CAESARS’ EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 People Planet Play Page 04/05 Chefs’ Forum Page 16 Brand Immersion Day Page 3 CONTENTS F&B 03 People Planet Play 04/05 What I’ve Learnt 06 Kaizen at Work with KYC 07 Playboy Club London 08 The Sportsman 09 Meet the Team 10/11 The Empire 12 Alea Glasgow 13 FROM THE EDITOR Industry Updates 14/15 Welcome to the third issue of your new-look people-friendly employee magazine. Manchester235 16 As you all know, we’ve never been more focused on compliance than we are right now with all the challenges of Know Your Customer (KYC) Alea Nottingham 17 and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). You’ll notice that several of our interviewees in Meet the Team on pages 10 and 11 mention these new Rendezvous Brighton 18 compliance demands and talk about how our values are working hard to support our business in this tough environment. Rendezvous Southend 19 We also have some great successes to celebrate in this issue. You all made the most amazing efforts to celebrate our good citizenship on the E-Cards Wall 20/21 first ever People Planet Play Day last month, and we are delighted to bring you a round-up of what went on. See pages 4 and 5. Egypt 22 Our HR Director Ian Woodward is in the spotlight for this edition’s What I’ve Learnt feature on page 6 and you’ll find the ecards recognition wall Emerald Resort and Casino 23 on pages 20 and 21. We’ve loved receiving all your venue news and I hope you’ll enjoy finding Head Office 24 out what fellow team members have been up to across the business. Don’t forget to keep your Full House correspondent in the loop if you’d Quizzes 25 like to see the magazine feature some charity event or success that you’ve been involved in. Here’s a quick reminder of who’s who: Long Service Reflections 26/27 Playboy Club London: Jo Benningfield – [email protected] ACES Back Cover The Sportsman: Nikki Izzard – [email protected] The Empire: Rugilé Svagzde – [email protected] THE FULL HOUSE TEAM Manchester235: Cheryl Luckhurst –[email protected] Alea Nottingham: Joelie Hayson – [email protected] Leonie Bonar, Designer Alea Glasgow: Karen Wedderburn – [email protected] [email protected] Rendezvous Brighton: Roxanne Roe – [email protected] Rendezvous Southend: Danielle Selfe – [email protected] Anna Schmidt, Co-ordination Head Office: Anna Schmidt – [email protected] [email protected] That’s it for now. I hope you enjoy the edition and all have a happy and Suzanne Cadisch, Editorial successful run-up to Christmas. F&B SIPSMITH EXPERIENCES Caesars UK has teamed up with Sipsmith microdistillery to offer customers a new line in taste and entertainment. The plan is for the quirky niche brand to sponsor a series of cocktail masterclasses, teaching customers to make the perfect mixed drinks with Sipsmith gin and vodka. In 2009 Sipsmith became the first copper-pot distillery to open in London in almost two centuries. DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Members of our F&B team headed down to rural Hampshire for a fascinating brand immersion day at the home of Bombay Sapphire gin, a leading name in the portfolio of our new spirits supplier Bacardi. Behind the doors of the historic Laverstoke Mill distillery, they discovered the secrets, skill and botanicals that have made Bombay Sapphire a world leader. Naturally enough, they got up close and personal with the gin as well as the process, thanks to a delicious tasting session to round off the day. “A day like this gives our team members real insight into the brands we work with,” explained F&B Director Rob Wear. “They can take that knowledge back to their venues which helps all of us deliver even better customer service. “We switched suppliers from Diageo because Bacardi has some truly exciting premium brands, such as Jack Daniel’s and Grey Goose. It’s a real win for our customers as Bacardi is also very proactive about working with us to deliver stand-out experiential events.” RAISING A GLASS TO COINTREAU We marked 170 years of the world’s favourite orange liqueur with a series of summer pop-up Cointreau Margarita bars in venues across the country. FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 3 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY GLASGOW TAKE A BOW! Supported a Back to School Bank for parents struggling to afford uniforms, YOU MADE OUR FIRST shoes and classroom kit, donating DPEAOYPALEHUPGLAENSEUTCCPLEASYS everything from rulers to school bags, plus cash for clothing. The team also On September 11 and throughout that offered storage facilities and is now week, hundreds of team members across planning a fundraising night for the the UK and Egypt took part in planned charity at the casino. activities to demonstrate our commitment to our communities, our planet and our THE SPORTSMAN guests. This was a fantastic celebration of Caesars’ Provided 15 volunteers to help values, showcasing how we live our Code the Westway Trust revamp of Commitment each and every day and community gardens, organised a what we do to make our communities the litter pick in Hyde Park, and raised best places to live and work. £114 for Macmillan Cancer Support We have awarded the Top Performer Team with a bake-off competition The prize of £1,000, for the Sports and Social F&B team created a special Go budget, to The Empire for the amazing Green cocktail. effort they put into their People Planet Pay Day initiative. Congratulations to the The Empire team and everyone else who helped us make a real impact with the first People Planet Play Day. Take a look at what went on around the estate.... SOUTHEND Ran a mental health day for team members to improve understanding of the issues and let people know that friendly, non-judgmental support is available. 4 FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 BRIGHTON Organised a beach clean-up around the marina, created a living wall to provide a wildlife environment, and held a staff Poker tournament with a percentage of the buy-ins going to the local foodbank. NOTTINGHAM Held a Wellness Together day, serving a healthy breakfast to team members and organising teamwork exercises, a food and mood seminar, a healthy cooking demo, and boxfit session. Participants also donated clothing to a local homeless charity. MANCHESTER Held a traditional sports day for team members and their families to boost health and wellbeing and promote team spirit. Participants enjoyed old fashioned school races, a big kids obstacle course, and a wipe-out machine. THE EMPIRE PLAYBOY Held a tea party in Icon for elderly Had a clear out and members of the local Chinese donated no-longer- community and organised needed sports, baby and basic Chinese lessons for team household equipment, members. Customers and plus books, DVDs, lost passers-by were also invited to property items, and nine swap single use plastic bottles for sacks of clothing to the reusable Empire-branded ones. British Heart Foundation. HEAD OFFICE EGYPT Volunteers tidied up the Gave the gift of eyesight to thousands garden for elderly residents of people by donating medical eye-care at nearby Glarus Court and equipment to a mobile clinic, enabling treated the elderly residents the Raie Misr charity to treat cataracts to a tea party. and glaucoma for the first time. The charity will be able to restore the sight of around 1,200 patients a week. FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 5 WHAT I’VE LEARNT THIS ISSUE – IAN WOODWARD Our Human Resources Director is celebrating a decade with the company. Married with two young daughters, Ian joined a John Lewis training scheme on leaving school and drifted into HR as he climbed the Waitrose management ladder, achieving his professional qualifications at night school. He moved to Mecca Bingo in 2001 and diverted to the pharmaceutical industry for three years, before rejoining gaming at Caesars in 2009. I wanted to be a vet but I wasn’t on the phone or looking at emails. coat to reveal a bra and hot pants – clever enough academically. I got “Be here now” is a guiding principle and she was covered in body oil. She a Saturday job at the local practice for home and work life; it’s one of just looked at me and said: “I’ve got when I was 14, first as a cleaner and the central principles of our Inspire this wrong haven’t I?” later helping out in the surgery, but Our Best culture. after A levels the vet told me to Saying “Stick” or “Freeze” really go and get a proper job. He knew I Don’t procrastinate. Read the winds up a professional Blackjack wouldn’t get into veterinary