Smart Responsible Gaming

This is the change I have been alluding to. Over the past weeks, I have mentioned that I was going to add a new feature to the website. I totally changed it. That change is Smart Responsible Gaming.

We will promote an intellectual view that will focus on a younger and new gamer. I am excited and passionate about this endeavor. Our posts will provide information about fantasy sports, sports betting and skill base games. There will still be updates about entertainment from the casino world. We will still provide interviews from the top executives,insiders and policy makers periodically.

What we were doing before this change was giving 70% of our attention toward the traditional casino player. A transition had to be made to stay relevant.

So we have invested in a new look for the website. smartresponsiblegamng.com

Gone are the static references to major sports leagues and gaming capitals. Our post will engage you with fresh content that will include this week in gaming review and  the current sporting event that is trending on social media.

You will get an insider perception of what going on. This will come from people that actually work in the professions they are sharing their opinions about. Imagine watching NFL Insiders and you'll visualize what we are doing. We will be data driven with analytics that will support assessments.

The biggest addition is the mobile app that accompanies this transition. Smart Responsible Gaming is available on Android and I phone versions. It is currently in the App Store - Official Site and can be downloaded for free. It will allow you to look at gaming as a social medium that requires planning to minimize risk.

It includes concepts that are novel such as nutritional advice. The app provide access to real time engagement.  The app will also increase your awareness so you'll make sound decisions. Decisions that will improve your gaming experience and allow for a balance quality of life.   If you are interested in online gaming or the aforementioned information targets, you can review it here.

Thanks to all that read any prior post over the past 3 years and are coming with us.

Welcome all the new audience members for joining in.
Enjoy the journey!
.
A new logo will accompany this change. For more details e mail info@smartresponsiblegaming.com

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                                                                  #ECGC20th

Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in SugarHouse Casino

SugarHouse Casino is having it's ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 9th.This will mark the completion of the 164 million dollar expansion and renovation reported by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This  is a prelude to the unveiling of a fine dining restaurant located by the riverfront. Hugo Frog's Bar and Chop House is renowned in Chicago and will become part of the Philly restaurant scene this month.

I was able to have a private,pre opening tour and dinner earlier this month.
“We are excited to bring an unmatched level of beef quality to a city that is steeped in steak history, from cheesesteaks to porterhouse,” said Hugo’s General Manager Jeff Cybulski.
“We know the city will be sweet on our new SugarHouse Philly Cut 12-ounce steak, as well as the quality, service and atmosphere that are central to the Hugo’s experience.”

The friendly atmosphere of Hugo Frog was on full display when I met Restaurant Manager Raju Jamil. He made it a point to greet every table and patron.Raju was associated with several fine dining establishments, notably the Palm Restaurant that is located in center city.

My server was Meagan. She admitted to being nervous but I could not tell. She delivered flawless service and paid attention to detail through out. Mind you, this was the 1st day that the staff actually serve food to someone other than each other.

 

My most memorable moment during my meal was the presentation that displayed the meat and the different cuts that you could order. I never witness that! This was a superb idea that had me salivating what to order. I decided not to let my eyes rule my stomach and ordered the scallops with shrimp cocktails as an appetizer. My dinner companion decided on the sea bass with crabmeat avocado as her appetizer.We enjoyed our meal and would recommend either of these selections if you desire.

 

 

 

Several other friends that were seated near me order steak ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse. After their food arrived. there was minimal conversation within an earshot of me as everyone was concentrating on eating. I expect them to come again.

 

 

 

My dessert recommendation would be the chocolate mousse. It has oreo shavings at the bottom.

 

Delectable!

Several points of note. Hugo's gives healthy portions so you should come hungry and leave full.

They also encourage sharing so you will get a chance to experience things together. The combined seating in the bar and dining rooms will accommodate more than 300 guests. Add this to a breath taking view and you'll tell everyone you know about Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in Philadelphia. The only location is at SugarHouse Casino. Where Philly loves a Winner!

Hugo's Frog is now open.

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G2E Women in Global Gaming: Interview with Wendy Hamilton - General Manager of SugarHouse Casino

Any conversation about the top Women in Global Gaming has to include Wendy Hamilton.
                                                       

 

Ms.Hamilton serves as the General Manager of SugarHouse HSP Gaming, L.P. (Alternate name, SugarHouse Casino). Prior to SugarHouse, Ms. Hamilton served as General Manager of Philadelphia Park Casino (now Parx Casino) in .Bensalem, PA where she was integral in planning the operational elements of the casino's grand opening and subsequent operations. She served with Harrah's Entertainment, starting as a Hotel Guest Service Representative and Assistant General Manager ... at Caesars Atlantic City. Outside of the casino, Hamilton serves on the board of the Police Athletic League and is an executive committee member for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

I was able to connect with Wendy as SugarHouse was celebrating it's fifth year anniversary. It's only fitting that 5 questions be appropriate  Here's Wendy!

