[Genting Old Casino: A Complete Guide to the Legacy and Modern Experience]-Genting Old Casino: The Legendary First Casino That Shaped Malaysia’s Highland Empire

If you’ve ever searched for “Genting old casino,” you’re likely curious about the original gambling hall that put Genting Highlands on the map. This article gives you a straight, honest look at what the old casino was, why it mattered, and what remains of it today. Whether you’re a nostalgic visitor or a first-time planner, you’ll leave with a clear picture of its history, current status, and how to navigate the resort’s modern gaming floors.

A Quick History of Genting Old Casino

Genting Highlands opened in 1971, but the original casino—often called the Genting old casino by locals—was nothing like the sprawling mega-casino you see now. It sat inside the Highland Hotel (later renamed Theme Park Hotel) and had just a few dozen tables. Back then, it was the only legal casino in Malaysia, and it catered mainly to Singaporeans and local high rollers who didn’t want to fly to Macau.

What Made the Old Casino Special

Unlike today’s polished environment, the old casino felt intimate. The ceiling was lower, the carpets were worn, and you could hear every chip shuffle. There was no elaborate light show or celebrity restaurant block. Instead, you had old-school dealers who knew regulars by name. Many older visitors still talk about the “lucky corner” near the old cashier—a spot that has since been demolished. If you’re searching for that exact vintage room, I hate to break it to you: it no longer exists.

Where Did the Old Casino Go?

The original betting area was rebranded and rebuilt multiple times. The Highland Hotel was eventually demolished in 2013 as part of the Genting Integrated Resort Transformation Plan. The old casino floor is now part of the newer SkyCasino area, located inside the SkyAvenue complex. So if you walk around looking for the “old” sign, you won’t find it. The real transformation happened in 2016, when the resort shifted all major gambling operations to the new building.

Remnants of the Old Casino Today

You can still see a few traces. The original hotel tower’s foundation was reused for the current Genting Grand. Some older table games, like the old-school “15 cards” variant, were carried over to the new floor. But the smell of old cigarette smoke and the dim, secretive vibe are gone. Genting now allows smoking only in designated lounges, and the casino floor is cleaner, brighter, and more security-heavy than the old era ever was.

Is the Genting Old Casino Still Operating? (Updated for 2025)

No. The exact floors that housed the original Genting old casino are permanently closed. However, the license from that old casino was transferred to the current SkyCasino, which operates 24/7. If you’re looking for the same legal status, the same games, and the same resort experience, you’re still fine. The name “old casino” survives only in the memories of veterans and in old brochures.

Why People Still Search for “Genting Old Casino”

Search volume for this keyword comes from three types of users:

• Nostalgic Malaysian retirees who want to see if their old lucky table exists.
• Travel bloggers researching the history of Genting Highlands for a heritage article.
• Confused first-timers who heard about an “old casino” and worry the new one is a scam or a different venue.

If you fall into the last group, relax. The new casino is legal, safe, and managed by Resorts World Genting (the same company since 1965). The “old” label simply distinguishes the original location from the current one.

Practical Tips Before Visiting the “Old” Casino Site

Please understand that Genting Highlands is not just