NEW YORK, June 1 (Press Release) -- The phenomenon of Internet gaming, which has
found one of its global homes in the Caribbean, will be the focus of industry attention at
the Opening General Session of Caribbean Gaming & Tourism Conference 2000
(CGTC 2000). Designed exclusively for operators and managers in the Caribbean
region, the program returns to the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino in San Juan, Puerto
Rico, June 27-29.
``Internet gaming is a reality, and money is passing hands,' says Bruce R. Smith,
president of WestVille Enterprises, Inc., presenter of CGTC 2000. ``Our Opening
General Session will separate fact from fiction,' he says, ``and discuss how much
money is being wagered, what new jurisdictions are waiting to go on-line, and what the
growth outlook is for the next 3-5 years.'
Participating in the Opening General Session is Gary Collins, Chairman of the Antigua
Gaming Commission, which recently sanctioned Internet gaming. He joins Sue
Schneider, President of River City Group, a gaming consulting firm, and Publisher of the
electronic magazine, Interactive Gaming News. Schneider also serves as Chair of the
Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), an 85-member trade association.
New seminar topics, exhibitor showcase, Security Institute
Now in its second year CGTC 2000 features 24 concurrent sessions, all with
simultaneous English-Spanish translation. Hot topics include cashless gaming,
customer care, casino crime, and gaming as entertainment. In addition, Caribbean
government regulators will analyze the top trends and issues within their jurisdictions. An
exhibit hall and brand new exhibitor showcase theater will allow delegates to see the
latest products and technologies that are driving profitability.
Also new this year is the region's first-ever Security Operations Institute, a certificate
program for security and surveillance professionals that will run from June 26-29, also at
the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino. Enrollees may attend exhibits, scheduled meal
functions, and networking events at CGTC 2000.
Designed for gaming managers and operators, the Institute will enhance core
competencies through rigorous training and problem-solving. Simultaneous
English-Spanish translation will be available for all sessions of the Institute. Participants
who attend each session and pass a written test will receive a Certificate of Successful
Completion.
Heading the Institute is noted Senior Analyst and Instructor D. Anthony Nichter, ARM,
CPP, CDTI, CCPI. Nichter is Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Nevada in Las
Vegas and Academic Advisor to the American Hotel & Motel Association. Mr. Nichter's
curriculum will cover contingency planning and crisis management, which will include an
actual mock incident that participants must resolve, litigation models used in civil courts
to determine negligence; developing customized security training programs; and
integration of the security function into the risk management process.
Regional support continues to grow
WestVille's Smith expects an increase in delegates from all countries, in particular the
Dominican Republic and Panama. ``Our program focuses on the information needs of
the region, which also attracts quality exhibitors. For these reasons, our program is an
efficient way to do business.'
Returning corporate sponsors/exhibitors include Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Sydney,
Australia, this year's Platinum Sponsor; and Gold Sponsors AC Coin & Slot, Atlantic
City, NJ and UNIDESA Gaming, Barcelona, Spain. In addition, media sponsors include
IGWB and Casino International magazines.