Darren has experience of managiing 50+ staff in a customer focussed retail environment (we will have about 55) and I feel that he will look after the employees in the club. I've opted for this profile of person rather than the traditional "casino manager" because I need someone I can trust, a person that is hands-on, and most importantly, very good with people. I've never met as Casino Manager with this profile, most of them seem to me to wander round the casino like policemen casting suspicious looks at their staff and customers, or maybe I'm a bit paranoid.
Darren will manage the overall running of the premises BUT will not be able to make any gaming decisions, only the Card Room Managers are allowed to do this under the gaming act. So many regulations and restictions, do's and don'ts, its frustrating having all these shackles for a venture which bears no real resemblence to a "normal casino". I bet the laws get relaxed the day after I hand of the £37k for the gaming licence..........
I have always surrounded myself with people that I have a long history with, I'd rather have someone I trust than a person who has excellent experience BUt I do not know. Many people have said to me over the years, "do not mix business with your friends etc etc" but I've continued to do it and so far it hasn't backfired to much, but I admit, its is sometimes not easy to give one of your mates a hard time and then have a few beers straight afterwards.
Okay, only a couple more key appointments left (including a Poker Host) and we'll have a full project team to work on the set-up of the club. We've really got to get our skates on and spec out the club in minute detail now, these plans have to be approved by the owners of the premises before we sign the lease, so I'm looking to have everything pulled together by Week 1 Feb. Nick is working on this as its more his cup of tea, I'm not very practical unfortunatley.
In the meantime, maybe see some of you guys in Luton at the weekend. Hoping to see a prototype of our web site later today, Mr Nowab's "new improved" version..............
