I suppose its fair enough to eject me as I know they have strict policies on things like that. I asked him for a reason but he said I had to write into the General Manager to ask as they do not need to give a reason. Its not the first time I've been kicked out of a casino (previously was for card counting accusations on blackjack) and I guess its not going to be the last, still, was a bit embarrassing. We left with our tails between our legs....
The casino exibition at Earls Court was amazing, most of the online poker sites such as Playtech and Tribecca were there. The technology was very advanced, including a computerised poker table which did not require a dealer or a set of cards, you could play tournaments or cash games on it. Everyone who was anyone in gaming had a stall, and was handing business cards and loads of freebies out. We made some good contacts and managed to get to see all the stuff that was relevant to us. It was a long draining day for all six of us, but it had to be done and has helped us get a much better understanding of the systems and fixtures we require.
I want to be in a postion to select the Contractor who will fit out the club by the end of February, Nick is interviewing them all at the moment. The design keep changing as people come up with new ideas, in fact, everything keeps changing, the only consistant thing it that the estimated cost keeps increasing!
I'm also shelling out plently of cash on wages and set up costs (eg. professional fees etc), by my reckoning, I've spent just over £125,000 so far. Its all cash out of my own pocket at the moment, the loan from sf group hasn't been set up yet, so its hurting my pocket big time. I expect these miscellaneus pre opening costs to be over £350,000 on top of the re-furbishment bill. Basically, I'm paying these out of my gambling bankroll for the moment so I need to stay away from big football bets and high buy-in poker comps this year.
I'm surprised how many people outside of poker who know me have been reading this diary, I went out last night and 3 people who have never played poker said they had been reading the diary on blonde, all with a knowing smirk on their faces. The power of Blondepoker eh?
Our first official project meeting in scheduled for the 16th February, at my place. At this meeting we will review our current position and allocate tasks to each person for the next 4 weeks. I know I keep mentioning it and repeating myslef, but this is harder then setting up any of the businesses I have done in the past, god knows why, but it is. Either the brain is growing old or I've had an easy ride to date. Feeling tired and stressed.
