Welcome to Casino Life! Back in 2009 when the casino industry was shut in Ukraine nobody thought it would be another 6 years before it was discussed seriously again. In the interim, whilst gambling is totally illegal in the country, Sports Betting and online gambling has proliferated (tolerated if they pay tax) whilst the casino industry operates out of basements, floors of offices with no elevator floor number and sometime apartments. As for lotteries – well, don't get me started on those as every day seems to see a new one. The time therefore, is long overdue for the industry to be regulated. So, to that end we have organized a conference - Game ON! Bringing gambling back to Ukraine - on October 13-14 and all is going well. Top government and industry speakers are confirmed and it should be a great networking event. To borrow my own words on Page 19 – Gambling is returning to Ukraine, so, you have a choice – get on the train as it leaves the station or wave as it goes by. All that will be needed then is for the amended laws to be steered through parliament and 2016 should see new opportunities. For more information on the event see the advert in this issue or visit www.ukrainegaming.com Back to this issue and we lead with Genting and Resorts World Birmingham. As a Coventry Kid myself some of my earliest casino forays were to Birmingham – but I would not have imagined something of this scale. We all talk in the industry about casinos and the need for entertainment and integration but this project takes all of that to a new level. Synergy with the NEC, full multi-use integration with cinema – bowling – hotels and shopping mall, RWB takes the traditional mall concept but leads with entertainment rather than allow that to be a bolt-on somewhere on the upper floor. Here, the casino is at the sharp end of the offering not tucked away. Can't wait to see it in person on my next UK trip.
Someone else with a mindset that melds casinos and entertainment into a single package is Peter Hoetzinger, CEO & President Century Casinos, who gives us an insight into how fast decision-making helps to keep them at the forefront of casinos – and entertainment – worldwide. David Heap – lifelong Chelsea supporter – meanwhile, reflects on a long career with TCS John Huxley and gives an insight into some of his favourite casinos and why he stepped down at the right time. That he is still here as a consultant and on tour with the rest of us at trade shows worldwide is indicative of the magnetism of the Industry. It's hard to leave.
Moving on, Dean Wilson from Bet'em All explains new Blackjack communal game developments to Steve Karoul whilst Mark Wayman, Founder and CEO of the executive placement firm The Foundation LLC gives us more timely advice on recruitment communication. Robert Ambrose asks the question Can we do better Next Time? And provides some advice on how we can.Finally we have another insight from Victor H Royer on how to improve your product performance, and do something nice for slot players at the same time. And who could ask for more than that?
See you in Vegas! | 
