GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 8 - April 2009

| GPWA Times 33 Banking hard on 3D Casinos explore and socialize in both the virtual casino and bar. Lucien Barriere Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Strock says there was more to his company jumping into the online mar- ket than just trying to extend beyond the French market. ”The two offerings are highly complemen- tary,” Strock says of the online and land- based casinos. “LeCroupier.com is an av- enue to get more people introduced and acquainted with the Barriere World, not only its casinos but its magnificent hotels and restaurants. “Simultaneously, customers that are fa- miliar with our brand will be reassured when looking to sign up to an online casi- no. It has been proven that confidence is a determined aspect in the choice of a gam- ing Web site and, as an historical casino operator, we can offer this guarantee.” Strock explains that the decision by Lu- cien Barriere to use 3D graphics was an attempt to “create a totally unique and revolutionary product which could be compared to the best video games on the market.” He also scoffed at the idea that the action going on away from the actual gaming may serve as a distraction to the customer. “We don’t call that distraction, we call it entertainment,” he says. “Our idea is to change the traditional mold where only gambling is important. For us it is essen- tial that each customer enjoys themselves – because this means they will play longer and keep coming back. “The customers – particularly 30-some- things – are now so familiar with 3D and video games environments that they now expect new online offerings to deliver a high level of quality design, lifelike envi- ronments, and social-networking capa- bilities,” he says. “We believe 3D casinos are the wave of the future in online gam- bling.” If it sounds as if people like Strock and Czajkowski are putting an inordinate amount of faith into their new ventures, it’s because they are. But their firm belief that 3D online casinos are the “wave of the future” isn’t a stab in the dark. It’s a cal- culated business decision that stems from both men’s breadth of experience in the gaming business. Strock has been working in the industry for 30 years, beginning as a croupier and eventually moving his way up the ladder to pit boss, floor manager, and general man- ager. He was head of IT for Accor Casinos An electic group of females will greet you once inside the Buzzluck doors.