1). 5 years of being one of the top places to work in Philadelphia. This is based on a poll by the Philadelphia Business Journal. What do you attribute this success to?

“We’re honored that our Team Members have voted SugarHouse Casino  a ‘Best Places to Work’ award in Philly each year since opening in 2010.  Creating and maintaining a great workplace has always been a top priority for us.  We want our Team Members to know that they are appreciated each and every day, because they truly are.  We celebrate their success often and provide recognition and rewards to acknowledge their many contributions." 

"It all starts with hiring the best people.”

 

                                                    

2). SugarHouse Casino is about to expand.  The first 5 years have featured a pattern of incremental growth.  What are the challenges in an expansion that will increase the amount of employees by 40%?

“The biggest challenge is that our market is increasingly saturated and highly competitive.  Our strategy is to expand our amenities and enhance guests’ experiences without generating excess gaming supply.  That’s why we’re introducing new restaurants like Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, creating event space catered by the famous Gibsons Restaurant Group, adding a permanent poker room and building a seven-story parking garage.”

3). The association with the local professional sports teams, the Mummers Day Parade and Poker Night in America have provided  dividends to SugarHouse.   Do you see a transition from a regional casino to one with a national profile?

“It’s true that SugarHouse has earned national recognition, but our focus remains on Philadelphia and its surrounding geographic areas.  We are Philly’s casino, and we will continue concentrating on our hometown.”

4). Online Gaming is part of the conversation in Pennsylvania, New York and California.  Would it be on your wish list going forward?

“SugarHouse welcomes the additional opportunities that online gaming represents, and we hope that Pennsylvania will approve online gaming in the near future.”

 

Wendy at the opening of SugarHouse Casino

 

5). What are the 3 most rewarding things that you have experienced in the 1^st five years of your tenure at SugarHouse?

“Job creation, community support and economic impact.  Providing more than one thousand high-quality jobs for people who ‘bring it’ every single day is both an honor and a privilege.  Supporting Fishtown and our surrounding neighborhoods and being able to give back to the community we call home is huge.  And contributing to the economic vitality of Philadelphia and the commonwealth is enormously gratifying for us.”

 

If you liked this interview, you may enjoy reading my post featuring Greg Carlin; CEO of Rush Street Gaming. Rush Street Gaming includes SugarHouse Casino, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.

 

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What works in 2015 Gaming - Part Two

I promised to give another key that will help grow the market in your gaming region. Since things are now communicated spontaneously, you must ask yourself is your organization doing that. Not just with your clientele but internally. How are you utilizing your e mail systems? Is everyone in the loop when special events and promotions are occurring? If marketing and/or food and beverage are aware, the front line personnel must be involved to serve as ambassadors. Even if they only have knowledge of the basics. The when, what, where of the event places the employees in a position that they can relay information to others.

This is successful

Because they know about it
 

The use of signage at the front desk and the entrants is important too. Don't leave out the restrooms either. There always someone going in or coming out. If you have the space, a communication board always works. Keep the employees aware of property updates and developments. Change the board daily so it stays fresh and gives the staff a reason to look at it.  Let them know when the home team is playing and what concert is coming to town. Some the attendees at those events may frequent your establishment and this information will serve as a conversation piece.

What's great about all of the things that I've suggested is they are cost effective. I'll give another

key to growing your market in a future post. I'll focus on your customer and share some innovation as to how to connect in real time.

 

Meanwhile, I provided a list of the top ten best places to work in Philly. The entire list can be found
at Philly.com.

1. Keller Williams Realty, Austin, TX

 

2. Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX

 

3. Health Partners Plans, Philadelphia, PA

 

4. Toll Brothers, Inc., Horsham, PA

 

5. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, New York, NY

 

6. Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Bala Cynwyd, PA

 

7. SugarHouse Casino, Philadelphia, PA

 

8. SAP Americas, Newtown Square, PA

 

9. The Vanguard Group, Malvern, PA

 

10. Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, Las Vegas, NV

 

Here are some of the top 10 best places to work in Las Vegas. Top Workplaces are not only better places to work but are more likely to be successful than peer organizations. This list was provided by the Las Vegas Review Journal. It includes Wynn Las Vegas ,The Venetian ,Host Las Vegas,

Caesar Entertainment Corporation and  Lexus of Las Vegas. If you're not on either list and your company is in competition within the same region as someone that is, you need to reassess your strategy. More keys soon. Below is the initial installment.

 

 http://thegamingguyproductions.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-works-in-2015-gaming.html
 

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