college email once and decide what you’re dealer! As a kid I used to play and said I’d never support a family going to do about it. Making quick pontoon with my nan and the first on a veterinary nurse’s wages. It was decisions about the things to ignore, time I played proper Blackjack I used good advice. either because I can’t control them the same amateur terminology. The or they’re just not important, keeps dealers literally recoiled. It’s just not Whatever you do, make sure me focused on what can have an the done thing. you are doing it for the right impact and what deserves my reasons. More sage advice from attention. I honestly can’t think of a Caesars is a huge organisation, my first employer, the vet. He was time that deleting an email has come but it doesn’t feel like it. What an amazing guy. He fostered about back to bite me! constantly amazes me is how 15 children and was so focused on connected I can be to the business family and family values. I think Martial arts are brilliant for mental at all levels. It’s a big brand, a big taking a step back to examine your well-being. The girls and I started company, but there are no barriers. objectives and ask yourself if you’re doing freestyle martial arts two years doing something for the right reason ago after winning family lessons at HR is a strategic business partner, is a good rule to live by in your a local carnival. It was such fun we not just a service. It’s a measure personal and professional life. carried on, and the three of us are of professional success when red belts now. It’s great for fitness someone asks for HR’s view in a Reading To Kill a Mockingbird at of course but also for instilling business meeting. Personally, I think school taught me the importance discipline and self-confidence, and success is when you leave a smile on of doing the right thing no matter I’ve seen how the focus required can someone’s face after a conversation what. It genuinely inspired me and also help with anxiety. and they go and pass it on to helped form some of my personal someone else for the rest of the day. values - tolerance, tenacity, fair You’ll never hear me ask anyone play, respect. When I met my wife it to “reach out and connect with” turned out to be her favourite book someone else. Just say: “Please will too. We even gave our first child the you speak to so-and-so”. middle name Scout after Atticus Finch’s daughter. People continue to surprise me, even after 20 years as an HR Is the world better with or without professional. Bearing in mind technology? I wish I could ask my you have to be licensed to work in nan that question. She died 20 years this business, it’s astonishing what ago at the age of 96 but I’d love to some people come out with in job be able to ask her what she thinks interviews. They’ll sail so close to about the modern world. the wind, or they might be very judgemental about the seediness Work-life balance isn’t about of gaming. When we were first start and finish times. It’s about interviewing for Playboy, we asked the ability to “be here now”. If we’re people to come dressed to reflect having family time, we’re having what they thought the brand meant. family time which means daddy isn’t One girl took off her floor-length fur 6 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 KAIZEN AT WORK WITH KYC KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER PROCESSES Our continuous improvement programme Kaizen, which supports us to deliver a more efficient business, is helping us to streamline and speed up our essential Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. Thanks to Kaizen insights, and Customer Due Diligence we have now introduced an (CDD) information. upgrade to our Intelligent Improved reporting helps us Gaming system Neon which monitor our KYC status more significantly reduces the time effectively and make any our analytics team spends required changes more quickly, accessing data and building which is better for our business our KYC reports. and for our customers. It also helps our operations teams by speeding up the process for gathering, recording and approving Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) ADVERT LOANS MADE SIMPLE Important: This is an option, not a recommendation. Caesars does not benefit from offering this service and all your communications will be with Salary Finance. Applications will be assessed Borrow at affordable rates and pay off existing to ensure the loan is appropriate and affordable for you. debt direct from your salary. You can apply even if © 2019 Salary Finance Limited. All rights reserved. Salary Finance Limited and Salary Finance you have poor credit, CCJs or have defaulted in Loans Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference numbers: 758053 and 734585). For loan products, Salary Finance Limited acts as credit broker the past. Representative Rate 10.9% APR exclusively for associated company Salary Finance Loans Limited. Salary Finance Limited and Salary Finance Loans Limited are registered in England & Wales (company numbers: 09677777 FINANCIAL EDUCATION and 07643748) at One Hammersmith Broadway, London, W6 9DL. Data Protection Registrations: ZA152606 and ZA099501. Tools, tips, calculators and videos you can access to help you be better with money FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 7 and take control of your finances 23/08/2019 09:32 We can all be better with money, find out today if Salary Finance could help you by visiting: caesars.salaryfinance.com Caesars Ad Jo Benningfield: [email protected] PLAYBOY CLUB LONDON ON THE RUN ON YOUR BIKE! The London 10k is where running Ten Playboy team members for charity meets street party fun. saddled up for Europe’s oldest Team Playboy pounded along charity bike ride in June – the 54- closed roads through central mile London to Brighton challenge. London to raise funds for Against Together they raised a whopping Breast Cancer in this summer’s flat £1,991 for life-saving research into and fast urban 10k organised by heart and circulatory diseases. Virgin Sport and sportswear brand The British Heart Foundation’s ASICS. flagship event, which celebrates its 45th anniversary next year, sets off Team members were Basia from Clapham Common and winds Macleod, Gabby Thorley, Natalie through the Sussex countryside to Deegan, Fay De-Liege, Hannah Brighton beach. Bartlam, Celso (JR) Pidlaoan, Pedalling for charity were Julian Julian Edwards and Oana Edwards, Gary Dixie, Garfield Postolache. q Morgan, Pierre O’ Connell, Argel Margita, Marika Zdeb, Helder I’M A CASINO Tavares, Lee Jarvis, Luke Tatum WORKER…GET ME and Andrea Ciesielska. t OUT OF HERE! SPINNING Team members worked together YELLOW INTO to find clues, solve puzzles, and CHARITY GOLD break codes to win their freedom from thrilling escape rooms in an Playboy helped turn the world exciting sports and social event yellow for a day in aid of the organised at Escape London. fight against cystic fibrosis. Team members wore something yellow Among those taking part were to work and made a donation Julian Edwards, Sebastiano Vacca, to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, our Luke Tatum, Jake Musni, Helder Bunnies sported their yellow Tavares, Sophia Breakspear, Lorelai costumes, and the chefs baked Sherban, Milena Trendafilova and batches of delicious yellow cup Serine Farchoukh. p cakes to sell on the day. Their efforts raised almost £560. p 8 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 Nikki Izzard: [email protected] THE SPORTSMAN NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES! Strawberries and bubbly were the order of the day for 14 Sportsman team members who enjoyed Ladies Day at Royal Ascot this year. All departments were represented in the group that dodged the showers during the prestigious annual event at the beautiful Berkshire racecourse. Pictured from left are James Howard-Simpson, Liz Sewell, Nikki Izzard, Davor Travica, and Maggie McGarvey Moore. u A SMASHING IDEA When Zaman Restaurant was given a makeover, including smart new crockery, Head Chef Av Kamat suggested donating the unwanted plates, bowls and serving dishes to the community. A colleague proposed the Walk Tall charity and Gaming Manager Perrina Hoser was dispatched with boxes of china. The recycling initiative was a win for the community and the environment. q COMMUNITY NETTING MORE GARDENING CHARITY CASH Volunteers from The Sportsman Another £500 in the bank for Haven continue to support the Westway House Children’s Hospice thanks to Trust gardens by helping to look