“Together we are going to make a worthy goodbye to it,” says Speakmaster Mikey Weezed Toon, half an hour before the final closure. He gives the microphone to Petra de Ruiter, CEO of Holland Casino. “It hurts us that we have to close this location,” she says. “But Zandvoort will always remain connected to Holland Casino and Zandvoort will always remain in our hearts.”
The last roulettekogel
To croupier Gerard Boukes the honor of giving the last roulettekogel a pendulum. ‘Ge-Rard, Ge-Rard’, the visitors sing. The roulette wheel comes to a halt. “15,” reports Gerard. A video is started on the screens. Colleagues from Gerard talk about their experiences in the Zandvoort Casino. And that they will miss the regular guests. The crowd is now quiet. Several people, both visitors and employees, sweep tears away.
The video is finished. Hugs in the room. Andrea Bocelli sounds from the speakers. “Tiiime Tooo Saaay Goooodbyye.” The clock indicates midnight. The slot machines stand still, the gaming tables are empty. Visitors shuffle towards exit. They go into the Zandvoort night, which feels just a little colder, darker and quieter than a few hours earlier.