Gambling news from http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/
Oceans Casino Cruises Chairman Robert Weisberg has had plenty of experience in the world of business - mostly in the banking arena.
He's new to the gaming biz, but not to the area. Weisberg has been coming here for years on vacation and on golf outings.
These days, though, Weisberg and partner Spiros Naos own about half of the Little River waterfront, where the gaming boat docks, through Highland Park Real Estate Development Corp.
In July, Weisberg's company spent $4.5 million to buy the property where the SunCruz office and parking is located.
Weisberg said he has been a banker most of his career, working 18 years for the Bank of Boston.
He's been involved in mergers and acquisitions in his banking career but describes himself today as an entrepreneur.
"This [casinos] is not my normal business," Weisberg said. "I've been in the banking business most of my life."
Indeed, he said he is not a fan of gambling, and only plays poker, which he differentiates from gambling because he believes it is a game of skill.
"I don't go on a boat. I get seasick and I don't gamble. I play poker," he said.
Little River, he said, "is one of our most important ports."
Of late, his company has gained some notoriety with alleged ties to organized crime through its associations with other businessmen. Weisberg denies any connection.
Question | You got a pretty good deal on SunCruz when you bought it out of bankruptcy.
Answer | We really did. We got it for
$34 million and it sold for $150 million just a few years earlier.
Q | Even though you say you don't gamble, isn't buying the boat and property in its own way a form of gambling? What makes you think SunCruz will be successful in Little River?
A | I take calculated risks. I don't gamble. I'm not a gambler in life. We already have a track record here and the market here is developed. Then you have 12 million visitors coming this area.
Q | What have you had to do to make sure this casino business pays off?
A | Every boat has been in drydock. That means things like new engines. There are a million things that can go wrong with these boats. Last year, we purchased 31 new buses and bought several hundred new slot machines.
Q | What is your demographic for the boat in Little River?
A | It's basically people in their 50s, 60s, 70s. During the week it's not the work crowd, it's the folks who are retired or are on their vacations. On the weekends, it's a younger crowd, but we're not marketing to them. We don't say this is the disco of the area. You're on a boat and you're only on it for three hours.
Q | Have the allegations of connections with organized crime types hurt your business?
A | None whatsoever. Ninety nine percent of our customers couldn't care less. They are there to gamble, to have a good time.
Q | Is there any truth to the allegations?
A | In no way, shape or form have any of the present management team ever been indicted or involved in any criminal activity. Most of our dealers have key licenses. We have been cleared by the Department of Justice [to run the casinos] and are authorized users of International Game Technology slot machines. You have to be cleared to use their slot machines or they won't even talk to you. They can't afford to do it or they would lose their license.
Q | So what do you believe is behind all the media attention?
A | The death of Boulis was a big news story. It had all the earmarks of gangland slaying and all kinds of mysteries you find on a television miniseries. I can tell you he was a pretty straight guy. He just got into business dealings with the wrong people. [Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis, founder of SunCruz Casinos, was killed in 2001 in a gangland style shooting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.]
Q | Burroughs & Chapin Co. is the largest company in our area and is involved in all kinds of industry and entertainment. Have you guys ever talked with them about any deals?
A | No. We haven't talked with them. We have just owned this for two years.
Q | But you do joint promotions?
A | Absolutely as much as possible. We have programs with various hotels. There's tremendous opportunity to do that across the board.
Q | Golfing is very big here. Do you plan to do promotions with the local golfing industry?
A | We have a tremendous amount of golfers who come on board. We're going to develop relationships with local pros. We just haven't completely formulated it yet.
Q | Do you have any dealings with any American Indian tribes that would allow for expansion?
A | No. We haven't talked with any tribes.
Q | Gambling has really taken off in this country. What do you think about its future?
A | I think gambling, regrettably, is growing by leaps and bounds, and it concerns me. We have teens and children gambling on the Internet every day on the new poker craze. It doesn't portend well for the future for these kids. It sets a bad pattern for them. I think Vegas-style gambling doesn't belong in family places like Myrtle Beach. It belongs in Vegas or Atlantic City [N.J.]. We don't allow unlimited betting on our cruises. |
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