Asia Live Tech -- Progressive Expansion

from Casino Life Magazine

December 2018

www.casinolifemagazine.com

This year’s G2E Conference in Las Vegas provided an opportunity to catch up with Asia Live Tech (ALT).  Headquartered in SE Asia, this gaming software firm has been rapidly expanding across the iGaming industry by delivering quality multilingual gaming solutions  I was able to meet with ALT’s Erwin Dickman at the conclusion of G2E

[CL]  Give us a brief outline of the corporate focus of Asia Live Tech.

Casino Life Magazine
December 2018

[ALT]  Asia Live Tech focuses on providing iGaming software, live casino games, slots as well as other consultancy and solutions for the iGaming industry. A key factor in our corporate focus is that we ensure that all our solutions continuously evolve but at the same time ensuring a fair and just playing environment.

[CL]  ALT was at G2E Las Vegas last month. How was the show, and does it indicate a move for ALT into the Americas?

 [ALT]  G2E Vegas was indeed a remarkable event which was an eye-opener in terms of the advancement taking place in the industry. We look forward to the next G2E event in Las Vegas coming in 2019. This however does not indicate a move into the Americas.

[CL]  How does ALT view blockchain and the cryptocurrency markets?

 [ALT]  The Blockchain and cryptocurrency market is a dark horse of the industry. Why we say this is that, the technology and feasibility is so unique but at the same time there are much improvements that need to be made in terms of processes involved with the various different cryptocurrencies circulating in the market.

 At Asia Live Tech, we welcome the advancement of new technologies and are always looking to adapt new technologies onto our platform and offerings to further create a unique factor but at the same time solidify our mission to ensure our offerings are constantly fair and just. It is in line with this efforts that Asia Live Tech is deemed the First Bitcoin iGaming Software Provider in Asia.

 [CL]  What does ALT see for their direction over the next few years?

 [ALT] As for Asia Live Tech and where we see ourselves in the next few years. This is a unique time indeed with various new methods, technologies and practices that are coming into play. What we are witnessing is the evolvement of the iGaming Industry, in line with this Asia Live Tech intends to be a front runner in terms of technology integration to our platform offerings. We foresee that we would be incorporated with new technologies and offerings in the years to come which has already begun as part of our current enhancement roadmap.

I’d like to thank Erwin for the time to chat at G2E Vegas.

Premier Entertainment :: Tiger Palace Resort, Nepal

from Casino Life Magazine

November 2018

www.casinolifemagazine.com

Surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of the Himalayan foothills, and with a grand vision to match, Nepal’s Tiger Palace Resort is set to transform the region’s gaming and  entertainment landscape.  With an impressive start earlier this year (2018), the resort destination is reaching new levels, unmatched within South Asia.  We have been fortunate to catch-up with Mr. Brett Model, General Manager, Tiger Palace Resort.

Casino Life Magazine
November 2018

[CL] Tell us a bit about the vision for Tiger Palace Resort.  It’s much more than a standard south Asian casino.

[TPR] The vision for Tiger Palace Resort is to revolutionise the Indian gaming experience and establish a new benchmark for casino destinations in the South Asian region. We have created a brand that leverages the success, reputation and core values of Silver Heritage Group and aims to transform the India-Nepal border region into a premier entertainment zone. Combining international standards with local understanding, it is the first casino resort brand that caters to the needs of today’s South Asian consumer. Once the international facilities at the adjacent domestic airport are completed, the resort will become accessible directly from major Indian cities and will also become crucial to China, Thailand, and other Asia cities with direct flights.

[CL] Describe the casino & resort management team.   Located in a country with a limited number of casinos, management and higher-level staff must come from abroad.

