More than two years on, the effects of the Ahr flood disaster are still being felt. Not all the buildings affected have been rebuilt (or can be rebuilt). But there is good news for the Bad Neuenahr casino and its customers: It recently reopened its doors. The many flood victims, who continue to look to the future with concern, are also remembered.

Since its opening, Bad Neuenahr's casino has been housed in the town's historic Kurhaus. The building sits on the banks of the River Ahr - the river which, in the summer of 2021, caused the worst flooding in the region's history. Like many other buildings, it was badly damaged. In fact, the entire interior was destroyed, along with the casino's infrastructure.

The tables and machines of the Bad Neuenahr casino sank completely in the floods of 2021. A return to the venerable premises was not possible. After a move, it is now located in the railway station. Equipped with new furniture and modern technology, it reopened to the public on 20 July 2023.

Moving to Bad Neuenahr station: Almost nothing could be saved

It is well known that water can be devastating. When rivers burst their banks, there is usually little left in the affected buildings that can be used once the floodwaters have receded. This was the case in the Bad Neuenahr casino: floors, walls, furniture - everything was destroyed. Not to mention the often sensitive casino equipment.

"The only thing we were able to save from the old casino were the chandeliers," says casino manager Michael Seegert in an SWR report. It was therefore out of the question for the owner to resume operations in the original building. There was a general reluctance to return to the flooded area. Today, the old chandeliers hang above a new casino in specially cleared rooms in the city's railway station.

Bad Neuenahr Casino reopens as a sign of progress

Local hoteliers and restaurateurs welcome the reopening of the casino. The casino has a long tradition in Bad Neuenahr. It opened in 1948 in the Kurhaus on the banks of the River Ahr, which was used until the floods. The operation means a lot to the town and the region - local tourism businesses agree.

Christian Lindner, chairman of Ahrtal-Tourismus Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler e. V., explains in an interview with SWR: "The casino has always been part of the offer here in Bad Neuenahr and has always been popular with our guests.“

For Lindner, the reopening is an important sign of progress and reconstruction. On the one hand, it would show the outside world that progress was being made. On the other hand, it would show the many people affected that despite all the destruction, there is a chance for a new beginning.

State-of-the-art equipment, but also consideration for other flood victims

The reopening was accompanied by a major upgrade of the casino's facilities. But they also thought of the many people whose future is still uncertain.

Brand new slot machines and tables shine in a casino that now looks much more contemporary. There is no more stucco on the walls - the new address is more about the latest technology and comfort. The latter is also ensured by its central and easily accessible location in the station.

Obviously, the concept had to be adapted: For example, the staff had to get used to the unfamiliar premises and, above all, the different technical infrastructure. That's why there was no big announcement about the opening. Guests have been able to use the games since the end of June, but the official opening was on 20 July.

Anyone expecting a big celebration was disappointed. The inauguration was kept small "out of consideration for the many people whose homes are still being rebuilt," says Michael Seegert. A pompous celebration was simply not appropriate, at least for the time being.

Conclusion

The fact that the casino in Bad Neuenahr has reopened following the flooding of the Ahr is definitely a good sign: At least the reopening signals a certain (albeit slow) return to normality. It remains to be seen whether this example will inspire other victims, as Christian Lindner, chairman of Ahrtal-Tourismus Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler e. V., suggests. After all, due to the ongoing difficult situation, a big opening ceremony was dispensed with - and that can certainly be credited to the operator.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/spielbank-bad-neuenahr-geb%C3%A4ude-2447341/

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