the efforts of tireless fundraiser Dave after the open spaces, walkways Jarvis. Surveillance officer at the and children’s play area serving Sportsman, Dave turns his passion high-rise flats near Grenfell Tower. for fly-fishing into an annual money- spinner for charity. p Pictured from left are Jo Casino, Westway staff member Anna, Nikki Izzard, Chris Dallaway, Zeinab Komsan, Mirina Farias de Faria and Paul Parvelescu. p FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 9 MEET THE TEAM One of our six HANNAH EWELINA LYNN GRAHAM core Caesars HAWKEN GAJEWSKA WESTRAY ILEY values is Caring F&B Attendant, DI, Head Cleaner, VIP Casino Host, Culture, Rendezvous Playboy Alea Nottingham Manchester235 which we Southend define as “We’re a relatively “To me, caring culture “As a VIP host you “creating a “Every element of small team at Playboy means all employees have to operate caring culture the F&B team – bar and there’s a real caring for each other, somewhere in the so every team staff, waiters, chefs sense of family. We for the business, and middle between the member – must work closely care about each for its mission, vision customer and the can have together to deliver other, we look out for and values. Not only casino, cheering the fun and be amazing customer one another, and we do we benefit from wins, commiserating at his or her service. I’m usually enjoy each other’s our caring culture but over losses, so we’re personal and on the gaming floor successes. If staff our customers can not part of the team professional but if we get a rush aren’t happy then our feel it too. A couple in a conventional best”. Full and I can see they’re customers won’t be of team members sense. But we House asked swamped in the happy, so it’s really are always more than couldn’t develop nine team restaurant or at the important that I treat happy to move hours, new customer members, in bar then I’ll go and people fairly and that swap shifts or work relationships without different roles help to balance the they can trust me. extra hours if needed the active help of across the workload, and I know They know I keep my to cover during colleagues. I rely on estate, what a colleagues would do word, that if I promise emergencies, holidays the guys running caring culture the same for me. And something I do it; and sickness. the tables to let means to if one person makes a then when I need “Having a caring me know if I should them, and mistake, the rest of us them to back me up, culture in the be talking to a what other are there to help sort they do. workplace means particular customer. value is it out. “I think you can see there is always Or someone in the particularly “People are also the caring culture at support available F&B team might important in brilliant at covering work across Playboy. when anyone needs it tip me off about a their job. each other’s shifts It makes the club a and that it is generally potential player in the at short notice if nice place to work as a much happier place restaurant. someone can’t come well as being good to work.” “You don’t go into work. for customers and the the extra mile for “I think diversity goes business. But really all customers just hand in hand with a the values come as because it’s your job; caring culture. You a package. Integrity, you do it because have to understand ownership, service you genuinely care that every single with passion...they about these people. person is unique in all play an important If you didn’t, they’d order to work well part in our personal see right through as a team, especially and professional you. Authenticity one like ours where success.” and integrity are people come from critical for success, so many different especially in this countries. It’s so tough environment important to respect of Enhanced Due individuality and Diligence. As the different cultures.” customer’s friend, it’s sometimes more effective if I ask the difficult questions.” 10 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 JEANETTE JANET SAM NIKKI JAGS TAYLOR WELSH CLEMO IZZARD RATTU ACM, Admin Assistant, DI, DI, IT Engineer Business Rendezvous Brighton Alea Glasgow The Empire The Sportsman Continuity, Head Office “In my role, caring “Alea’s caring culture “I’ve been in this “I think the essentials culture means being was evident from the business for 25 years for a caring culture “Making sure all there to listen to team moment I started but at The Empire are kindness, taking our non-gaming IT members, whatever working here last under Chris Green the time to treat equipment – tills, they want to talk year. The warm I’ve been given more people as individuals, payment machines, about, professional welcome I received opportunities than and having empathy. PCs and so on – or personal. It’s about from everyone had a ever before, both as In the casino we continues working making people feel really positive impact a part-timer and as a understand how busy properly 24/7 keeps you always have time on my confidence woman. I’ve helped our managers are the business running for them. Sometimes and enjoyment of run three training with Enhanced Due smoothly while you spend more the job. Now that schools, I’ve just been Diligence work at we’re asleep but our time at work than at I’m involved in the promoted to DI, and the moment, so we casinos are busy. home so it’s good induction of new I always feel that I’m support them by only I don’t want any to feel you’re not a starters I try to ensure listened to. Whenever calling them down member of staff or robot; that if you have that all new team I come up with an when absolutely any customer to be something on your members feel as idea which I think necessary. inconvenienced by a mind you can release welcome as I did and might make the job “Being quite a small piece of equipment it a bit. that they know help easier for everyone, venue allows me to being down. “As ACMs we have a is always at hand, Chris listens and, if check-in regularly “People often ask lot of responsibility whatever they need. he thinks it’s good, with team members, IT for help. Maybe – for other “I also aim to promote we’ll work together make sure people they have a video departments too, not health and wellbeing on putting it into are doing OK, and conference in 10 just gaming – plus through my role practice. spot when someone minutes and they’ve there’s so much new because that is such “Now my daughters maybe needs a bit of never used the Zoom stuff coming in all the an important part are a bit older and I extra support. People system before. We time around KYC. We of making people want to push myself know they can talk to might be right in the support each other to feel valued at work, and develop my me about anything, middle of something understand it all and driving engagement career, I’m getting all professional or else but we’ll always get clear on what is which in turn lifts job the support I need to personal, and I always step up. Individually expected of us. performance and do that. I feel valued follow up. there will be some “Celebrating success customer service. and that makes a “If I have to pull knowledge gaps in is another important “Ownership is huge difference to someone up for our small team so value because when another key value me. something, I don’t we continually draw you do it you are for me. There is a “This is a caring have to say it in a on one another’s acknowledging massive amount culture for customers negative way that expertise. people and letting of compliance too. We look out for makes them feel “Ownership is them know they are information we need people on the gaming bad. I can be kind, important too. A at work for a reason to keep up with so I floor. I know one sensitive, keep it as couple of years ago other than getting a decided to create a regular customer is light as possible. we realised every wage.” bulletin board in the diabetic so I make “Being kind to each single F&B till needed office to help us stay sure she always has a other and having to be upgraded in on top of it.” drink on hand.” a laugh and a joke order to work with make for a happy Neon, so the IT team work environment.” took on the project and made it happen.” FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 11 Rugilé Svagzde:[email protected] THE EMPIRE INSPIRING THE EMPIRE’S BEST Different departments at the Empire have developed a better understanding of one another’s contributions to the business thanks to a special day hosted by Inspire Our Best champions Robin Ward, Gabrielle de Propris, Eric Miller, Les