The largest casino in north England and Scotland, and the third largest casino in the UK, Victoria Gate Casino, will open to the public on Thursday, January 26, 2017.

The casino, to open in the already thriving Victoria Quarter upmarket shopping area in Leeds, England will feature 140 slot machines, 75 electronic gaming machines, 24 live gaming tables, and a poker room to seat 100 players. A total of 1,400 patrons can be hosted in one of the largest entertainment centers in the city.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported today that the director of the venue, Patrick Noakes said: “It’s a game changer. Not just for casino fans but for the city as a whole. Victoria Gate Casino will strengthen Leeds’ already diverse entertainment, dining and nightlife offering and will provide so much more than just gaming. Our three distinct venues – Live Bar, Curve and V Restaurant – will play a pivotal role in that.

“Live Bar and Curve have attracted partnerships with Molson Coors and Moët and Chandon to provide a top quality drinks menu whilst V Restaurant will put the best regional produce at the heart of its offering.”

The news outlet went on to describe the three venues in glowing terms noting that Live Bar will be the social hub of the casino offering state-of-the-art screens, wall to wall, featuring live sports action. The describe V Restaurant as an informal brasserie featuring a high-quality wine list and a dining menu with a focus on local produce, While Curve overlooks the casino floor and offers craft beer and champagne as well as a rotating menu.

Mr. Noakes also reportedly said, “Leeds has never seen an entertainment destination like this before. We can’t wait for people to step through the doors and see the spectacular space for themselves.” He added, “More details of the casino’s glittering launch event will be revealed nearer [opening] time.”

Earlier last month, it was reported that over 1,000 had applied for work at the gaming venue offering 205 jobs. 35 of the future staff members sent to croupier/dealer school were currently unemployed. The training courses were to be provided by Blackpool and the Fylde college staff.

In late December it was reported that Leanne McKenna had been appointed to the post of Head Of Marketing And Customer Experience. McKenna came to the position with a variety of experience ranging from electronic warfare specialist in the Royal Navy to Strategic Brand Manager at Asda Stores Limited.

Global Gaming Ventures (Development) Limited will operate the casino, of which McKenna said, “Victoria Gate Casino is going to be unlike anything Leeds has ever seen before,” said McKenna. “It is so much more than a casino, it will have everything from dining and entertainment to gaming and sports action as well as two distinct bars that we’re sure will prove a hit with customers. There will be something for everyone. You don’t have to be an avid gamer to enjoy it. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do and I encourage everyone to step through the doors and see it for themselves.”

Victoria Gate Casino is operated by Global Gaming Ventures (GGV) under a license awarded by Leeds City Council in 2013.  The council was granted the authority to award a large casino license after a successful bid to government in 2006. GGV is privately-owned and controlled by two British casino entrepreneurs and funded by a leading US private equity firm.