Proposed Development
- Name: ???
- Location: Oxford Street, Osu , Ghana
- Size: 1.2-acre plot( waterfront plot)
Concept: A high-energy, upscale casino combined with a nightlife and dining destination, targeting
locals, professionals, expats, and tourists.
Location and Accessibility
Why Osu ?
Tourism & Entertainment Hub: Osu is one of Accra’s top entertainment district known for its vibrant
nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists.
High Foot Traffic - the area has walking distance to numerous hotels, restaurants and clubs such as La
Villa Boutique, Accra Marriott
Proximity to Affluent Clients: Close to expatriate communities, business executives, and high-income
locals.
Accessibility: Well-connected by roads and public transport and space for valet parking.
Existing Infrastructure: Availability of electricity, water, and high security services.
SWOT Analysis of Osu Casino Development
Strengths
Prime Visibility
Direct frontage on Oxford Street, Accra’s most iconic commercial strip.
5-10 minute walk to Labadi Beach hotels,Marriott, La Palm and other facilities
10-minute drive to Kotoka International Airport for international gamblers.
Existing road access, sewage, and fiber optic lines reduce utility costs.
Nightlife Collaboration (bars/clubs, restaurant, hotels)
Partial ocean views from upper floors (premium pricing potential)
High pedestrian traffic ensures walk-in patrons.
Strong tourist/expat demand
Availability of electricity, water, and high security services.
Proximity to Affluent Clients
Challenges
* Irregularly shaped plots limits efficient floor plates (may require custom designs).
* Limited plot size restricts horizontal expansion
* High water table near coast risks flooding (requires elevated foundations).
* No room for surface parking forces expensive underground/stacked solutions
* Rocky substrata could increase excavation costs by 15-20%
* Coastal salt corrosion demands premium building materials (e.g.marine-grade steel).
* Seasonal harmattan dust may require frequent façade cleaning.
Extremely high land acquisition costs
* Noise & Zoning– Must comply with Osu’s mixed-use zoning (may require soundproofing).
* Competition – Competing nightlife venues
* Exorbitant Land Prices
* Parking Constraints – Hard to accommodate
* Heritage Restrictions – Some Osu plots have family and cultural preservation rules
* Traffic Congestion
Opportunities
Vertical mixed-use development (hotel, restaurant or pub + casino)
Cryptocurrency or gaming innovation
Partner with Osu food festivals and other events
No height restrictions; can build more stories
Opportunity to purchase distressed property behind the site for back-of-house expansion
Negotiate with city to extend boardwalk access, creating a casino-entertainment promenade.
Threats
Nearby residential towers may block future ocean views
Oxford Street’s peak-hour gridlock could deter VIP arrivals
Noise complaints from residential neighbors
Ghanaian gaming tax increases
Competition from other popular casinos
WAYS TO AVERT THE THREATS
* Lease nearby vacant lots (e.g., former Osu Children’s Home) for shuttle-based parking.
* Climate-Proof Foundations
• Build on 3m-tall reinforced piers with sacrificial anodes to prevent rust.
* Material Selection
• Façade: Titanium-clad aluminum (salt-resistant, 50-year warranty)
* Stealth Design Tactics
* Land Sharing Model
• Partner with adjacent businesses (e.g., hotel or mall) for joint underground parking
* Soundproof the casino with sound absorbing panels and acoustic ceilings
JUSTIFICATION OF LOCATION
1.Tourism:
* Locations near the Casino, resorts, and transportation hubs (airports, cruise ports) are highly desirable.
* Accessibility:
* Easy access via major roads, public transportation, and airports is crucial.
* Proximity of the casino to hotels and other entertainment venues can create synergistic effects.
2. Regulatory and Legal Environment:
* Licensing and Zoning:
* Compliance with local, state, and national gaming regulations is paramount.
* Zoning laws must permit casino operations.
* The political climate and community attitudes toward gambling significantly influence regulatory decisions.
* Taxation:
* Gaming tax rates vary widely, impacting profitability.
* Understanding the tax structure is essential for financial planning of the casino.