Blair and Rommel Lapinid. Delegates learned more about Inspire Our Best key concepts such as the importance of appreciation, the accountability ladder, and Be Here Now, and also enjoyed a Cocktail Masterclass, Learn to Play session and meal in FuLuShou together. “This was the perfect way to learn how we can help each other work better as one team,” said DI Benjamin Jacks. VIP WELCOME GREAT EMPIRE HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR REBRANDED BAKE OFF TO EVERYONE! REWARDS Fifteen team members got their No birthday goes uncelebrated VIP customers were invited to pick aprons on to produce 23 different at the Empire! Each month, the up their new Caesars Rewards cakes to sell in aid of the mental venue invites team members with card at specially themed launch health charity SANE They raised a birthday, plus a guest, to a party parties where they were greeted £307 which the casino then in Icon Balcony Bar. p by Caesar and a Roman goddess doubled for the cause. and enjoyed music from electric PROMO KIOSK IS violinist Sally Potterton, Roman- Winners were Sarah-Jane Newman A HIT themed canapés, and prize draws for the best decorated cake and with prizes up to £2,000. p Katarzyna Grabska-Nedjah whose All the hard work put in to set up orange, chocolate and almond a system for issuing promotional cake was judged the best bake complimentary food vouchers and also raised the most money. q for Asian area players proved a win-win for the Empire by cutting RACING DI working hours and saving DRAGONS customers waiting time, The new food voucher kiosk has potential Empire team members took part to be used in other promotions in in the London Hong Kong Dragon the future. p Boat Festival for the fifth time in June, but this proved not to be their year. Although unplaced in the Docklands race, the team once again helped raise the Empire’s profile along with cash for Chinese schools in the M25 area. t 12 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 Karen Wedderburn: [email protected] GLASGOW CHAMPAGNE CELEBRITY KITTING OUT POP-UP PUTS SPOTTING KIDS SUMMER FIZZ INTO ALEA Singer-songwriter Garry Cinnamon Ahead of the new school year, and Line of Duty star Martin Alea teamed up with city charity A previously unused mezzanine Compston set hearts a-flutter Back to School Bank to provide area overlooking the river at Alea when they dropped into the casino uniforms, shoes and stationery Glasgow has been transformed unannounced in May. The local to families who can’t afford the into a gorgeous Laurent-Perrier celebrities happily posed with necessities. Champagne Summer Garden - receptionist Lauren Gordon giving Working alongside schools and customers adore it! Social Alea a sensational snap for social and social services, the charity media is full of snaps of the flower media and the press. connects children in need with walls, pretty pink deckchairs, and The casino’s Facebook post donors like Alea in a bid to Instagram-ready giant birdcage. reached an audience of more than reduce the number of youngsters 8,500 people, while the Scottish sent home from school because The marketing team teased the Sun, which carried the story, has a they don’t have the basic clothes unveiling of the pop-up garden print and online readership of three or equipment. at the beginning of July and was million plus. q As well as donating complete rewarded with thousands of likes uniforms, our big-hearted team and shares and a flurry of bookings SUPERIOR members came up with extras ahead of the official launch party in SERVICE from school bags to lunch boxes early August. Two special bubbly to help give these children the packages, featuring chocolate- Front of House Manager and best possible start to the new dipped strawberries and summer all-round casino superstar Stuart school year. buffets along with pink fizz and Beaton was the deserving winner champagne cocktails, were in great of the Superior Internal Service SUMMER FUN demand for birthday parties, hen category in this year’s Caesars dos and baby showers. p Award of Excellence. q Team members celebrated summer together with a night of bingo, buffet food, cocktails and karaoke. POSH GOLF TIN CAN TUESDAY Seven VIPs, accompanied by Showing true People Planet Play host Peter Walker, headed to the community spirit, team members luxurious Mar Hall Golf and Spa have thrown themselves behind the Resort for the annual VIP Golf Day venue’s initiative to support local followed by dinner and a night at food banks. Within days of the the tables back at the casino. p programme launch, the canteen collection box was overflowing with generous donations of food and toiletries.p FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 13 INDUSTRY UPDATES TOP-OF-THE-RANGE CONNECTING THE CAESARS EMPIRE SLOTS AND TABLES Our newly-branded global loyalty programme is now hard at work We are constantly improving the around the world bringing our international family of customers, customer experience across our properties and team members ever closer together. estate by upgrading to the latest Caesars Rewards has been well received by industry commentators as well as progressive jackpot machines and the 55 million customers signed up to enjoy the programme’s many benefits. putting new tables into our casinos. Giving the prestigious Caesars name to the reward programme Customers are now enjoying exciting we operate in more than 40 resorts and casinos around the world, new games on glitzy Diamond immediately unites all our properties under a single illustrious banner, Spin and VIP Lounge machines, a brand synonymous with world-class entertainment. while new card tables and Roulette Customers instantly recognise that the casino or entertainment wheels have recently gone into The experience they are enjoying is part of the same stable that boasts the Sportsman, Manchester235 and original, iconic Caesars Palace, the first true themed resort in Las Vegas. Brighton Rendezvous. Being part of Caesars Rewards opens doors to privilege, prizes and perks. The name tells our customers they are part of something truly special. 14 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 A SEAT AT THE WSOP TABLE It’s the pinnacle of high-stakes Poker, guaranteeing an adrenaline-fuelled crack at an $80m prize fund. The World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas attracts 8,500 competitors, among them some of the best pros in the world – and, this year, 15 of our Empire Poker Room’s most committed players. Team Empire delivered a gripping performance at the thrilling WSOP Main Event, with Fabio Miranda returning a hero after cashing for almost $16,000 when he was eliminated on day four, having rubbed shoulders on the TV table with Canadian pro and twice WSOP champion Daniel Negreanu. “Being able to offer our customers a seat at one of the world’s most prestigious poker tournaments highlights Empire’s enviable connection to the largest gaming network in the world and helps us to attract customers,” said Cardroom Manager, Rommel Lapinid, who accompanied the team to Las Vegas. FROM THE US GREENING THE STRIP In a bid to promote low-carbon transport in Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment has partnered with Tesla to host the largest electric vehicle supercharging station and energy centre in the state of Nevada. Completed this year, the site boasts 39 charging stations, including 16 of Tesla’s newest and most advanced superchargers, and incorporates both solar canopies and battery storage. There are now 110 charging locations across 18 Caesars destinations in the US. CUSTOMERS LOVE US - PEOPLE PLANET PLAY IN THE US OFFICIAL! Caesars Entertainment notched up some big wins for guests, employees, Our team members’ dedication to communities and the planet last year according to the latest corporate delivering world-class customer social responsibility report. service that thrills our customers and keeps bringing them back to REDUCED IMPROVED diversity ACHIEVED 91% play with us, has secured more greenhouse gas and fairness with participation in the accolades for excellence from emissions by 24% 43% of women in Wellness Rewards TripAdvisor in 2019 than in any compared with 2011 leadership roles programme in the US other year. Caesars Entertainment properties, DIVERTED a record INVESTED 68,000 CELEBRATED five of them part of our EMEA 49% of total waste hours in Responsible 15 years of Caesars’ family, received a record number of from landfill Gaming training Responsible Gaming Certificates of Excellence for 2019. Ambassador Program, In