Michael Boettcher to join GTGC/GGPC 2024 in London
European Maverick Casino Owner Michael Boettcher will present at the 2024 Global Table Games and Game Protection Conference at the London Hippodrome Casino, Nov 18-20. Mr. Boettcher's resume in the casino industry reads like an action-adventure screenplay! He has globetrotted the world, built and opened casinos and been thrown out of Russia by Putin! You can't make this stuff up!
This incredible journey took Michael from Charlie Chester’s casino in Soho in 1972, to the Park Lane Playboy and Clermont Clubs in London, then overseas to the Shah’s casinos in Iran, then to the Bahamas for two years in Meyer Lansky's El Casino, back to the International Sporting Club in Berkeley Square, back to sea on a cruise ship out of Miami, then a nine-year stint in three Atlantic City casinos from 1979, before again returning to the UK where he decided that, having lived every casino experience imaginable, he might as well become a casino consultant—in everything! He even opened the British Gaming Academy, the first of its kind dealers’ training school in London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, and while running that, he opened a new casino at the Movenpick Hotel in Cairo as Project Manager, two more in Turkey at the same, then at the urging of an American partner, found himself opening up casinos in Ukraine and Russia where he first visited in 1991, returning in 1992. He then bought out the American partner and established Storm International BV in 1995, where he later established the Shangri La casino brand, now featured in five casinos, as well as slot halls in Germany and an on-line casino, with two more on the way. Don't miss Michael at the Hippodrome!
Previously
Other news
On September 12, the panel discussion "Casino Business in Georgia – Challenges and Opportunities" took place at the Batumi Gaming Fest, bringing together industry experts to discuss the key hurdles and potential growth areas for Georgia’s casino sector. The discussion highlighted the complexities brought on by new regulations, taxation policies, and the evolving business environment in the country. A particular focus was on the impact of recent changes, including a 5% tax on winnings and the restrictions on advertising, which continue to shape the operational landscape for casino operators.
On September 23, Shangri La Casino in Batumi was officially closed following irreconcilable differences between the partners of the casino. Storm International, with over 30 years of expertise in managing premium casinos, made this decision to protect the integrity and reputation of the Shangri La brand.
Darren Keane, CEO of Storm International, will participate in the panel discussion "Casino Business in Georgia – Challenges and Opportunities" at the Batumi Gaming Fest. This prominent event, scheduled for September 12, focuses on land-based and online casino operations, bringing together regional and international professionals, market participants, and lawmakers to share experiences and forge new partnerships.
Keane emphasized the importance of discussing current legislation affecting foreign players. "It is crucial for us to speak at the conference because the new taxation on foreign players may deter them from visiting Georgia. Instead, they might choose destinations like Cyprus and Armenia, where there are no such taxes on winnings. A decline in foreign visitors could result in casino closures, increased unemployment, and a significant reduction in tax revenues for both federal and regional governments," Keane stated.
The Batumi Gaming Fest promises to be a vital forum for discussing the future of the casino industry in Georgia amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
Navigating the Casino Landscape in Georgia: Insights from the Tbilisi Gaming Festival
The Tbilisi Gaming Festival held on September 15-16, 2023, brought together industry experts and casino operators to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of land-based casinos in Georgia. Among the discussions, the panel focused on "Land-Based Casino Operators in Georgia – Opportunities and Challenges of the Growing Market." John Harrak, Director VIP & Player Development, Executive Board Member of Storm International - a prominent figure in the industry, shared valuable insights on several key topics.
Adapting to Post-Pandemic Trends and opportunities, challenges within the growing market in Georgia
John began by addressing the market trends in Tbilisi, noting that the casino industry was gradually recovering from the pandemic's impact. While Tbilisi and Batumi represent distinct markets, he highlighted Tbilisi's appeal as the capital city, offering a range of attractions for players and their families. With a majority of players being foreigners, Tbilisi's summer season remained vibrant, dispelling concerns about seasonal fluctuations.
Regarding the state of the casino business in Georgia, John Harrak emphasized that it was not in a developmental phase but a fully developed industry. New casinos continually enter the market, but they do so within an already mature sector. He stressed the importance of maintaining high service standards and adapting to evolving customer needs to thrive in this competitive environment.
Navigating Prohibited Advertising
A major challenge facing land-based casinos in Georgia is the prohibition of advertising, which aims to protect the local market. However, John explained that more than 90% of their visitors are foreigners, and the goal is not to attract Georgian players. The advertising restrictions primarily affect online casinos, creating a challenge for land-based operators. Despite these challenges, John emphasized the necessity of advertising to ensure a steady influx of customers.
Coexistence and Cooperation
“All the players that are coming to Batumi are already spoiled. Most of them went to Cyprus and Cyprus has very few government regulations. In general, Batumi has great operators with even greater service levels. They understand what they can do to make sure the business is safe. They protect and look out for their customers.”- John highlighted the unique dynamic and collaborative spirit among casino operators in Georgia.
Maintaining a Skilled Workforce
Addressing the issue of retaining staff, John noted that the casino business is typically favored by younger individuals. In Tbilisi, where there is an established casino presence, attracting and retaining staff is somewhat easier. Shangri La, for instance, runs training schools to nurture young talents and offers them opportunities for career advancement. The focus is not solely on monetary incentives but on providing a pathway to a promising future. This approach helps mitigate the challenges of staff turnover.
Supporting the Government and Industry
John emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the casino industry. Casinos have actively supported government initiatives, recognizing the mutual benefits of a thriving tourism and entertainment sector. This collaborative spirit has been particularly crucial during the pandemic, highlighting the intertwined interests of both parties.
In conclusion, the panel discussion shed light on the intricacies of operating land-based casinos in Georgia. Despite challenges such as advertising restrictions and staff retention, the industry continues to grow and adapt. The harmonious coexistence of operators and their support for government initiatives bode well for the future of the casino industry in Georgia.
It's been a busy week! Shangri La Tsakhadzor hosted Russian Poker Tour from 3rd to 13th of February 2023.
On September 22, 2022, the Shangri La Tbilisi casino celebrated its birthday. The celebration of casino 10th anniversary were set with grandeur and glamor. The square in front of the casino has turned into a real carnival show. Guests were greeted by artists of the original genre in colorful costumes, a street orchestra set a wonderful rhythm for the day at the very beginning of the evening, and a fire show in front of the casino entrance became a vivid embodiment of the celebration of the anniversary.
Casino Shangri La Tbilisi has been awarded with No.1 Status for the fifth time.
The International Gaming Awards (IGA) has announced the shortlists in various categories for the upcoming ceremony on 11th of April. The shortlist voting concluded on Dec. 15 2021. This year, for the first time IGA had 681 separate nominations making it hugely competitive for gaming industry operators.
On December the 5th the first legal casino in the city - Shangri La opened in Kharkiv. The international casino is located in the five-star Kharkiv Palace hotel in the very center of the city. Before the opening of the casino, representatives of Storm International held a press conference for journalists and the public.
On April 9, the Gambling Regulatory Commission (KRAIL) announced the issuance of a license to Storm Ukraine LLC. This is the official permission to open a land-based casino under the international Shangri La brand in the legendary five-star Fairmont hotel in the very center of Kiev.
Shangri La Casino and Sportsbook is excited to announce our Online Affiliate and Partnership opportunity.
Lavrenty Gubin, Marketing and PR Director of the company took part in the event as a speaker.