale, a once run-down dog track in a small Rhode Island town.

"Kerzner and a group of investors shelled out $554 million to buy Lincoln Park's British parent company back in 2004.

"…Lincoln Park will soon have more slot machines than any Atlantic City casino. And enough to compete with Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, or even the sprawling casino resort Kerzner now operates in the Bahamas.

"…A multi-phased expansion will add another 1,200 video slot machines, bringing Lincoln Park's total to more than 4,700. Lincoln's owners are also adding restaurants and entertainment venues, including a 2,000-seat hall for concerts and performances…"

2006-07-05