the UK, Manchester235, Alea with more than 1,100 Glasgow, Rendezvous Brighton and Responsible Gaming Rendezvous Southend feature on Ambassadors in the US the list, along with Emerald Resort & Casino in South Africa. TripAdvisor recognised us with a total of 45 badges of honour worldwide – 31 Certificates of Excellence and 14 inductions into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to each and every team member who helped us achieve the recognition our venues so richly deserve. INVESTED $69 million in communities, including 343,000 hours volunteering FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 15 Cheryl Luckhurst: [email protected] MANCHESTER EXCELLENCE CRAMPTON’S KNOCK-OUT REWARDED KITCHEN ENTERTAINMENT INSPIRATION Manchester235 brought Ultimate Boxxer, Britain’s explosive home two of the six Caesars Bright young chefs of the new boxing tournament, chose Awards of Excellence this year. future were invited into the the Event Suite at Manchester235 Casino Services Manager Robert Manchester235 kitchens for a day for a high-energy press conference Dotko won the Superior Guest of inspiration, work experience ahead of the all-action cruiserweight Service title and Head Chef and demonstrations from Head event at Altrincham Ice Arena Doug Crampton clinched the Chef Doug Crampton and chef in July. Leadership prize. lecturer Jonathan Bowers from the The Awards recognise team University of West London. Fifteen team members members who consistently The Manchester College students accompanied casino VIPs to the provide best-in-class service made and served canapés to main event, broadcast live on BT and demonstrate exemplary nearly 80 top chefs and front of Sports. Among the eight unbeaten commitment to the Caesars house professionals from across fighters looking to propel brand. u the city. The Chef’s Forum event themselves to title contention via was covered by both BBC and ITV UBIV was former Manchester235 DINNER WITH local news. SportsAid athlete Bradley Rea. p JAMES MARTIN Trainee chef Andy Tran was awarded Star of the Day and As part of our ongoing secured a trial shift at our award- commitment to delivering winning restaurant. q exceptional customer experiences, James Martin Manchester presented an evening of fine food and wine hosted by the celebrity chef himself. Guests enjoyed five courses, complemented by five carefully chosen wines, and a rare chance to chat with James and grab a photo after the meal. They also heard a fascinating talk from the world- renowned chef, who kept the room spellbound with tales of his life and career. On the menu for the exclusive evening was pea velouté, Manchester Gin and vanilla cured salmon, roasted monkfish, crown of Goosnargh chicken, and strawberry pavlova. p 16 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 Joelie Haysom: [email protected] CHARITY GOLF DAY NOTTINGHAM As one of the main sponsors of THE COCKTAILS Fraser Brown Solicitors’ sixth THAT CLINCHED IT annual charity golf day, Alea Nottingham helped raise more Jessica Stimolo spent weeks than £4,000 for two regional researching and developing the charities: Autism East Midlands mixology masterpieces that saw and the disabled children’s her crowned Caesars’ Bartender of charity Newlife. the Year in the fiercely contested annual competition. Team members hosted a Beat the Her first drink, named The Pro contest, held alongside the Forest, was presented in a glass main golf competitions, where dressed to look like a tree, while they encouraged all-comers to her second, Taste of the Sea, dig deep to boost the day’s cash transported judges to a Sicilian total. q beach. Congratulations Jessica! q FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY Hospitality students from Nottingham College took over Marco Pierre White steakhouse for a hotly anticipated Noche Latino evening featuring a meticulously planned Mediterranean menu which the youngsters devised with the help of MPW chefs. The students served three fabulous courses, treating guests to an evening of fine dining for just £30 a head. p WORTHY WINNERS Two Caesars Awards of Excellence went to Alea Nottingham team members this year. Head Receptionist Hannah Naylor took first prize in the Suggest category, while House Manager Emma Alleyne won for Community Service. Along with the other winners from across the estate, Hannah and Emma were treated to a weekend in the capital featuring lunch at The Ivy, a spin on the London Eye, a theatre trip and an overnight stay. t FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 17 Roxanne Roe: [email protected] RENDEZVOUS BRIGHTON HOTTEST CHRISTMAS EVER! If you host a Christmas-in-July event – as the Rendezvous does to promote its festive party offering – you might expect the weather to be warm, but this year’s event set a new record. Luckily, the hottest day of the year didn’t deter customers from coming along to enjoy a Christmas carvery and crackers to the soundtrack of the greatest Movie Musicals. Good for them! q BEST BAKE CHARITY WALK BEGINS AT HOME Team members’ competitive spirit came to the fore when The Rendezvous parking area was the Rendezvous staged its first transformed into the start and Bake Off contest to find the best finish line for the Sussex Heart dessert maker among them. Charity’s annual sponsored walk Congratulations to Antonella Milani from the marina to Hove and back. whose stunning signature sweet Some 200 fundraisers made the took the Bake Off title. p five-mile trek to raise funds for the charity’s various projects. p THANKS TEAM! What better way to celebrate success than by hosting a Team Awards evening to thank the entire Rendezvous crew for all their hard work by treating them to a delicious dinner, some great music, and photo booth fun. 18 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 Danielle Selfe: [email protected] RENDEZVOUS SOUTHEND CELEBRATING IN STYLE Roman extravagance was the theme for Southend’s special night for VIP tier card holders, presented by CR Host Joleen Vevers, suitably attired in a toga. There was a balloon Colosseum, a special cake, flowing fizz and a prize draw to win a share of £1,500. q FOILED BY THE FORECAST! After last year’s annual staff barbecue in the rain, Southend team members had everything crossed that an earlier date would guarantee fine weather for the fun day out. But when forecasters predicted a downpour on the day, they decided to take no chances and switched the event to an afternoon in the pub. Surprise, surprise… the sun shone all day! Team Rendezvous ended up basking in 23 degrees in the Slug and Lettuce beer garden, sipping cocktails and relying on the pub grub of burgers, chicken wings and nachos. p WINNING A MILLION Building on the success of last year’s Win A Million promotion, Southend gave three lucky customers the chance to win a massive £10,000 in Reward Credits. More than 100 customers enjoyed a party in typical Rendezvous style, complete with balloon arch and bubbly, to witness Diamond member Duncan Adams take the top prize of a million Reward Credits. Runners-up were Margaret Mattocks and Anna Hajiantoniou who went home with 50,000 and 25,000 Reward Credits respectively. t FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 19 RECOGNITION WALL JUST A HANDFUL OF THE ECARDS OUR TEAM MEMBERS HAVE SENT AND RECEIVED OVER THE PAST FOUR MONTHS CARING CULTURE WHAT I YAOPUPRECIATE ABOUT To: Oliver Selic, Dealer, The Empire From: Carmine Galante, Dealer Inspector To: Ayman Mohamed, VIP Casino Host, Playboy Thanks Oliver for going above and beyond and staying From: Julian Chesworth, Casino Manager for 20 minutes to give one of your colleagues a break. What I appreciate about you is your willingness to help You are a real team player and your effort doesn’t pass in all circumstances and that you always do it with a unnoticed. big smile on your face. Thanks again. To: Davide De Sio, Dealer, Alea Nottingham TWC(NTDhohioceI:rsjoiDcs)Sl,tiaapeoCvocWplohrahtreysWTDatmorraoannaljvelenaBi,wcwoSaoaulad(yrCwna(aeoEasmxaninendiorcdRuWMBtoiaoesvnvarekealiCuagrlnaeeNsyraio)nn,CtodNoyiHrJ(cuSaoosmlsloa(tteD)I,sHzezSoaaclsertudrsls)l,y),, FDotaroerunaoatvdhmlioledyislf:epaAtu,hpotnlihpeussexrutwearaccenonaidaroorlitdrftneah.gwetTNhhcrhieautexteloetuatufnonmfr,odedAremytoCroyesiMustomauahnbmahdevairanevzwgeidnhyipgsooup.uhtTlaahihynsaae.nvjdueksttsyohojdoouaiwn.yIenids From: Ian Woodward, Group HR Director iythTnooohsuisePgtlaiehancfytgfcfousoHerlmtasesanmainddoodnOidnsaafftafottiitecrnmTenghtaciueotosinvlSlaeepynaoovdgriustugisaetim.nvsTidanohngvta.henaIerklrltethyoeaoefallumuythsvarpespeuruepytcrLhmienecatuaioacrfntuhen. , To: