Discover Benelux | Knokke | Things to Do & Discover
Elegance and entertainment at Knokke Casino TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK | PHOTOS: KNOKKE CASINO
The rise of Knokke as the ‘St Tropez of the North’ and the success of Knokke’s Grand Casino are closely linked. The beautiful Art Deco casino, built in 1929, radiates class and grandeur and offers visitors to Knokke a special night out. Casino director Frank Massop-Peters says: “With our entertainment and exceptional hospitality, we offer everyone a unique experience, every night.” Guests can try their luck at roulette, blackjack and Caribbean stud poker and Texas hold ‘em poker during the weekend, or play on their vast selection of slot machines. “We have 209 slot machines with different, fun games. The play threshold ranges from low to higher; starting from just a few cents per turn. We also have a progressive jackpot of 5,000 euros, making the slot machines even more interesting.” Knokke Casino also has several ‘Surprise Dice’ packages available, ideal for discovering the casino. They start from 29 euros, including drinks, a bite or even a full meal, 24 | Issue 26 | February 2016
playing credit and time alone with the croupiers. Massop-Peters: “From a minimum of two people, the croupiers can give a private explanation of the rules of various games, as well as detailed tactics and strategies. This is great for a party or as a gift.” Throughout the year, on every first Saturday of the month, Knokke hosts ‘Casino Night Fever’. During these evenings, your night will be marked by a special theme, such as James Bond, cartoons, or in February; Moulin Rouge. “These evenings make for an extra fun night out, there will be a big champagne bar, music, DJ and candy girls,” he says. “And for Valentine’s Day, which falls together with the spring holidays, we will host a romantic Love Weekend.” Massop-Peters is also keen to point out their top-notch restaurant Mascotte. It serves dishes inspired by the Belgian-French kitchen. “The quality of the food is first class. It has a classic à la carte menu and extensive set menus that change every two weeks.”
HOST AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT Knokke Casino offers several exclusive spaces for events, such as the two-level reception area featuring a dazzling, eight-metre-wide and seven-tonne Venetian chandelier. “It is the world’s largest crystal chandelier, we even got a Guinness Book of Records mention,” Massop-Peters says. Another special room is the circular Magritte hall with a surreal landscape fresco by René Magritte all around the walls. The rooms can host between 30 to 1,000 people. www.grandcasinoknokke.be