Brett Model, General Manager
Tiger Palace Resort, Nepal

[TPR] We have carefully assembled a world class management team from as far afield as Australia, Europe and the USA who share our vision of creating the new Las Vegas or Macau for the fastest growing region in the world, India, and who bring with them extensive experience working in their home countries as well as Asia’s established and frontier locations such as Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Our employee headcount at Tiger Palace Resort now stands at 819, with 95% (780) being Nepali citizens, a significant number having been hired from the local province. Silver Heritage Group is proud that within Nepal (Bhairahawa and Kathmandu) it already employs over 1,000 Nepali citizens and remains committed to continuous internal training and skills transfer, offering unique long-term opportunities for personal and career growth.

[CL] Have there been challenges in staffing and training for locals unfamiliar with casinos and gaming?

[TPR] It is true that many of the locals in the border area are not familiar with 5-star resorts, but this has proven to be a benefit as we are working with a young workforce who are eager to learn and grow with an international company. The customs and

traditions of the local people encourages a natural understanding of what it means when we talk about building a service culture for our guests and their desire to achieve this is heartfelt. We have the perfect canvas to work with, in establishing our vision. In addition, Tiger Palace Resort has provided an opportunity in their home country for the wide diaspora of Nepalese working in 5-star resorts abroad in locations such as Dubai, Malaysia, the Maldives, and even Vanuatu to return home and share their world-class skills with their eager to learn countrymen.

[CL] What is the physical size of the casino?  How many table games and slots does the casino have?

[TPR] The casino is spread over 2,500 sqm and features three distinct gaming zones which are at-par with some of the best in the world. For seasoned and high-stake players, it features a distinct Premium Mass and VIP area. The casino currently features 48 gaming tables and over 200 electronic gaming machines, and there is a capacity for expansion. The casino also has a performance stage and stylish bar. The Private Gaming and VIP area, adding at least 6 more gaming tables, are expected to open soon.

[CL] What are the table games offered?

[TPR] The table games offered at the resort’s casino include all of the regular favorites such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Dragon Tiger, Poker, Three Card Poker and Stud Poker along with the uniquely played Indian games such as Flush, Teen Patti and Andar Bahar, which are favourite among the Indian gaming community.

[CL]  Located in Bhairahawa, does the distance from a major metropolitan area present any
challenges in drawing guests into the casino & resort?

[TPR] Tiger Palace Resort is extremely well connected with the major metropolitan areas of Nepal and India, with a new 6-lane highway running alongside the resort’s entrance, due to be completed before the end of 2018. It is strategically located just 10 km from Nepal’s domestic airport, Gautam Buddha Airport, which is funded by the ADB and OPEC Funds, in order to open international facilities in 2019. This airport is short circa 25-minute flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Guests can choose to fly to Gorakhpur from New Delhi (several daily flights), an airport located a comfortable 2.5 hr drive from Tiger Palace Resort. Major cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, such as Kanpur, Lucknow, and Gorakphur itself are a drivable distance from the resort.

[CL] Are Nepalese citizens allowed to enter the casinos?  Are there any plans to allow change this policy?

[TPR] We strictly adhere to the local regulations set by the Nepalese government. Following which entry of Nepalese citizens is restricted in the casino and currently, there is no intimation of change in these government policies.

[CL] What are the nationality demographics of the casino guest?  With a close proximity to the border with India, it would seem Indian citizens would be the marketing focus.

[TPR] Currently about 90% of our guests are Indians. Our primary target market is the 430 million Indians in neighbouring states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, approximately 20% of whom are middle-class aspirational consumers. In addition to India as a market we also intend to tap into the well-known gaming markets of China and Thailand as well as Bangladesh and Vietnam all of which are within a comfortable flight time to Nepal, currently flying to Kathmandu but soon due to be connected directly to Bhairahawa itself. We have a marketing team based at the resort and offices in Kathmandu and India.

[CL] How does social media play into the casinos marketing operations?

[TPR] With the tremendous growth in the usage rate and reach of social media particularly in India which is a world-leader in Information Technology; for example India remains the biggest worldwide market for WhatsApp, which has 160 million active users and has hit 200 million monthly active users in India. These platforms have become a valuable channel for brand marketing and driving revenue growth. Through social media we can generate brand awareness with real time interactions with our existing and potential guests and disseminate information about our latest events and offers at the resort. It helps us collate quick feedback from the guests.