Joleen Vevers, VIP Casino Host, Rendezvous Southend From: Grant Wyatt, Electronic Gaming Technician Aeeovvvbeeesrrroyylaoounnntdeeel’yasbbefpaofronvotrebaelesehtvmieecrrssmyeadelnfmadiynb.caAealrrslesodsefetdpstataoayrfttfimhnweedhnbaotyusps.oiuDnutetes.saGslsoinwessitoh THANK YOU many ways. To: Susan McGowan, Venue Director, Alea Glasgow From: Suzanne Traynor, DI INSPIRE OUR BEST TaIbothpaeffapliiinnacrgekniacslytilorayoatutyienhodfeeoueibrnrsuygG.toIlaaiucsnsradagnrnoemocwanooblMgvysinonaimilmgtuioataaegnw. ipHnSalaeyuehsafhaarsoon!uwm.reItshtciosoamvrhyeeerli.yptImmoaumuursctnnhboewew To: Perrina Hoser, Casino Manager, The Sportsman To: Patriccia AZ, Food and Beverage Attendant, From: Mike Steeds, F&B Manager Manchester235 From: Szilvia Litkei, Food and Beverage Attendant. uasiYnunbospniuplioprtirytosaicrettteoieoddmmnu. .irunTinlghtgilatyanmeskvkyyeahornlouadnsfetoyiynormguyrooeuwonrneoprrpgkaeyterieiltoehnvdicce.eslYsadoanuordrenicaononctnrgetioansuiendg Thank you Patricia for coming in earlier today to help me out on that busy shift. You are super! To: Stephen Howell, Card Room Manager, London Poker Room, The Empire TAos:sJisatnaantB)aarnvdircBaakroryvaH(eMaaleryke(tVinIPgCaansdinEoveHnotsst), Rendezvous Brighton From: John Kelly, Card Room Supervisor From: Roxanne Roe, Marketing Well done on opening a 1/1 game and giving our Poker Room even more variety. Manager DIVERSITY Thank you both for the running of our Atlantis Holiday prize draws - they were a great success and it is all To: Cara McCabe, Trainee Dealer, Alea Glasgow From: Andrew Coutts, Casino Manager thanks to you! Thanks for all your hard work tonight covering Poker, Slots and valet. Not only was it greatly appreciated by To: Ioan Vlaicu, Barperson, Alea Nottingham myself but a number of our customers mentioned your From: Peter Hewson, ACM excellent customer service while doing the valet. Thank you for your help in translating for our Romanian guest today. It made the whole signing up process so much easier for both him and us. Many thank. 20 FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 OWNERSHIP SERVICE WITH PASSION MFCS(GTArpoaaaoCse:nbmiJnaMnragci:oesneFe)lHera,rr,atLo(SHnDeLsmceateIssianwas))dnl,,iAlseeJROdyo(eM,afClnfeSmeiadeccasseenoidonztV,nvotTeo,WMhvSuoeeasarmpnnSsialaooeagsurnaetSCdnrht)odeRe,mneHiVydlpoieac.lwnitaaoanDnrrdicudaebLJCluioonkhpe(nuVssIoPn, KMToaa:ynSaYtgaunearr(stV)C,IPSleaCmnaoVsiaannnod(HSJoeusnltiia)o,nrPCGlahayembsiownygorMtha(nCaagseirn)oand yoytptIaoeorhrsuaourakemrarvvcohecitafueuittvwggsoetReaoslateyacmhnnyoiedndenrItreiucoanzbpemgvtardhotsKaereueeYtds,enaCeeeSlfliyfowitonfhruoifemAoctrrhturMp.mfesirLntreaosdspttmsi-oohteelinadimcrvsfyweer.oaTidntmnhheivdawethnhtdukhPegeAhyweeoLmaaustydwaramiftagilhlrtgmsfheoteeorrastenhdodf From: Sarah Sculpher, Group Marketing Director cfSeTraxohorpmameen.erkYiitteoiymtnuohceaugestufimotnyhrstaionsdttgtaieedsprgsdjprueoaisnantggtdtohoinsanwhtaeo!rnowwdnsigtthtu,hbroenuuicntrugiUtsaStisobvmhiaosediwtroctwruh. seattorwemceeodrveor RToe:nRdoeczivooJues,laBmribgih, tFoonod and Beverage Attendant, To: Rugile Svagzde, Marketing Assistant, The Empire From: Deborah From: Jackie Abraham, Head of Marketing Supervisor le Palud, Food and Beverage Well done on implementing the Punto Banco Club successfully, Rugile. You went the extra mile in briefing fbYooarcumkridsotafrbehnloeguetshxeaaamnredpaledseoedfnisocuawrtniinoegnrstinhhiepd.esTteahpna-dcnalkeradynoiiusngrvaetisrhyeedm, uiscah! all the departments individually to make sure that they knew what they were doing and checked on the To: Elliot Flood, Customer Insight Executive, activity each day. Great job! £10 of reward points are Head Office on their way to you. From: Sarah Sculpher, Chief Marketing Officer TBFIiwdtatohjreinuowod:evdsrSmneatkni’Isritowu:najoufbJmggaasnohnelbtaltlatyeeenteAihrerndyd;tonootySatueunooVignbneuteshdanwvpactraoeoyraynftirrouotwotsrlrsiu,naleei,tVonlddytRlfdhI.edPeoYwesoJnnoeCabendurkiaasevteesisrbeznfeiiooacnvgpsntaroooihcndtumCuHogwsasoneo,ltcoiosSosgruroemtomkhsceouttbeoo.dntrsgAmhls,rynet.eeFinYooatroiodnlnosloyueeendrh.ttsvwiaatlilacrnodgede Thank you for staying so late last night and finishing those KYC reports just before you go on holiday. They are critical for the business right now so it is much appreciated. Enjoy your well-earned break. CToa:sVhieerrosn, iAklaeaSkNroovttainnkgohvaamand Jennifer Page, To: Roman Abramovic, Dealer, Alea Nottingham From: Peter Hewson, ACM From: Peter Hewson, ACM TatgTohshokoaateknnsdkktaocsyylotoeoiountuhn,tfgaoottronretifafghiitnenhdjdtotihfnborioge!ufmtochuaaotnwShnloootwott mpdtrooaoccftihhatiinnsfcrewoe.mliGtthhrteoehauetttitctbhhkeeeaifttnt.gtyhoaut kiGnertpeetarattchwteiaogtncahmwinietghmytohoveuinpdgleaayaleloornsngoAnrRey5aolltuyordntaiacybe. llGye.,rGeaanotdocdyhojaoutba!nd CELEBRATING SUCCESS INTEGRITY To: Howard Johnson, ACM, Rendezvous Southend To: Sarah-Jane Newman, DI, The Empire From: Trevor Edmonds, ACM, The Sportsman From: Raif Ozcan, ACM Congratulations on your appointment as ACM at the IBtciknowoainfmnmoodcrumsymoldoauamftnltitikioieoncernnacnttitidiwoenoedginslnla.wvthyYsoeeomuhllulpcaawhpguneipastyrhtesthtnohteahianrnteenagddkkmaeEstgalhfaenaoecasirnttigrbne.oefrponminirtcgemoniPnpatBgtrtieoetPvenauermnnamntt.oiYdnthoaeulssre Sportsman. I’m on rota 2 so I will be working with you 500 reward points are on their way to you. most of the time. Looking forward to meeting you on the 4th. To: Yue Streater, Dealer, The Empire From: Maja Biec, ACM TForo: Amb: bDyogmailneicPeHtotirtd, VelIlP, VCIaPsMinaorkHeotsint,gTMheanEamgperire wslwTiuthititptlahehpn.obCkMrihtytuiioocnvuehfe,syfapeooprrusporpafrlebeewsacrasekiaiyaiontskenghdatoecl. lu1apd5snio0tndo0gtmahtpageootrrtisetnro.aatYdtsnoapscuylloae!emtaYevsoienuwungrheagetrtoaenovyadewolewuuoaparlskiynoasgon TLoheunMgoenhdaasy/gTouteosfdfatyonaigghrteaptrostmarott.ioGnreinattihdeeaDraangdown ell implemented! FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 21 EGYPT INVESTING IN THE FUTURE The internship programme launched by our Cairo team this summer is a first for the casino industry in Egypt. Among the first university students to take part was second year accounting student Amy Sadek who spent a month with the Support Office finance department. “I’m so grateful for the time I spent with Caesars Entertainment Egypt,” Amy wrote to us afterwards. “I was not treated like an intern but as part of the team and I learned so much in terms of accounting, finance and my potential career path.” u DIVERSITY IN ACTION Caesars Egypt ran a series of behaviour workshops to help team members better understand one another’s different styles and see things from other colleagues’ points of view. q CARING FOR THE BEFORE THE FAST PLAY TIME COMMUNITY As tradition dictates, the Egypt A five-a-side football tournament Our team members in Egypt team got together for the annual and a concert outing are just two consistently champion health Sohour party before the Ramadan ways team members have enjoyed and wellbeing in the community, fast, enjoying the opportunity to getting together outside work. a commitment which in recent eat together and get to know one The concert was given by the Al months has seen them donate another and their families a little Nour Wal Amal, or Light and Hope, medicines to the Abu Zaabal better. q chamber orchestra, founded in leprosy colony, take part in a two- 1954 to educate blind and visually- day blood drive, and visit patients impaired girls and help them in the breast cancer hospital. integrate into society. p They have also helped create a lovely green space for children at the Awlady Orphanage in Maadi, Cairo. As well as laying lawn and digging flower beds, our volunteers planted a 20-tree orchard, which the older children will look after, to provide fruit for everyone at Awlady. p 22 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 EMERALD KEEPING MORE READING RECORD- MANDELA’S BOOSTS SCHOOL BREAKING LEGACY ALIVE FUNDS MEGA-BLANKET Emerald team members honoured A Readathon challenge, launched Emerald volunteers were among the memory of President Nelson by Emerald Resort & Casino to the 4,000 people from across Mandela by spending their 67 encourage local children to read South Africa who broke two Mandela Day minutes – one more, saw the top four schools in official Guinness World Records: for each of the 67 years he the Vaal District West and East making the biggest hand-knitted campaigned for social justice - win 10,000 Rand each to