The Grosvenor Casino, located on Osborne Road in Southsea, is reportedly closing August 9, 2015. A post on Wednesday June 24, 2015 indicated  the Portsmouth casino may be shutting down. The news was confirmed on insidermedia Friday. When the casino closes 50 people will lose their jobs. These workers are encouraged to apply at other casinos the company owns, including the Gunwharf Quays location (pictured).

A Rank Group  spokesman said: “We never take the decision to close a club lightly, but after careful consideration we have taken the decision to close our Osborne Road casino with effect from the 9th August.

“We will be making every effort to find alternative employment for our employees at our other casinos in the area and very much hope that customers will continue to enjoy their gaming with us at our Gunwharf casino.”

An employee spoke with a media outlet stating, “I feel let down. This casino still makes a profit but because they have another casino in town they will cut overheads and still not lose any business. We will get a week’s pay for every full year we have been with the company up to 10 years.”

According to the employee, the company talks loyalty and teamwork, but they are still cutting 50 jobs. This particular employee believes that he or she is too old to train for a new job and too experienced to work minimum wage.

Councillor Hugh Mason stated, “I regret the closure of anything which brings business to that part of Southsea.”

The casino has a restaurant, which also brought people to Southsea. Councillor Linda Symes stated it is unfortunate, and she worries about the building being left empty. It is a place with history for weddings, ballroom dancing, and prestigious dinners. Symes feels it is a shame to lose such an integral part of Southsea history.

The building is beautiful, but it would take a significant investment to convert the building to something other than a casino. Symes does not want the building to be demolished.

Adrian Baker, part of the GMB union, stated, “I will be representing members that work there who require any assistance.”

About two weeks ago the UK insider Media Limited reported that Rank is “seriously considering” closing the Grosvenor G Casino in New Brighton on the Wirral. That closure would effect 66 jobs.