High rollers, or “whales,” from Asia are becoming bored with gambling at Singapore, Las Vegas and Macau casinos. The new, exotic hot spot is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. General Manager Pete Wu said the Asians “are very high net worth. They have millions to spend. For you and me, we’d spend a couple hundred dollars in a weekend. It’s not uncommon for some of these players to spend million.”
Wu said the Hard Rock flies in high rollers aboard a Gulfstream V jet, the same plane favored by celebrities. Once they arrive, they experience true VIP treatment designed especially for Asian gamblers’ tastes. Recent improvements at the hotel include feng shui décor, private gaming rooms, exotic catering and butler service.
Longtime butler George Fabrizio, formerly of Atlantic City, said, “We try to cover every detail. We spare no expense when it comes to taking care of our high-end customers. Whatever it takes.”
Fabrizio greets VIPs with champagne and manages their satisfaction until they department. He escorts VIPs throughout the property, frequently with security guards along. Above all, his lips are sealed. “The most important part about the job is discretion,” he said.
Accommodations include the new Roxy Suite, where the lavishly appointed bathroom is larger than most hotel rooms.
In addition there are two invitation-only lounges, including Plum, which offers an oasis from the bustling casino floor, with shrimp, lobster and an open bar among its many upscale amenities. Among the more exotic items that are available upon request is a $3,600 Asian bird nest soup. Vince Turrano, vice president for food and beverage, said, “We probably have hundreds of thousands of people who pass through this property. I’m going to tell you that fewer than 500 have access” to Plum, he said.
At the casino’s invitation-only, private card room, chips are available in large denominations, including $250,000 and $500,000. The glass doors to the room feature a switch that turns the panes from translucent to opaque in an instant. Wu said Asians’ game of choice is baccarat. “Many of them will stay in here hours and hours at a time,” he said.
Wu noted wealthy Asian players have become such a high priority, the Hard Rock maintains a “development” staff overseas. “We have a team now, on the ground, in Asia. We’re taking it to the next level,” he said.