spend on blanket on the planet and helping out at Sebokeng Regional refurbishment or equipment. distributing the most blankets to Hospital. They also handed over a “Early reading skills are essential charity in 24 hours. Emerald also large cheque and new-born baby to give children a bright future,” donated 100,000 Rand to buy clothes for needy mothers. q said Marketing Executive, Tanuja wool for the project. Gangabishun. As well as knitting individual NEW HORIZONS The winning schools were Roshnee blankets themselves, Emerald and Batloung primaries, and volunteers formed part of the Top high school graduates are Dr Molefi Oliphant and Mohlodi 1000-strong team which rolled being given the chance to train as secondaries. p out 11 tons of knitted squares and professional dealers at Emerald. joined them together to create While the 10-week dealer school the 8952.45m2 mega-blanket. The programme does not guarantee task took 12 hours and shattered employment, it does equip the previous world record of youngsters with skills they can 1994m2 held by Ireland. take to any casino in the world. q After setting this record, volunteers handed out 8,774 blankets to charities across the country, beating the previous distribution record by more than 2,000 blankets. q HOPPING WITH EXCITEMENT Customers throughout the casino enjoyed Bunny croupier service when a group of Bunnies from Playboy Club London visited Emerald for the weekend. Previous visits had been limited to the Privé area so this year’s visit caused a real stir. Live entertainment was provided by Colé and there were some special martinis on the menu for the occasion. p FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 23 Anna Schmidt: [email protected] HEAD OFFICE CELEBRATING 115 EGGHEADS! THINK YOU’RE A YEARS’ SERVICE GOOD SWIMMER? The annual Head Office quiz has The business laid on a special become a much-loved, fiercely Three sporty team members might goodbye party for three long- competitive battle of wits and this have had an Ironman event, an serving senior team members who year’s event, hosted as usual by Olympic distance triathlon, and have retired over the past year. HR Director Ian Woodward, was county swimming triumphs under Compliance Manager Viv Ross no exception. their belts between them, but they retired in July after 42 years with Six teams answered rounds on were no match for Head Office the company, Chief Cashier Alan music, general knowledge and more, SportsAid athlete Harry Constantine Jasper had notched up almost 39 but it was Team “My milkshake when they joined him in the pool for years’ service when he retired in brings all the boys to the yard” a training session. March, and Group Gaming Director which triumphed. Winners “It’s not every day you get the chance Dave Collier, who joined the (pictured from left) Viv Ross, Susie to swim with a future Olympian and business just over 34 years ago, Goessen, Naz Senoglu, Jags Rattu it was a great experience, but Harry retired in December last year. and Jonathan Bunker took home was on a whole other level!” said All three were given a great send- £25 in Employee Reward points. as Ironman veteran Kenny Quinnell, off with a party in Tale Bar which well as the coveted bragging rights. Electronic Gaming Technical Manager. saw many friends and colleagues, Jags and Naz are on a winning “His technique was totally different old and new, raising a glass to wish streak, securing poll position and he left us for dead. Even at full them well in their new ventures. second year running! q speed he made it look as if he wasn’t Bunnies served cocktails and really doing anything.” canapés and there was also a Kenny’s team mates in the pool were special cake to celebrate their F&B Director Rob Wear and Group successes in the business. Table Games Manager Mark Malia Compliance Manager Clorinda who, as a former county swimmer, Ballam paid tribute to the wealth came the closest to catching of knowledge and experience Harry. Last year the trio tackled the the three retirees had brought to Woburn Abbey Triathlon. p Caesars Entertainment over the years. p PAWS FOR TEA This year’s Paws for Tea Party in aid of the Blue Cross featured a bake sale and “pawty” games, including Who Ate the Pupcakes? to make £332 for the animal welfare charity, bringing the total raised since 2016 to more than £1,411. Bakers were Antoine Decressac, Elvie DeGuzman, Frank Adamson, Hansa Kerai, Ian Woodward, Leonie Bonar, Naz Senoglu, Onofrio Tragni, Patricia McCullagh, Paula Butler, Sally Harrison, Saroj Damodar, Susie Goessen and Ty Edwards. 24 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 QUIZ PAGE SUDOKU WHERE WAS THIS PHOTO TAKEN? Word Search WORD SEARCH SOLUTIONS H O P C K Z O Z Q T E X V R E AWS GWP Z G RW SODUKU D Y A K Y T HO S AWZ P L M F Z X P P H C N XW J F C A P P E L L OAMUQVU L F Y J B F CU T NTCH J I P L L L TCE I A P TCCHNVV I L X T K L H J PODGE S E L EMENT S I UK C Y B D V Z Y L Y NWM R J P WH T S C L F R L T O A S T D S CWM G K N S Q X A F O J I N N T U N N O M C J Z A Y F D S H I C P T S T WM F F O V M V T L T T I R EGUR EDDT EDKA I VOA P C T L T J LWL O S E C R E NX R I T F LWS J S V B U DWB Y S K GQ U V I A C F N E L E E MN R H J A L G T Y B Z P S U S O B C R I P C Q F DW F F A H E S S L EMDQ S I QV RONZ AMANHZOZG CM Y C R RWB L J N NWN G S F G J I J C V I A WORD SEARCH CAH J GA YQNANAQT RK L Z L T Z J E A S U O H Z G K T E NM Y SWD O X C K U H L Y G C B K U I U I K A K T E S H T QO S B SWK E I AQ Y BN F X K L T I WS P U E NMF U L U S HOU AG P U L J K P YWSMR F AHR E NH E I T C Y A I H B R E E Z E V Z A P J M J QMB R L C C B F NU G O Z X X T U Q B R QM B U C B Y J H GWK A R S P F E L Z E Y EWT P I HMB P ZOONOX BHU Q X J J WH F T U I X OWQ K O D L R D A E S F H QWG J L V AWV N V V R I Z S I Y P G U N S L X Y M A R C O P I E R R EWH I T E H D E P QMDW GUESS THE PICTURE Breeze Esquina Jamesmartin Vega Cappello Fahrenheit Long Waterfront Carlsberg Sports Bar, The Empire Carlsberg Fulushou Marcopierrewhite Waterside ARCOPIEREDliRenminEegWnrotsoHmITEJAMIEcoSnMARTIN TaleWATERFROZNamTan FAHRENHEIT RLSBERG DININGROOM WATERSIDE ELEMENTS PPELLO BREEZE ESQUINA ZAMAN FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 25 LUSHOU VEGA LONG TALE LONG SERVICE REFLECTIONS You asked to hear OVER 35 YEARS OVER 30 YEARS from long service employees about how they got started in the industry, what changes they’ve seen, and the stories they have to tell. We put some questions to a cross-section of team members who are celebrating Caesars careers of between 15 and 35-plus years. FIDEL NARAG GARY HICKS Driver, Playboy Surveillance Officer, The Sportsman Joined the original Sportsman on Tottenham Court Road in 1981 Joined the Golden Nugget in 1984 “I had some friends who worked at “I used to work for Group 4 and The Sportsman and the job sounded would deliver cash to London better than working in a residential Clubs casinos. When they offered home. It is! I really enjoy driving our me a job, the salary made it a very customers, making sure they reach attractive proposition. Job security their destination safely, and meeting and excellent benefits, such as a final all kinds of different people, some salary pension scheme, meant I’ve rich and famous among them! never wanted to go elsewhere. “Over the years I’ve worked at the “I was very proud to be promoted Casanova Club, Les Ambassadeurs, to Chief Security Officer at The and Playboy. This company has been Sportsman in 1995, a role which I good to me, treating me equally held until 2013 and gave me the and giving me flexible hours, which opportunity to manage staff and a was especially important when my department. I’ve worked with some children were younger. Today there great individuals over the years, are more employee incentives, such and forged lots of friendships with as rewards and outings, which makes people at the club and Head Office. people feel their service is valued. I also met my wife here and we’ve “While I’ve been working for London been together for 31 happy years. Clubs I’ve got married, raised three “As part of Caesars you are part of children, and seen all three go to a larger family whose reputation for university. That makes me very commitment to its staff is second to proud.” none.” 26 FULLHOUSE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 OVER 25 YEARS OVER 20 YEARS OVER 15 YEARS MAGDA PAZIL-DALGLEISH RUSSELL LIASI ZOE NIELSEN F&B Attendant, The Empiree F&B Data Manager, Head Office Head F&B Attendant, Joined the original Sportsman on Joined LCI as a 19-year-old in 1998 Rendezvous Brighton