3. Economic Impact and Community Considerations:
* Economic Benefits:
* Casinos can generate significant revenue, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
* Potential for increased tourism, retail sales, and hospitality industry growth.
* Community Impact:
* Addressing potential social impacts, such as problem gambling, is crucial.
* Community engagement and mitigation strategies can help address concerns.
* The location can greatly effect the community, for better or worse.
* Competition:
* Analyzing the competition in the area is very important. Over saturation of casinos in one area, can
cause all of them to fail.
4. Infrastructure and Development:
* Infrastructure:
* Adequate infrastructure, including utilities, transportation, and parking, is essential.
* Development Potential:
* The availability of land for expansion and development can be a significant advantage.
* The ability to build surrounding attractions, such as hotels, and restaurants is also a big plus.
FEASIBILITY OF THE FACILITY
1. Objectives of the Feasibility Study
To determine the financial viability, market demand, and operational practicality of developing a luxury
casino in Osu, addressing:
- Financial: ROI, breakeven point, funding structure.
- Legal: Compliance with Ghanaian gaming laws and zoning.
- Operational: Staffing, supply chain, and risk mitigation.
- Market: Competitive positioning and customer acquisition.
2. Market Research
Demand Drivers:
-Growing middle and upper-class populations with disposable income for entertainment.
- Gambling Participation:61% of Accra adults gamble monthly (NCA 2023).
- Tourist Influx: 1.4M int’l visitors in 2023, projected 1.7M by 2026 (GTA)
Tourist spending patterns further support market viability.
3. Information Review
Critical Data Points:
A review of existing literature and data on the casino industry in Ghana revealed:
1. The casino industry in Ghana is growing rapidly.
2. There is a high demand for casino services among tourists and locals.
3. The industry is regulated by the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
- Legal: Ghana Gaming Commission mandates 15% local ownership stake.
- Economic: Inflation rate (40% in 2023) necessitates USD-denominated contracts.
- Cultural: Osu residents prefer late-night (10 PM–4 AM) entertainment.
4. Financial Analysis
*Assumptions:*
1. *Location:* The casino will be located in Osu, a bustling commercial and entertainment hub in Accra,
Ghana.
2. *Size:* The casino will have a total floor area of approximately 5,000 square meters.
3. *Games:* The casino will offer a variety of games, including slots, table games, and poker.
4. *Parking:* The casino will have a parking facility for 200 vehicles.
5. *Staff:* The casino will employ approximately 200 staff.
6. *Opening Date:* The casino is expected to open within 24 months from the start of construction.
Volume:
To estimate the volume of business for the Osu casino development, we'll use the following
methodologies:
1. *Market research*: Conduct surveys and focus groups to estimate the demand for casino services in
the Osu area.
2. *Competitor analysis*: Analyze the volume of business for existing casinos in the Accra area, such as
the Labadi Beach Hotel Casino.
3. *Industry benchmarks*: Use industry benchmarks and standards to estimate the volume of business
for a casino of similar size and scope.
Assumptions:
- Average daily visitors: 200
- Average table games utilization: 70%
- Average slot machine utilization: 80%
- Average bar patronage: 100 patrons per day
Calculations:
- Total visitors per year: 200 visitors/day x 365 days/year = 73,000 visitors/year
- Total table games revenue per year: 70% utilization x 20 table games x ¢500 average bet size x 365
days/year = ¢51,100,000/year
- Total slot machine revenue per year: 80% utilization x 100 slot machines x ¢500 average bet size x 365
days/year = ¢146,000,000/year
- Total bar revenue per year: 100 patrons/day x ¢1,500 ARPU x 365 days/year = ¢54,750,000/year
Price:
To estimate the average revenue per unit of volume for the Osu casino development, we'll use the
following methodologies:
1. *Market research*: Conduct surveys and focus groups to estimate the willingness to pay for casino
services in the Osu area.
2. *Competitor analysis*: Analyze the pricing strategies of existing casinos in the Accra area.
3. *Industry benchmarks*: Use industry benchmarks and standards to estimate the average revenue per
user.
