GLITZ, glamour and gambling saw hoards of people turn out to the opening of the newly refurbished Genting Club in Southend.

People flooded through the doors at the grand opening of the new club, which is currently opening a range of new venues around the country, to enjoy the music and games on show.

Well-known Towie favourites Amy Childs, Harry Derbridge, James ‘Arg’ Argent and Gemma Collins turned out to support the re-vamped casino on Western Esplanade and former West Ham player Tony Cottee was also in attendance.

The casino, the first in the country with a wedding licence, has a new card room, live entertainment every weekend and is open 24 hours.

Stephen Powell, Head of Marketing at Genting Casinos, said he and Managing Director Simon Woodford were very excited at the club’s launch and that he expected over 1,500 through the doors on opening night.

“We want the people of Southend to come here and unwind. It is a place where people will feel comfortable and either have a flutter or enjoy a nice coffee whilst looking out to sea.

“It doesn’t need the Las Vegas ‘wow factor’ as we want people to feel they can come here no matter the occasion.”

The former Maxims casino has undergone a drastic change in the past six months, which has seen a new restaurant, new slot machines and function room open at the club. There is also a brand new Fahrenheit Grill, with the former head chef of Five star London hotel Claridge’s Paul Farr at the helm, which offers courses throughout the day and evening.

Towie favourite Amy Childs, said: “I absolutely love it. I have just got back from Las Vegas and although this is different it has a really warm feel to it which will be very popular.”

James ‘Arg’ Argent said it was great to see the reaction the Towie group got from the stars. “It is great to see the people of Essex come out to such a cracking brand-spanking new venue and I know it will do well. We love Essex and Essex will love this place.”