Tottenham Court Road in 1993 “I joined London Clubs with a Joined the Brighton Marina venue “A croupier friend recommended the plan to advance my accountancy when it opened in 2002 casino industry to me so I applied career and, because the company for a job as a waitress and loved the always supported my professional “As an 18-year-old looking for a friendly and supportive atmosphere development and gave me new long-term career, I saw the advert from day one. I’ll never forget challenges, I turned down other jobs for the new Rendezvous and was being asked for a cup of ‘Rosie Lee’ I’ve been offered since. intrigued by the opportunities it though. I panicked because I had no “When I moved into F&B I felt I was would give me in the future. I started idea what that could be and I felt like making a real difference in terms as a croupier, was promoted to DI, everyone was laughing at me. These of the service we provided; I was and now I’m a valet. I really enjoy days of course I know every type of the go-to man for many F&B team interacting with the customers but tea imaginable! members. It makes me proud when the best thing about any role at the “I’ve been made to feel a valuable I’m told something can’t be done Rendezvous is the people I work member of the team whichever and then I find a way to do it. There’s with. It’s a great team in Brighton. casino I’ve been working in. Being a solution to every problem; the only invited to take part in the first Kaizen difference is how much work, money “One of the things that makes me meeting where I had the chance or time is required to solve it. proudest is getting involved in to express my opinion on some “The people I work with are some of the many charity events we important issues made me feel interesting and supportive and organise at the venue. And by far the especially appreciated. The changes it’s been very easy to get along biggest change I’ve seen in my time implemented as a result improved with them – despite my bullish is the introduction of Know Your the service and made our everyday tendencies! Customer.” work much more efficient. “Of course there have been many “The casino dynamic is so different changes over the years but the today, with all the competition from biggest has probably been in the online gaming, the new regulations, mentality of the company, especially and many more young people since we were bought by Caesars.” coming in to play.” FULLHOUSE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 27 ACES YEARS OF SERVICE OVER 40 YEARS Head Office RHC Casino CCC Casino Head Office RHC Casino Angela Adams Munir Yussef Aziz Adel Girgis Gad Al Krishan Kaushal Samir Mohamed The Sportsman Senior Human Yussef Sayed Group Finance Mohamed Anwar Owen Byrne Reception Resources Inspector Head Bar & Waiter Manager and Company Pit Boss Supervisor Administrator RHC Casino RHC Casino Secretary RHC Casino The Sportsman The Empire Casino Ashraf Abdel Hamid Ali Ahmed Hassan Yussef The Empire Casino Wael Sayed Mohamed Josephine Nash Sawart Lagkam Kanesh Anber Elaine Potter Yunis Dealer Inspector Seamstress Waiter Supervisor Head Cashier Dealer Waiter Head Office Playboy RHC Casino CCC Casino The Empire Casino RHC Casino Philip Jones Messenger Josephine Benningfield Antoine George Mikhail Raafat Mansur Halaka Robin Ward Abdulla Ali Mahmud Club Administrator Casino Manager Shenoda Casino Manager Ibrahim OVER 35 YEARS The Sportsman Casino Manager The Sportsman Waiter Peter Rhein OVER 25 YEARS RHC Casino Humberto Da Silveira ICM The Sportsman Dealer Inspector Tarek Abul Seoud Fernandes Walid Salah Mahmud Luke Jackson The Empire Casino The Sportsman Abdel Megid Dealer Inspector Director of Customer Dealer Inspector Elizabeth Spector Ibrahim Awada Cafeteria Valet The Sportsman Development The Sportsman Dealer Inspector Food and Beverage RHC Casino Nicola Izzard RHC Casino Gary Hicks The Sportsman Attendant Mamduh Abdel Wahab Dealer Inspector Mohamed Emad Sayed Surveillance Officer Grazyna Posnik-Chelsea The Empire Casino Ahmed Attwa Playboy Mohamed Al Sharkawy The Sportsman Dealer Bethany Thomas Inspector Davor Travica Inspector Martin Kearney Head Office Dealer RHC Casino Casino Manager RHC Casino Surveillance Officer Clorinda Ballam The Empire Casino Medhat Milad Obeid The Empire Casino Wael Sayed Ibrahim Head Office Compliance Manager, Abdelhak Oudet Mikhail Obeid Mikhail Olwyn Goldstone Khater Tracy Osborn Licensing Senior Sous Chef Inspector Senior Cashier Inspector Compliance and ICM The Sportsman RHC Casino The Empire Casino RHC Casino Risk Administration Yussri Kamel Farag Nicola Wearne Ismail Mohamed Angela Morris Hany Abdulla Manager Yussef Dealer Inspector Mohamed Nosseir Dealer Inspector Marghany Saleh Head Office Area General Manager The Empire Casino Cashdesk Manager The Empire Casino Pit Boss Gary Dixie ICM Jonathan Harvey RHC Casino Orlando Fernandes ICM Senior Compliance Sherif Roshdy Nakhla Assistant Casino Yussry Ibrahim Farag Chef de Partie Medhat Shokry Zaky Manager, Safer Gaming Khalil Manager Azzam Head Office Senior Slot Technician Playboy Human Resources & The Empire Casino Cashier Mark Malia Maged Atef Fahim Maria Engberg Facilities Magda Pazik-Dalgleish RHC Casino Group Table Gaming Boulos Dealer Inspector CCC Casino Food and Beverage Michael Albert Helmy Manager Shift Manager The Sportsman Osama Fayez Henien Attendant Bebawy The Sportsman RHC Casino Graham Heywood Shift Manager The Sportsman Shift Manager Julia May Ashraf Wahby Baiumy Reception Supervisor RHC Casino Ian Mead RHC Casino Senior Cashier Ali Playboy Emad Raymond Dealer Nabil Mohamed Fathy Playboy Waiter Maria Gadomska Gobran Saleeb The Sportsman Fatuh Angelika Holcroft RHC Casino Dealer Inspector Inspector Shelley-Ann Foreman Waiter Senior Receptionist Medhat Lamie Thabet The Sportsman RHC Casino Dealer Inspector The Empire Casino Mikhail David Jarvis Medhat Abdel Wahed Head Office OVER 20 YEARS Louise Martin Inspector Surveillance Officer Abdel Aziz Paula Butler Dealer RHC Casino The Sportsman Inspector Accounts Office The Sportsman The Sportsman Ihab Abdel Hamid Perrina Hoser RHC Casino Manager Ahmad Nasser Sanchia Freed Abdel Karim Al Casino Manager Ihab Abdel Razik Playboy Head Waiter Assistant Casino Noamany The Sportsman Bedawy David Kelly The Sportsman Manager Inspector Alan Wicks Inspector Head Doorperson Nigel Smith The Sportsman KQ Casino Dealer Inspector RHC Casino The Empire Casino Dealer Inspector Siobhan Barrett Hany Abdu Abdel Nur The Sportsman Maggie Nabih Sawiress Hubert Thomas Head Office Dealer Inspector Waiter Valerie Truluck Mankarious Casino Manager Charles Rayer The Empire Casino Emerald Receptionist Head Bar & Waiter ICM Group I.T. Director Hamid Behbahani Gideon Johannes Playboy RHC Casino Nader Noshy Morgan Head Office Cashier Basson Federico Narag Heider Haridy Taiyie Al Finance Director Russell Liasi ICM Head Of Risk Company Driver Sayed ICM Food and Beverage Sarah Samir Farag Management Head Office Inspector Mostafa Mostafa Data Manager Abdel Malek Emerald Sally Harrison CCC Casino Gomaa Khamis The Sportsman Human Resources & Andrea Hilary Dexter HO Manager/Personal Ahmed Saiid Abdel Head of Slot Chi-Sang Chow Administration Director Acting Vip/Prive Executive Assistant Motalib Mohamed Technicians Food and Beverage ICM Manager The Empire Casino Cashdesk Manager RHC Casino Attendant Yussef Boshra Iskander Emerald Margaret Hankinson RHC Casino Ahmed Ahmed Assad The Empire Casino Girgis Lulama Mankayi Dealer Inspector Kamal Kamel Khalil Ahmed Albert Pineda Accounting Specialist Cash Desk Shift Head Office Bebawy Head Reception Assistant Casino ICM Manager Elvira De Guzman Waiter Supervisor RHC Casino Manager Taha Hosny Imam Emerald Assistant Accounts RHC Casino Osama Hanna Yussef The Sportsman Radwan Mosele Susan Likhoeli Office Manager Ashraf Fuad Khalil Hanna Karl Williams Administration Cash Desk Shift The Sportsman Moawad Senior Surveillance Dealer Inspector Supervisor Manager Patricia Creasey Cafeteria Valet Supervisor The Sportsman RHC Casino Emerald Dealer Inspector RHC Casino RHC Casino Antonio Lombardi Ibrahim Hamed Abdel Maroba Mirriam Khairy Omar Hakem Essam Helmy Abdel Waiting Staff Fatah Abdel Rahman Qamba OVER 30 YEARS Saiid Hamid Sayed Playboy Head Cashier Cash Desk Shift Cafeteria Valet Cafeteria Valet Armando Lantin RHC Casino Manager Playboy KQ Casino Garage Attendant Magdy Hashem Emerald Agripino Caraig Ashraf Anis Heinein The Sportsman Mohamed Al Sayed Matshidiso Lonia Company Driver Awadullah James Scully Pit Boss Sefatsa Casino Manager Dealer Inspector Commis Chef