We utilise these strategic platforms to drive relevant traffic to the Tiger Palace Resort’s website through our continuous SMM and SEM campaigns. These platforms also keep us constantly updated about our current and potential guests.

[CL] With 100% of the casino guests being non-Nepalese, is there much of an effort on Responsible Gaming efforts?

[TPR] As an international company listed in Australia we take Responsible Gaming very seriously. We have a self-exclusion programme available for patrons and ensure that all marketing collateral and gaming incentive programmes prominently display Responsible Gaming advice. Gaming staff also use best industry practices, in conjunction with a responsible service of alcohol policy, to identify at risk patrons.

[CL] Describe the non-gaming activities of the resort.  There seems to be a good balance between gaming and non-gaming options.

[TPR] Our aim with Tiger Palace Resort is to create an integrated destination for a world-class entertainment experience. Therefore, we have kept our focus on providing a holistic experience to our guests. Along with the casino, the resort also features 100 tastefully well-appointed guest rooms, two VIP villas, four separate food and beverage options, a spa & salon, fitness centre with steam and sauna facilities, the largest outdoor swimming-pool in Nepal, children’s play area called Cub’s Kingdom along with an array of other recreational facilities. We are also located just 25km from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and just a couple of hours drive to the East of Tiger Palace Resort sits the beautiful Chitwan National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its wildlife including Bengal Tiger, One-Horned Rhino and Elephant.

Casino Life would like to thank Mr. Brett Model and Tiger Palace Resort for their time and effort.

Hakkasan Vegas -- A Sophisticated Dining Venue

from Casino Life Magazine

November 2018

www.casinolifemagazine.com

Cantonese Fusion - Trendy Dining at Hakkasan on the Las Vegas Strip

Knowing first about the venue’s worldwide draw as a top Vegas nightclub, our sights for this evening were set on dining at the Hakkasan, considered one of the city’s must-visit restaurants. Having recently relocated to Las Vegas after spending two decades in Asia, we were keen to experience one of the city’s fashionable Asian-fusion restaurants. Hakkasan met our expectations, exceeding similar Cantonese fusion experiences at upscale venues in Asia.

Designed to impress, Hakkasan’s chilled ambiance alone is a big draw, with a chic East-Asian influenced motif -- a relaxed, yet futuristic atmosphere mixed with ambient music.  Dining with my favorite Asian DJ, the two of us were seated tn the main dining room with dark oak lattice, which creates intimate areas for each group, yet still maintains the overall edgy mood of the full restaurant.

Though we glanced through Hakkasan’s extensive menu, we put our dining selections into the hands of our experienced and friendly server -- Emerald.  She took care of us throughout the evening. 

Emerald started us out with a couple of their signature drinks -- I had the Island Heat (made with Kai lemongrass vodka, coconut, ginger, Thai basil, lime and hellfire bitters)  which came with a refreshing kick.  Erny was given The Hakka, their signature cocktail made with Belvedere vodka, Akashi-tai sake, lychee juice, lime, coconut and passion fruit.

As we were sipping on our first drinks, Emerald delivered our starters, Salt & Pepper Squid and Crispy Duck Salad.  The Crispy Duck Salad was one of our favorites -- served with warm Peking duck together with a perfectly seasoned salad, a tower of greens, pomento, pomegranate and pine nut. The mix of flavors and textures, particularly with the savory Peking duck made this signature dish one that we could see ordering on each future visit. 

As we worked our way through the starters, Emerald brought us a second round of drinks.  This time I had the Buddha's Palm (Maker’s 46 bourbon, Velvet Falernum, yuzu juice, yuzu marmalade, black grapes, white balsamic vinegar, mint), while my partner had the Gift of Seoul (Hwayo 25 soju, yuzu, pineapple, kiwi, coconut, mint).  The Buddha’s Palm was an instant favorite.

