By The Associated Press

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Less than a month after getting its licence to offer gambling, the historic Greenbrier resort has opened the Tavern Casino, an onsite facility for guests with table games including blackjack, three-card poker and roulette.

The 344-square-metre Tavern Casino is open to overnight guests, members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club and The Greenbrier Golf and Tennis Club, in addition to registered event and convention attendees who are staying off-property when more than 400 rooms at Greenbrier are sold. The Tavern Casino is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.-3 a.m.

Slot machines will be added later this month, followed by a full-scale casino opening planned for April. The casino will offer nearly 40 table games and 320 slot machines.

Right now the Greenbrier is offering a Tavern Casino package including accommodations, US$150 in match play coupons to be used for table games, and breakfast for two starting at $379 double occupancy, through Dec. 22.