The quake-struck Christchurch Casino will reopen before the end of this month, SkyCity Entertainment Group's Auckland-based chief executive Nigel Morrison says.
He dismissed damage to the building from the February 22 quake and said level one of the two-level venue would be trading again shortly, indicating about May 28, but emphasising no date was definite.
"It should be reopening before the end of the month, probably on one of the last Saturdays in May. We'll hold a big reopening event, a big party.
There really was not much damage to the property itself and we got back in there a month ago and have been able to tidy it up," he said.
"There was some minor structural damage. A couple of buildings around it need to be demolished," he said, referring to one neighbouring early child care centre building which had already come down and a Copthorne hotel, yet to be removed.
The casino's cafe, buffet and some gaming tables would be open for business this month, he said.
The casino is owned in a joint venture with Skyline Enterprises.
Mr Morrison said level two would reopen in the next few months with more gaming, restaurant and entertainment facilities, putting the venue back into full operation.
The casino had retained 75% of staff, the equivalent of about 380 people full-time workers, he said, so staffing was not a problem. He expected no downturn in Christchurch entertainment demand.
"I think there's a lot of loyalty and support for the Christchurch casino and having another destination for entertainment, whether people go out for a meal or enjoy a few drinks and entertainment," he said.
Last month, more than 500 Christchurch Casino staff were asked to take redundancy, use annual leave or take leave without pay until further notice.