As our Main courses arrived, Hakkasan’s General Manager, Derek Morishita stopped by for a chat. We mentioned that though the venue’s atmosphere, meals and drinks were outstanding, we were impressed by the impeccable service -- certainly a key to Hakkasan’s success.

Emerald delivered our three Main course selections:

Roasted Silver Cod with Champagne & Honey
Stir-fry Black Pepper Beef Ribeye with Merlot
Hakka Noodles  with Mushrooms and Chinese chive

The Hakka Noodles were on level with the best noodle dishes offered in East Asia, highly recommended for those desiring a western take on a standard Cantonese meal.  The Roasted Silver Cod and Stir-fry Black Pepper Beef Ribeye were delicious eastern twists on western fare.

As we finished our mains, Emerald again delivered a couple more selections from the drinks menu:  Caribbean Harvest (Diplomatico Exclusiva Rum, Ancho Reyes, vanilla, spiced pineapple, orgeat, lime), and Turkish Rose Tea (Nolet's Gin, St-Germain, jasmine tea honey syrup, matcha, lemon, egg white) both good selections as we wound-down our dining experience.

As with most first-time visitors to Hakkasan, the first draw is to the world-class nightclub on the second floor. After our first visit to the restaurant on the first floor, I’d venture to say the sophisticated dining venue matches the posh standards set by the Hakkasan brand worldwide.  We’d consider this our ‘go-to” venue when entertaining in the city as it raises the bar up a couple notches for Chinese, and Asian restaurants throughout the Vegas valley.

10 дней во Вьетнаме

Вьетнам Golf Magazine

March 2013

https://golfauvietnam.com/10-days-vietnam/?lang=ru

Vietnamese / English translation:  10 Ngày Ở Việt Nam - 10 Days in Vietnam (2013)

https://leisuresystems.blogspot.com/2013/02/10-ngay-o-viet-nam-10-days-in-vietnam.html

Вам интересно, что случайный посетитель сделает Вьетнама в то время как на отраслевой спонсорские пикник? Ну теперь вы можете ...

Хотя я имел честь появления в Вьетнаме шесть раз в прошлом, это был первый раз, когда я имел удовольствие испытывать страну в начале нового года. Полеты в из Бали, моя жена и я приземлился в Таншоннят аэропорт поздно 29 Декабрь. Наш план был провести новогоднюю ночь в Хошимине, затем неделю в Нячанге.

Вьетнам Golf Magazine
март 2013

Зная, что мы хотели испытать празднования стороны как 2012 подошел к концу, мы приняли решение останавливаться в городе, рядом несколько из модных ночных клубов. С несколько очень хороших партий планируется на протяжении Хошимине, мы решили сделать нашу остановку в 4-м квартале на Нгуен Тат Тхань в округе 4. Хэдлайнерами малоизвестных Fierce Angels Марк Дойла, партия была одной мы чувствовали мог сравниться торжества в любой другой город-космополит.

Поскольку наши три дня в Хошимине были в выходные дни Нового года, не было большого установки для меня с точки зрения бизнеса. В центре нашего внимания было довольно, чтобы обойти и наслаждаться достопримечательностями & звуки города.

В течение дня мы часто проходя через Vincom Центра, будь то за покупками или испытать один из кафе на первом этаже. Однако, став постоянными посетителями Хошимине, мы также разработали предпочтение нескольких местных ресторанов; каждый в особенности был “Tiem Com Донг Нан” на Чыонг Динь. Мы посетили несколько раз в этом году и пару раз в прошлых поездках.

Мы наслаждались улицы в течение дня и праздника Нового года в 4-м квартале, еще также смогли выйти и испытать Кокильная Sky Bar в округе 1 во время нашей прошлой ночью в Хошимине. В ресторане отеля Холод предложил изысканную атмосферу, в которой мы наслаждались их Жареный норвежского лосося & пан жареный черную треску. Я могу очень рекомендовать оба блюда, а также другие выборы на их континентальной Европы меню.

