G2E 2015 has more emphasis on technology and education than any of it's predecessors.
Drexel University has a gaming curriculum that combines research and real world application.
Robert Ambrose is a prominent part of that combination.
Robert Ambrose is a Casino & Hospitality Instructor at the Center for Hospitality
His summary experience includes an MS in Hospitality Management.
After a successful 30 career in Casino and Hospitality Management,
he joined Drexel as a Gaming and Hospitality Instructor. Instructor Ambrose
continually collaborates with industry professionals and reports on the industry about
his research through class lectures, the publication of his articles and consulting.
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1). Tell the readers about the concept for the Lab?
"In most universitiy casino class programs the students learn theory, application through text, experience various media documentation about gaming and maybe have an opportunity to visit a casino with the class to observe.'
"The learning goal of the Dennis Gomes Memorial Casino Resort Classroom at Drexel is for students to be engaged in active learning. They will become active participants in the roles of front-line employees, managers and customers within a live casino operation environment. With hands on participation applied to the instruction, the students will become participants in the learning process."
"Bally got the ball rolling for us. Now we have Konami products and under the new Scientific Gaming Brand WMS Games as well. We also are looking at Table Games."
2). Can you cite any challenges from a regulatory standpoint (PGCB) in developing the Lab?
"The PA Gaming Board has been outstanding in assisting us in the process. I petitioned the state and met before the board October 2013 to respond to the proposal. The machines do not accept currency and are subject to all regulations that apply to casinos, including 24-hour surveillance and are locked down when not in use. We had to make a considerable investment to meet the state regulatory requirements but it’s all been good."
3). What makes the lab unique compared to other gaming curriculums?
"Drexel has offered a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in gaming and casino operations since 2009. Hospitality and Sport Management is a collaborative school founded by my Director Jonathan Deutsch PhD. It is because of his vision and openness along with the Drexel administrative community that have brought us to the point of the Gomes Casino Training Lab."
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| Home of the Gomes Casino Training Lab |
"Drexel has always been a university specializing in experiential learning through co-operative education experiences. When our students graduate they have a working resume and on-the-job experience that will place them directly into positions. Many graduate the program with jobs having already entered the working environment through the co-op program. We develop relationships with industry. As in the case of the casino and hospitality industry we are on the ground networking on behalf of the students. Many members of our instructional staff have industry experience. Whether it’s gaming, hotel ops or culinary, we bring that network to the school in the forms of property visits, guest lectures, job fairs and internships."
4). The gaming industry is transforming from one of baby boomers to Generation Y. This includes the patrons and the employees. Do you think gaming classes prepares both of these groups for that transition?
"The “Y” generation (“millennials”) are now moving into the market place both as employees and consumers some 80 million strong; according to the US Chamber of Commerce. This is the first generation that has grown up from diaper to “cap and gown” centered in a planet sized evolution of technology. Goldman Sachs refers to them as “digital natives, with an affinity for technology.” They have and will continue to change the marketplace."
Just as the gaming industry is providing more elements of interactive gaming, the Y Gen customers desire a “multi-integrated” set of adventures and experiences through a multi-tasked presentation. The model is more reflective of the video games and social media that these new consumers grew up with. Employees of casino operations have had to adapt as well and adjust their methods when it comes to the customer service values of Y-Gen’s vs. the Baby Boomers. It is about accurately facilitating the casino customer experience to a diversified demographic base. Gaming and hospitality products have cross generational interest. The process of marketing and providing service to all calls for creative applications. Today under a signal umbrella of hospitality, the new presentation of the casino experience is intermixed more with other property choices. The customer perspective is about not only the experience of the casino but it's relationship to the entire property brand.
5). The Lab is named after the late Dennis Gomes. Gomes was an extraordinary leader in the casino industry. What would he like about this Lab and curriculum?
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| Dennis Gomes |
"He would be very proud that we are doing this. Dennis Gomes was a very hands-on executive and spirited gaming industry visionary. He had a strong commitment to education and was a mentor to many people who are now industry executives. It was a great experience having known him and to have worked for him. Once I received approval from the Gomes family to dedicate the lab in his name; we haven’t looked back. We have been overwhelmed by the support of the industry that sees Drexel students as both their future customers and workforce. If he were here today, he would be very pleased and be very involved in the school."
6.).What additions do you have planned for the lab in 2016?
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| TROPICANA CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY |
"We are looking at expanding out our present area to include table games. We also have a major scholarship fund raiser planned in Atlantic City at the Tropicana in October. It is a ticketed event and invitations have already gone out. It is being hosted by Barbara Gomes. Our MC is Celebrity Chef Carla Hall. The Tropicana was the right place to hold this first of many events since Dennis was responsible for the building of the Quarter and so much else at that property. I continue to work on partnership for our student co-ops as well. I also teach the hotel side of our program so I plan to stay busy." Reach out to Bob during or after #G2E2015.
r.ambrose16@gmail.com
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