Assumptions:
- Average bet size: ¢500
- Average revenue per user (ARPU): ¢1,500
Calculations:
- Average revenue per table game: ¢500 average bet size x 70% utilization x 3 (average number of bets
per player) = ¢1,050 per table game
- Average revenue per slot machine: ¢500 average bet size x 80% utilization x 5 (average number of bets
per player) = ¢2,000 per slot machine
- Average revenue per bar patron: ¢1,500 ARPU
Cost:
To estimate the costs of operating the Osu casino development, we'll use the following methodologies:
1. *Detailed budgeting*: Create a detailed budget outlining all estimated expenses, including staffing,
marketing, utilities, and maintenance.
2. *Industry benchmarks*: Use industry benchmarks and standards to estimate costs.
3. *Vendor quotes*: Obtain quotes from vendors and suppliers to estimate costs.
Assumptions:
- Staffing costs: ¢400,000 per month
- Marketing costs: ¢100,000 per month
- Utilities costs: ¢60,000 per month
- Maintenance costs: ¢40,000 per month
Calculations:
- Total staffing costs per year: ¢400,000 per month x 12 months = ¢4,800,000 per year
- Total marketing costs per year: ¢100,000 per month x 12 months = ¢1,200,000 per year
- Total utilities costs per year: ¢60,000 per month x 12 months = ¢720,000 per year
- Total maintenance costs per year: ¢40,000 per month x 12 months = ¢480,000 per year
Start-up Costs:
1. *Land Acquisition: ¢10,000,000
2. *Construction: ¢50,000,000
3. *Equipment and Furniture: ¢20,000,000
4. *Licenses and Permits: ¢5,000,000
5. *Marketing and Advertising: ¢10,000,000
6. *Working Capital: ¢20,000,000
7. *Contingency Funds: ¢10,000,000
8. *Total Start-up Costs*: ¢125,000,000
Financial Analysis:
1. Total Investment Cost: ¢125,000,000
2. Projected Annual Revenue: ¢251,850,000
3. Projected Annual Profit: ¢95,730,000 (calculated by subtracting total annual costs from total annual
revenue)
4. Payback Period: 3-5 years (calculated by dividing total investment cost by projected annual profit)
5. Break-even Analysis: 2-3 years (calculated by dividing total investment cost by projected annual
revenue)
Conclusions:
Based on the findings of the feasibility study, it is concluded that:
1. The proposed Osu casino development is viable.
2. There is a growing demand for high-end casino services in the Osu area.
3. The project has the potential to generate significant revenue and profit.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings of the feasibility study, it is recommended that:
1. The project should proceed to the next stage of development.
2. A detailed business plan should be developed.
3. A marketing strategy should be developed to target high-end customers.
4. Solar panels could be used to help reduce utility cost in the long run
A design brief development for a casino at Osu
1. Space Planning
- Layout and Flow: The casino will be designed to maximize player engagement while ensuring easy
navigation. This includes:
-Gaming Areas: Strategic placement of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms to encourage
exploration and accessibility.
- Entertainment Zones: Integration of bars, lounges, and live performance areas to create a vibrant
atmosphere.
- Accessibility: Clear pathways and intuitive signage to guide patrons seamlessly through the space.
- Vertical Circulation: since the casino is a story, escalators, elevators, and staircases Will be strategically
placed.
- Maze-like Layout: use a subtle maze-like design to keep players exploring without feeling disoriented.
For example, placing high-traffic areas like entrances and exits near popular games or attractions.
- Open vs. Enclosed Spaces: In modern casinos, open spaces are preferred to create a welcoming
atmosphere, but private VIP areas or high-stakes rooms will be enclosed for exclusivity
2. Form and Colour
- Architectural Form: The building ’s exterior and interior should reflect the casino’s brand and theme.
the design might incorporate modern, sleek lines with bold LED lighting to stand out.
- Themed Casinos: the casino has a specific theme, the architecture will align with that theme.