Заставить двигаться из ресторана Chill к их Sky Bar задать тон для остальной части нашего вечера. Это шикарный, напуганный & модно место предоставили нам с замечательным видом на город из бара под открытым небом. Я особенно наслаждался после выбора хаус-музыки закружилось DJ Chill в.

Поздно вечером в среду, 2й январе, мы сделали наш путь назад к аэропорту для нашего полета на Вьетнам Airways. После 55 минут мы были в аэропорту Камрань, и в 45 минутах езды на такси позже, мы распаковали в течение нашей недели в центре города Нячанг.

Отель Sheraton & Спа служил нашей базе операций. На всей территории отеля, было ли это в бассейне, спа, или в одном из 280 Номера, всегда был панорамный вид залива Нячанг и его прекрасного песчаного пляжа.

Мы провели большую часть времени, исследуя улицы и пляжи Нячанг. Некоторые из наших блюд были в Специи Steam N ', Первый этаж азиатский ресторан отеля Sheraton, где мы были в состоянии легко общаться с деловыми партнерами профессиональной среде.

Вечера взял нас до высоты, модно 28th гостиная этаж. Как высшем бар Нячанг, это при условии расслабляющий место, чтобы развлечь наших партнеров. Пару талантливых женщин диджеев развлекал нас хорошо в ночь.

Возможно, одним из розыгрышей Нячанг является бесконечный пляж, который мы нашли, чтобы быть довольно чисто и легко получить доступ. Хотя в основном облачно и иногда идет дождь в течение первой недели января, мы провели несколько дней, идя по пляжу. Вода была немного прохладно, так окунуться в волны прибоя не было то, что мы пытались. Мы сделали, однако, сделать наш путь в знаковых парусный клуб, модный пляж ресторан стороны, что превращается в ночной клуб вечером.

Один из туристических мероприятий мы занимающихся был визит в Лонг Сон Пагода. Расположенный у подножия горы Трай Туи, он предложил спокойном месте, с которого, чтобы посмотреть в Нячанг ниже.

Один из моих встреч в Steam N 'Спайс был с Якубом Sippl, Директор продовольствия & Напитки на Amiana курорт, новый образ жизни место планируется открыть где-то в конце февраля или в марте. Заниженный, еще в подавляющем большинстве богатый, У меня такое чувство Amiana Курорт будет идеальным местом, чтобы провести неделю, чтобы отдохнуть и расслабиться. Я, конечно, есть курорт на мой список дел на лето 2013.

Мы сделали послеобеденный остановку в Алмазный Bay Resort & Спа где мы встретили Саймона Тинклер, Директор курорта гольфа. Симон обсудили состояние на поле для гольфа, двенадцать отверстий с завершенной, а остальные шесть в стадии разработки. Diamond Bay в Кэдди Мастер, Дуонг Тхи Сан, был достаточно любезен, чтобы взять нас вокруг курса.

Хотя нынешний клуб находится в 5-ти минутах езды от курса, мы смогли увидеть строительство новых клуба Diamond Bay в продвигается хорошо. Это намного лучше подходит для игроков в гольф, чтобы сделать свой путь от клуба к первой мишени.

Дизайн Энди Dye, опытный игрок в гольф, безусловно, заметили, что это будет один из лучших курсов в Азии, как только это закончено и созрел. Лично, Ищу размещено макета и как курс использовали естественную среду обитания: песчаные дюны, большие сосны, природные болота и открытый вид на море, который обеспечивает теплую тропическим бризом.

Мы отбыли Нячанг во вторник, 8 Январь в течение ночи в Хошимине. С утренним рейсом на следующий день, мы решили заказать меньший отель в течение пяти минут Таншоннят. С среду утром выезд и 5-часовой остановки в Куала-Лумпуре, мы смогли сделать наш путь из Сайгона назад на Бали в течение одного дня.

