IT HAS been a winning first year for The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Port Elizabeth. The roulette wheels started spinning and the slots started paying out for the first time on October 3, 2000. By the beginning of August 2001, over 1,7 million people had walked through the doors of one of South Africa's most stylish casinos, says general manager Graham Vass. Five of the visitors left as millionaires, while a further 5 832 won jackpots of over R500, bringing the total winnings to over R47-million. Everyone in the Nelson Mandela Metro and beyond has emerged a winner from the development, he believes. "We believe that The Boardwalk has played its part in Port Elizabeth being voted the second-best metro in South Africa. It is wonderful to be part of a winning formula." The casino is surrounded by a permanent amusement park and an open-air mall housing top restaurants and speciality shops. It has become the venue of choice for families in the area, and attracts people from around the province and the rest of the country. According to independent research, more than 25 per cent of weekend visitors to The Boardwalk complex are from the rest of the Eastern Cape, while a further nine per cent come from outside the borders of the Eastern Cape. They're attracted by the quality of the shops and restaurants, the gardens, the lakes and, of course, the casino, which is a far cry from the old-fashioned dimly-lit gambling halls. Pastel colours create a warm and friendly ambience in this new-generation casino. It is a stylish playground for both the residents of Port Elizabeth and visitors. "Proof of this is the fact that our Bayside Pantry inside the casino is one of the busiest restaurants in Port Elizabeth," says Vass. By the beginning of August it had served over 71 000 meals. There have also been a number of exciting tables events, and more are planned. "The tables promotions attract people from all around the country. They give our guests an excuse to escape the stresses and pressures of the other cities and to enjoy a weekend at the sea-side," he says. All rooms in the luxury Courtyard Suite hotel, which is situated inside the Boardwalk grounds, overlook the sparkling Indian Ocean in Algoa Bay. The hotel itself is a winner, says Vass. "This has got to be one of the finest Courtyard Suite hotels in the country. It certainly has the best views and easiest access to all amenities. "Where else can you go for a swim before breakfast, tuck into your eggs and sausage while watching the dolphins patrolling the waters a stone's throw from your table and then stroll across the gardens to the casino?" There are three other hotels in the complex - a Road Lodge, a City Lodge and The Beach, while a regular shuttle operates between The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World and other hotels in Port Elizabeth. The beach-front hotels neighbouring The Boardwalk also provide on-site accommodation for delegates attending conventions and events in the Tsitsikamma Conference Centre. "This is by far the most sought-after venue in Port Elizabeth," says Mr Vass. "It has hosted 444 functions in nine months. During this time it served 48 835 people attending 97 Centrestage productions, hosted 88 banquets and cocktail parties, and was the venue of choice for 235 conferences, seven grand weddings, and 21 dinner dances. "In fact, the Tsitsikamma already has bookings well into our second year of operation. The winning formula of The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World will continue to delight and entertain all our visitors," says Vass.