This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of World Gaming magazine.
High rollers are important to all casinos. A handful of high rollers can be worth hundreds of normal patrons, but they have a corresponding expectation of great service and luxurious surroundings. High rollers will not be disappointed when they visit the recently renovated Venetian High Limit Area when it opens in January.
For many decades I have been playing in high roller rooms all over the world. Due to my reputation I have been offered everything from stunning penthouse apartments and the best dining, to endless wine and cigars. Every major casino I enter will bend over backward to look after me because I have plenty of money and I am prepared to put it all on the line.
In places like Macau with its high density of casinos, it is even more important that casinos go out of their way to offer first rate services to their high rollers. With this in mind, the Venetian’s High Limit area is undergoing a face lift which will enhance its reputation as one of the best gaming facilities for VIPs in Macau.
Opulent rooms and outstanding service are all very well, but the gaming side of things must be of the highest standard. There are two key elements that high rollers like me care about. First, we want a wide range of tables and games so that we can easily find a place to make ourselves comfortable. The second important ingredient is that the staff are the best the casino can offer.
Andrew Billany, Senior Vice President of Paiza Macau and Plaza Operations for The Venetian Macau, said, “We had seen what could be done at the Plaza in terms of placing the customer and team members front and center of our focus and why personal service matters; what makes it possible and how it creates competitive advantage.
Senior Vice President of Paiza Macau and Plaza Operations for The Venetian Macau, Andrew Billany
“It’s about being different and we’ve been allowed to think differently on this project in terms of how we’ll perform our activities within our new spaces.”
This new project at The Venetian will ensure the gaming area offers an ultra-luxurious, highly-customised gaming experience. Simple things like relaxing tea lounges and private amenities do make a difference. Mr Billany is an expert when it comes to catering to the top echelon of gamers and the Venetian has created an environment which will cater for gaming and non-gaming needs.
When guests enter they will be guided by gorgeous hostesses through a series of opulent pavilions. No expense has been spared. The main gaming hall features rich carpets, antique mirrors, columns and ceilings of cascading crystal. I was very impressed with the traditional Chinese silk wall coverings which add an element of theatre to the large< gaming room.
The main casino hall leads into a suite of private gaming enclaves known as the “Ruby Salons”. These salons are decorated with black and gold-accented wainscot paneling, Venetian glass chandeliers and red wall panels that showcase symbolic Chinese artwork. These extravagant design elements create a stunning backdrop but also induce the sense of calm and focus that high rollers such as myself demand.
The Venetian has a lot to be proud of with this new venture.
As Mr Billany explains, “Our new spaces will cater to our premium mass gaming guests and will set a new standard for a high limit gaming experience in Macau. Designing the new spaces we focused on how to create competitive advantage via innovations in the product, design, style and personal amenities. However, the main thrust for the space will be in providing a truly personalised service for both our high limit table and slot players”.
Here’s what you will find at the new Venetian VIP room.
High Limit Room
|
Game
|
Tables
|
|---|---|
|
Midi baccarat
|
20
|
| No commission baccarat |
23
|
| Roulette |
3
|
| Blackjack |
4
|
| Caribbean stud poker |
2
|
Ruby room
|
Game
|
Tables
|
|---|---|
|
Midi baccarat
|
9
|
| No commission baccarat |
5
|
Slots Room
156 slot machines.
Tea Lounges
Tea lounges offer a calming environment away from tables. My personal favorite is the Jasmine Dragon Pearl.
High Limit Tea Lounge
Enjoy the Tea Master’s selection of premium teas and house teas in the perfect retreat setting. Personalised amenities have been created to take care of all Diamond and Ruby Sands Reward Club members.
House Teas
Chrysanthemum, Yunnan PuEr, Long Jing, Chun Hao Jasmine Needle, Tie Guan Yin, White Peony.
Premium Green Tea
Dongshan Biluochun, Zhejiang Long Jing.
Premium Black Tea
Lapsang Souchong, Rose Lychee Black Tea.
Premium Dark Tea
Ripen PuEr (10 years), Raw-aged PuEr (8 years).
Premium Scented and Floral Tea
The Jasmine Dragon Pearl, The Signature Blend.
Premium Oolong Tea
Supreme Orchid Tie Guan Yin, Wuyi Da Hong Pao, Mt Phoenix Dan Cong, Taiwan Fushoushan Oolong.
Snacks
Don’t forget to have a look at the snack menu which offers a wide selection from menus that change throughout the day. Particularly nice are the Lord Stow‘s Macanese egg tarts, BBQ puffs and baked pineapple buns.