Билл Хили на Вьетнам Golf Magazine

Interview with Jenny Nilzon -- Swedish National Gaming Association

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

Fall 2018

www.mygamingandleisure.com

link to original article:

https://digital.mygamingandleisure.com/issue/fall-2018/swedish-national-gambling-association/

In this issue’s International Roadtrip, we make a stop in Scandinavia for a chat with Jenny Nilzon, CEO of the Swedish National Gambling Association, also known as SPER.

G&L: Could you give us a bit on your background with the gambling industry? What led you into the Swedish Gaming Association?

JN: I am basically a marketer and change leader. I have previously been the CEO of a communications agency and then worked six years at Novamedia, the operator company who runs Sweden’s largest lottery, the Postcode Lottery. There I first worked on establishing a new lottery and TV concept and later become involved in building a public affairs department when the focus on gambling politics needed to be intensified. When SPER was later transformed from an ethical council to a trade organization, I was asked to lead that change. With some knowledge of the gambling industry and as an experienced change leader, it was a perfect match.

G&L: What are your roles and responsibilities within the organization?

JN: We have two permanent positions in the organization. I am the CEO and Maria Wennerberg Sedigh is senior adviser. (Maria Wennerberg Sedigh was part of the gambling investigation that suggested a new Swedish gambling regulation, which the parliament has since voted for). Since we are only two people, we hire experts and consultants and have several working groups consisting of participants from our members. The group’s focus is on gambling responsibility, marketing and compliance.

G&L: When was SPER formed and how has it grown over the years?

JN: SPER was established as an ethical council 15 years ago. Some gambling companies in Sweden agreed to cooperate to jointly interpret the Market Act and start working on self-regulation through common guidelines. The organization was formalized over the years, bringing on board almost all Sweden-controlled gambling companies and national lotteries. Guidelines were gradually developed to include gambling responsibilities. A year ago, the decision to turn SPER into a trade association was made, and that’s when I started. SPER needed to develop the organization to be able to work with even more industry issues other than responsibility and marketing. The reputation of the industry was heading in the wrong direction and is an important area for us to begin tackling together.

G&L: The organization has an “ethical council.” What is the role of the council, and their impact on the future of gaming in Sweden?

JN: We have a body called SEEM that reviews gambling advertising. SEEM can notify advertisements that appear to violate the industry’s rules and practices. It is a function we have created to make demands on ourselves and to be able to monitor to ensure our guidelines are followed.G&L: How is Sweden’s online gaming market impacted by illegal off-shore companies?

G&L: How is Sweden’s online gaming market impacted by illegal off-shore companies?

JN: It has been very messy for many years in the Swedish gambling market. The reason is because present legislation has not been adapted to a changing digital world. It will be changed with new legislation that will be in place on Jan. 1, 2019. Over 25 percent of the market consists of gambling companies that do not have Swedish licenses and thus do not pay taxes or comply with Swedish law. Many are regulated in other countries such as Malta, but to get a sustainable and healthy gambling industry, it’s important to provide modern legislation and to channelize operators. Those who do not behave or do not have a license must be excluded. Today, Sweden is out of control with what operators are selling to Swedish consumers. There is an extreme mass of advertising in several channels because of non-functioning legislation. All this affects both consumers and serious gambling companies, and not least the industry’s reputation. The new regulation will help the Swedish government gain control over the whole gambling market through regulation and licensing. This involves taxes, responsible gambling and consumer protection.

G&L: How well is the gambling industry regulated, and are changes expected in the Swedish gambling market?

JN: Not good at all because many operators don’t follow Swedish law. But it will change Jan. 1, when we get new legislation that most gambling companies are satisfied with. It will mean that everyone pays taxes, consumer protection increases and unserious actors must leave the market.

G&L: How active is SPER in driving innovation in responsible gaming?

