Ballys Magazine November 2017 Bally's Magazine November 2017 | Page 17

October - November 2017
THE DEPTHS OF COLOMBO'S NIGHT LIFE
Bally’s Casino, one of
the oldest casinos in the
country is celebrating
22 years of operations
in Sri Lanka this year.
From the time the
casino was initiated
over two decades ago,
the company has grown
from strength to strength
and offered revellers
with the opportunity to
experience something
out of this world. To
give us more insight into
the schematics that go
behind the ideals of a
casino such as Bally’s,
we sat down with Bally’s
Casino General Manager
– Operations, Mr. Simon
Best for a discussion.
MR. SIMON BEST
GENERAL MANAGER – OPERATIONS
Q
A
Tell us about how you
joined Bally’s Casino
and what your role here
currently entails.
I joined Bally’s in April this
year (2017) and I look after
the overall operations
of the casino; from the
table gaming area and
surveillance to the marketing and
front office. I have worked in casinos
for over 36 years in countries such
as England, South Africa, Australia,
New Zealand, Nepal, India, and now,
Sri Lanka. My role is to basically put
to use the expertise garnered from
these various countries and take
Bally’s up to international standards.
This industry is highly regulated
especially in countries such as
Australia and is driven by numerous
policies and procedures. My brief is
to take Bally’s up a notch to allow for
similar policies and procedures as
seen overseas.
Q
A
What kind of systems do
you hope to introduce
into Bally’s?
We already operate an
excellent Table Game
Management system
that has been developed
in-house in addition to a strong
Gaming Machine system. These
systems help to provide accurate
data which is essential to a well run
casino and help provide players
and casino management with up to
date information. We have strong
policies on electronic gaming along
with technical equipment that helps
maximise productivity while reducing
the possibility of cheating and theft.
Bally’s also operates a Surveillance
Department with international
standard cameras and equipment in
order to keep up with international
17
standards. We have also just recruited
a Surveillance Manager from overseas
who has extensive casino surveillance
expertise and knowledge.
Q
A
What kind of games can
we find here and what is
it about the casino that
would be deemed as
unique and enjoyable?
Bally’s is open for
foreigners who only need
to produce a form of
identification such as a
passport to gain entry. One thing is
clear, Bally’s Casino would light up
Colombo’s nightlife as this is probably
the only place in Colombo that is
open 24 hours a day, seven days
a week except on Poya (full moon)
days. Bally’s provides the options for
Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Andar
Bahar, Sicbo, Texas Hold ‘Em and
variations of poker. There is also a
form of Indian Poker called Teen Patti
and a number of interesting gaming
machines to add to the collection
found here.
This is one floor of excitement
coupled with frequent appearances
by Bollywood stars who visit the
casino for performances as well as
daily entertainment offerings such as
local and international dance groups.
We have also dedicated to our loyal
clients, a Chef all the way from India
who specializes in North Indian food.
So, Bally’s sure is one place that
doesn’t sleep.
Q
A
Can you describe to
us the structure of
employees and the tables
scattered around at
Bally’s?
This industry is very
labour intensive and
currently we have over
1000 employees who
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