The main focus at the moment is ensuring we are fully prepared for the Magistrates Hearing on the 24th September. Looking at our evidence, I just cannot see how any rational court would rule in favour of the Casino's, and even if "demand" is in doubt, the court can still grant the license "at their discretion".
One thing is really bugging me.......the "word on the street" from the Casinos (and in particular one) is that they "have a million and one ways of delaying the DTD case".........I just cant see how this could be done, but this information is from a pretty reliable source. I find it a little bit strange that one Casino company is blatently telling its customers that they will do "anything they can to delay DTD long enough that Rob Yong won't be able to afford to open it", fair enough, say it to eachother, but do they really think their customers are impressed by this sort of thing? I keep going over and over everything in my head.....have I missed anything?, what can they do to delay us further?, why are they so confident?, I just cannot answer these questions....
The Gambling Commission have been great through this tough time, giving us impartial advice and always being at the end of the phone. I really think that if DTD is successful at the hearing, the fact that we have developed such a good relationship with The Gambling Commission, will ensure being "compliant" with all their rules and regulations should be a smooth process.
The club is basically complete now. Removable items such as tills, poker tables etc are being kept in storage, the last thing we need is a break-in to the premises before we even get open, there will be some pretty valuable fixtures and fittings in the club. When I need to cheer myself up, I just have a walk round the place.
I have received lots of "good luck" messages from the poker community, Marcel Luske has even sent me an 8ft painting courriered over from Las Vegas, which I have promissed him we will put in the VIP bar (and its not of himself lol). I will always remember who my friends and supporters have been through this difficult episode, and of course, I will never forget those who have not been as supportive or chose not to back me (lol).
There are 1000's of poker players accross Europe, but there is a hardcore of us that have travelled around the circuit and spent hours at the bar together, or playing "one card NL hold'em" till the really hours of the morning. We all know eachother, share plenty of bantor, even sometimes try and win eachothers money (and then just lend it back)........its a cool bunch of people and we all help each other out. I just hope that I get to see all these people at DTD some day, that would be great, our own poker club, with great comps, and plenty of winding eachother up. For this harcore of people, poker is not just about winning, its our social life, sharing bad beats, busting each other with J3 off and having people to turn to when we are running bad, I hope that DTD is successful in opening to provide the ideal environment of this "poker life" to continue.
I remember in Barcelona last year, I forgot my money, and Mickey Wernick said to me "how much do you need, Rob?" I replied "30,000 euros should see me through", to which Mickey prompty counted out sixty 500 euro notes, handed them over to me casually, and then went off to play a cash game. No mention of when or how I should repay him, what a top bloke. DTD is for the "Mickey Wernicks" of the world to come and have a drink, play some cards, and mix with like minded people.
I know I have not posted much over the last few months, but what is there to say? - the Club is built, we are ready, we just need the green light.