JN: We have worked with self-regulation and moved the limits of what’s okay and not for many years. A lot of our guidelines have been incorporated into the new law. What we are focusing on now is to get the industry to cooperate and solve the problems that exist. The industry has a bad reputation and it is due to many things: a) we are perceived as not giving value for money, b) are not sustainable enough, c) create gambling problems and match fixing are widespread, d) advertisements are bothersome, etc. We must acknowledge our shortcomings and begin to show that we want to do something about it. With a bad reputation, it will be difficult in the future to attract new customers and co-workers.

Gaming & Leisure would like to thank Jenny Nilzon for her insight into the Swedish Gambling industry and the new direction they’re taking.

Bally’s Casino Sri Lanka :: Booming High Stakes Casino

from Casino Life Magazine

Issue 120 - July 2018

www.casinolifemagazine.com

www.ballyscolombo.com

Blossoming Future in Sri Lanka

Bally’s Colombo General Manager of Operations Simon Best.

Interview by Bill Healey

Sri Lanka is well known as a treasure for international tourists, with its rich colonial heritage, bountiful beaches, tea plantations, mix of religion and culture, and much more. In this issue we catch up with Simon Best, General Manager of Operations at Bally’s Casino Colombo in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital.

Casino Life Magazine
Issue 120, July 2018

[CL] You’ve been in the casino gaming industry for more than three decades. Your roles have taken you to various unique locations around the world. What led you into the industry?

[SB] Sheer accident. I had been travelling around Europe for a year with a friend working on the boats in the Aegean and then in the USA working in Florida followed by a return to London for a winter break. We had three months before going to Spain to again work on the boats as we had both been heavily involved in sailing where we grew up in Cornwall and even entered into the Cowes yacht race in 1976.

I saw an advert for the Golden Nugget Casino in Shaftsbury Avenue, London for trainee Dealers and it was paying £99 a week so I thought that would be a good fill in job for three months. Very soon after starting at the Nugget, I realized that I liked the job, lifestyle, money, casinos in general and the people in them. When my friend went off to Spain I stayed at the Nugget and 38 years later I am still enjoying the casino industry.

After the Golden Nugget I worked in Sun City Bophuthatswana, Southern Africa then various casinos in Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Burma, India and Sri Lanka. I have also worked in allied fields in the casino supply industry in Asia, consulted for Aristocrat, a major international gaming machine supplier, and worked in the cash counting and Cash In Transit (CIT) parts of the broader gaming industry.

[CL] What path did you take leading you to Bally’s Colombo?

[SB] Having worked in Asia off and on for the last 10 years, I have always been intrigued by the way they operated in this part of the world. So when a good friend in Macau, who has ties to the owner and senior management of Bally’s, asked if I was interested in a role here, I jumped at the chance.

Sri Lanka had also been on my bucket list as I had cousins who were tea planters here in the 1930 and 40’s. One of them, Willoughby Greaves Beauchanmp was appointed the Commanding Officer of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF) in 1938. So I was very happy when I traveled up to Nuwara Eliya in tea country and stayed at the same hotel my cousins used to stay at when they came to town. I also went to the tea factory where one of them was the Manager, and it is now a 5 star Heritance Hotel.

My family came over late last year and we spent 2 weeks travelling around Sri Lanka visiting Kandy, Sigiyara, Ella, Yalla National Park where I took some fantastic pictures of a Leopard (if I say so myself) and then finished off sitting on a beach in Hikkaduwa for 5 days.

I can highly recommend Sri Lanka for its casino offerings as well as for a great holiday and one of the best parts of our trip was the train ride from Kandy to Ella, which is billed as one of the best train rides in the world, and it truly lives up to that boast.

[CL] Regarding Bally’s Colombo, how does it rank in terms of casinos in Sri Lanka?

[SB] The only casinos in Sri Lanka operate in Colombo and Bally’s www.ballyscolombo.com is the biggest of the three casino by a large margin with 100 tables, online gaming www.ballysbet.com gaming machines and multi terminal electronic table games.

[CL] Does the group have additional casinos in Sri Lanka?

[SB] Yes we operate two of the three casinos here in Sri Lanka so along with Bally’s we have our sister property Bellagio’s.