- Color Psychology: Colors are used to influence patron behavior:
- Warm and Bold Colors: black , golds, and purples will be common in the casinos as they evoke
excitement, luxury, and energy.
- Neutral Tones: In areas like bar, softer tones can create a calming, relaxing environment.
- Branding Colors: The casino ’ s brand colors should be subtly integrated into the design to reinforce
identity
3. Finishes and Durability
- Material Selection: The choice of materials is critical for both aesthetics and durability:
-High-Traffic Areas: Use hard-wearing materials like marble, stone, or high-quality tile for floors. These
materials are easy to clean and can
withstand heavy foot traffic.
- Wall Finishes: Walls can feature panelling, textured finishes, or
decorative elements to add visual interest.
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, and slot machine stools should be ergonomic and built to last, with durable
fabrics and finishes.
-Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly materials where possible, such as reclaimed wood or low-VOC
paints.
-Acoustics: Acoustic panels and soundproofing are essential to maintain a balanced noise level. This is
particularly important in areas like poker rooms or live entertainment venues
4. Lighting and Audio-Visual Systems
- Lighting Design: Lighting is a key element in creating the casino’ s ambiance:
-Dynamic Lighting: Use programmable LED lighting to create different
moods throughout the day. For example, brighter, more energizing lighting during peak hours and softer
lighting in lounges or hotels.
- Task Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting at gaming tables and slot machines to enhance visibility.
-Accent Lighting: Highlight architectural features or decorative elements to create visual interest.
- Audio-Visual Systems:
-Background Music: Curate playlists that align with the casino’s brand and target demographic.
- Sound Effects: Use subtle sound effects to enhance the gaming experience (e.g., celebratory sounds for
slot machine wins).
- Visual Displays: Large LED screens or digital displays can showcase live sports, entertainment, or
promotional content.
-AV Integration: Ensure all audio-visual systems are seamlessly integrated into the design and can be
easily controlled.
5. Technology
- Gaming Technology: The casino must incorporate the latest gaming technologies:
-Slot Machines: Modern slot machines with HD displays, interactive features, and customizable options
- Electronic Table Games: ETGs (Electronic Table Games) are increasingly popular, offering a hybrid of
traditional table games and digital interfaces.
-Sports Betting: If applicable, include kiosks or digital screens for sports betting.
- Player Tracking Systems: Use RFID or smart card systems to track player activity and reward loyalty.
- Security Systems:
-Surveillance: Install high-definition CCTV cameras throughout the casino to monitor activity.
- Facial Recognition: Use facial recognition technology to identify banned players or suspicious
individuals.
- Access Control: Secure areas like VIP rooms or cashiers with biometric or card-based access systems.
- Smart Casino Technology:
- IoT (Internet of Things): Use IoT devices to monitor and manage energy usage, crowd density, and
player preferences.
- Cashless Gaming: Integrate mobile payment systems and digital wallets for seamless transactions.
- Data Analytics: Use real-time data to optimize game placement,
staffing, and marketing efforts.
6. Costs
*Budgeting: Establish a detailed budget that covers:
-Initial Construction Costs: Materials, labor, and technology.
-Operational Costs: Energy, staffing, and maintenance.
- Contingency Funds: Allocate funds for unexpected expenses.
- Cost-Effective Design: Balance luxury with practicality. For example:
- Use modular furniture or fixtures that can be easily reconfigured.
- Invest in energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term operational costs.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Ensure that all design elements contribute to revenue generation,
whether through increased player engagement, premium pricing, or brand loyalty.
Additional Considerations
- Comfort and Convenience:
- Seating: Provide comfortable seating for extended gaming sessions.
- Climate Control: Maintain a comfortable temperature and air quality
- Amenities: Include amenities like USB charging stations, coat check, and valet services.
- Sustainability: Incorporate green building practices to reduce the casino’s environmental impact and
attract eco-conscious patrons.
- Cultural and Local Factors: Tailor the design to the local culture and preferences. the casino might
incorporate local art, music, or themes to resonate with the community.
-Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the design meets all local building codes, fire safety regulations, and
gaming laws.