[CL] What is the size of the casino in terms of electronic gaming and table games?

[SB] We have 100 gaming tables and of that 60 are Baccarat and 30 Roulette tables with the rest made up of Blackjack, Texas, Hold’em and other Poker derivatives and then some Asian centric games such as Sabong Cards (think Casino War) Andhar Bahar, Teen Patti and Sic Bo.

We also operate 48 gaming machines offering international manufacturers and games and also have 14 multi terminal stations offering either single zero Roulette or Baccarat. We have a mass market area, VIP and a recently introduced VVIP area called “Infinity” and we offer a range of options for individuals or groups including regular cash chip tables along with non-negotiable or rolling commissions dependent on the client’s requests.

We also offer a wide range of packages for individuals subject to their buy in, length of stay and games to be played along with a large spread of table maximums and Baccarat table differentials which are amongst the most generous to be offered in this part of the world.

[CL] What are the preferred games at Bally Colombo?

[SB] Certainly Baccarat is the major game here at Bally’s to cater for the ever growing popularity of this game from our wide circle of Asian centric players, then Roulette comes in 2nd with this game very popular with our Indian players.

[CL] Where does the casino draw it’s customers from?  Are local Sri Lankans allowed to gamble?

[SB] We have a very small number of local players at Bally’s and the majority of our players come from a diverse range of countries including Pakistan, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, China and of course India which is on our doorstep. We are only a short plane ride away from many southern Indian cities. I am told on a clear day you can see India from the northernmost part of Sri Lanka.

[CL] Bally’s Colombo also offers Online Gambling. What markets does this reach, and has it had an impact on guests coming into the casino?

[SB] While www.ballysbet.com is a nascent part of the business, our online gaming has a customer base at present which is mainly from India with a scattering of players from the Middle East, Pakistan, Malaysia etc.

This part of the business has only complimented our existing player base and there hasn’t been any cannibalisation of revenue from our live tables. At present we offer Baccarat, Roulette and Andhar Bahar to our online gaming customers but we are looking to expand our product offering in the future.

[CL] What are the non-gaming options at the casino?  Are there non-gambling guests that frequent these events and offerings?

[SB] In addition to the casino offering we have regular dance packages and entertainment offerings each night of the week. Then for special occasions of which we find many to celebrate, we ramp up the entertainment for events such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Eid Mubarak, Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali, Bally’s Anniversary, Indian and Sri Lankan National Days and International singing competitions. As I’m calling Australia home nowadays, I know my work is done here when we celebrate Melbourne Cup, the race that stops a nation!!!!

Entertainment is a mixture of local, Indian and International dance groups and singers. We recently held a “Miss Bally’s” competition with all the entrants being recent Miss England contestants, and I was lucky enough to be one of the judges.

We also have a restaurant for our guests where they can experience local, Indian and continental dishes. With the local dishes you need to be careful as they can be quite hot. We are not an integrated resort so while the group own 5 star hotels such as the Kingsbury in Colombo www.thekingsburyhotel.com and The Fortress Resort and Spa in Galle, Southern Sri Lanka www.fortressresortandspa.com we do not have any hotels physically linked to the property.

But Bally’s is centrally located in Colombo so there are many hotels such as the Kingsbury Hotel less than 5 minutes away and we provide free transport between any hotel in Colombo and Bally’s so we take the hassle out of any transport issues. We can also provide free pick up and drop off at Colombo international airport which can be discussed with any of our Marketing team.

[CL] Does the casino have an active program for Responsible Gaming?

[SB] One of my major job descriptors is to introduce international gaming standards to the property and Responsible Gaming is certainly on my list of important items to introduce. We already have a barring and self- barring program here which is rigidly enforced so customers are aware of the steps they can take in this aspect of the operation. Having worked in Australian jurisdictions where responsible gaming is a high priority there are various aspects of these programs I would like to look at introducing here.

Casino Life Magazine would like to thank Simon Best and Bally’s Colombo for their cooperation and contribution to this interview.