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eport ‚ 08<br />

<strong>From</strong> <strong>Austria</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong>


6 A Sought-After Partner<br />

66 A Hot Tip(p)<br />

Contents<br />

4 Edi<strong>to</strong>rial<br />

6 The Group<br />

A Sought-After Partner<br />

12 Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Short Biographies of <strong>the</strong><br />

Executive Management Team<br />

14 Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

Beat‘em all<br />

The 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n Casinos<br />

30 Food & Beverage<br />

58 A Stroke of Luck<br />

Panem et circenses<br />

34 Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

A Global Player<br />

14 Beat‘em all 34 A Global Player<br />

62 Virtual Reality<br />

58 <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries<br />

A Stroke of Luck<br />

62 win2day.at<br />

Virtual Reality<br />

64 WINWIN<br />

A WINWIN Situation<br />

66 tipp3<br />

A Hot Tip(p)<br />

68 Responsible Gaming<br />

70 Security<br />

Security in Mind<br />

64 A WINWIN Situation 78 In <strong>the</strong> Spotlight<br />

30 Panem et circenses<br />

74 Sponsoring<br />

Big Spender<br />

76 Employees<br />

A Winning Team<br />

78 Events<br />

In <strong>the</strong> Spotlight<br />

84 Supervisory Board<br />

Supervisory Board Report<br />

85 Financial Statements 2008<br />

Company and Consolidated<br />

Financial Statements<br />

92 Imprint<br />

Facts & Figures<br />

11 The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group at a Glance<br />

16 Guest Ranking 2008<br />

Casino Guests<br />

Gross Gaming Revenues 2004–2008<br />

17 Gaming Mix in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

Gross Gaming Revenues 2008<br />

Major Jackpot Payouts 2008<br />

61 <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries in Figures<br />

Total Sales 2008 by Product<br />

77 Employees by Company<br />

86 Financial Statements 2008 – Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG<br />

88 Income Statement for 2008 – Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG<br />

90 Consolidated Income Statement for 2008<br />

91 Consolidated Balance Sheet 2008


eport ’08 | Edi<strong>to</strong>rial<br />

(l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Paul Herzfeld (Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r General), Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss (Direc<strong>to</strong>r General), Dietmar Hoscher (Direc<strong>to</strong>r), Josef Leutgeb (Direc<strong>to</strong>r)<br />

Edi<strong>to</strong>rial<br />

Welcome <strong>to</strong> report ‘08, <strong>the</strong> Annual Report for Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> AG and its subsidiaries. report ‘08<br />

provides an overview of our key facts and figures<br />

for 2008 and also offers an insight in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> exciting<br />

world of gaming, <strong>the</strong> broad portfolio of products<br />

and services offered by <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group<br />

and o<strong>the</strong>r key issues like CSR, responsible gaming,<br />

sponsoring and security.<br />

The Poker boom that began in 2006 maintained<br />

its upward momentum in 2008. This enthralling<br />

game, where a little bit of luck and a clever bluff<br />

at <strong>the</strong> right moment can decide <strong>the</strong> winner, continues<br />

<strong>to</strong> enjoy tremendous popularity in casinos<br />

around <strong>the</strong> world. This trend was clearly reflected<br />

at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> not only in <strong>the</strong> many <strong>to</strong>urnaments<br />

hosted by our casinos, but also in <strong>the</strong><br />

launch of a dedicated Pokerroom on our online<br />

gaming platform win2day.at in February 2008.<br />

The only all-<strong>Austria</strong>n site of its kind, Pokerroom<br />

has already built up a loyal fan base. But our casinos<br />

offer far more than just Poker. report ‘08<br />

also takes a look behind <strong>the</strong> scenes at our 12<br />

casinos in <strong>Austria</strong>, before whisking you off on a<br />

<strong>to</strong>ur of <strong>the</strong> 63 casinos operated by Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

International Holding on five continents and on<br />

board 11 cruise liners.<br />

In-depth reports on key <strong>to</strong>pics like security, responsible<br />

gaming, our staff, our ongoing support for important<br />

social issues and, of course, a comprehensive<br />

set of financial statements complete <strong>the</strong> spectrum.<br />

report ’08 also takes you on a trip <strong>to</strong> relatively unknown<br />

terri<strong>to</strong>ry: <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Russian Republic of Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan,<br />

where <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries are currently<br />

developing <strong>the</strong> Republic’s new national lottery.<br />

Last but by no means least, we would also like <strong>to</strong><br />

extend a very special word of thanks <strong>to</strong> our staff<br />

for <strong>the</strong>ir dedication and hard work and, of course,<br />

<strong>to</strong> our guests and cus<strong>to</strong>mers for <strong>the</strong>ir continued<br />

loyalty and support.<br />

We hope you enjoy reading report ’08.<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss Paul Herzfeld<br />

Dietmar Hoscher Josef Leutgeb<br />

Edi<strong>to</strong>rial | report ’08<br />

| 4 | | 5 |<br />

Dear Reader,


eport ’08 | The Group The Group | report ’08<br />

GROUP COMPANIES<br />

MEDIAL Beteiligungs GmbH<br />

UNIQA<br />

Vienna Insurance Group<br />

Raiffeisen Group<br />

Bankhaus Schelhammer & Schattera<br />

100%<br />

35.4%<br />

50%<br />

33.3%<br />

5.3%<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Mint<br />

68%<br />

Bankhaus Schelhammer & Schattera<br />

56%<br />

100%<br />

100%<br />

26%<br />

Private Shareholders<br />

50%<br />

Organizational Chart (CASAG & Holdings)<br />

A Sought-After Partner<br />

At <strong>the</strong> end of 2007, <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group implemented a new corporate structure. In 2008, this transformation<br />

had already borne its first fruits: expansion in<strong>to</strong> new countries and new product segments.<br />

Russian hasn’t really been one of <strong>the</strong> languages<br />

most commonly spoken by staff<br />

at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> throughout <strong>the</strong> company’s<br />

40-year his<strong>to</strong>ry. The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group has,<br />

of course, been doing business outside <strong>Austria</strong><br />

since <strong>the</strong> 1970s and, in addition <strong>to</strong> its 12 domestic<br />

casinos, currently operates 63 casinos in<br />

18 countries on five continents and on board 11<br />

cruise liners. We have operations in Western and<br />

Sou<strong>the</strong>astern Europe, <strong>the</strong> Middle East, Africa,<br />

North and South America, Asia and Australia.<br />

But not in Russia.<br />

But this was about <strong>to</strong> change: in 2008 <strong>the</strong> volume<br />

of communication received from representatives<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Russian Federation increased dramatically.<br />

On an almost weekly basis, our main office in<br />

Vienna was contacted by politicians, analysts or<br />

journalists offering or seeking cooperation opportunities.<br />

What had prompted this political interest<br />

was a resolution that had come in<strong>to</strong> effect at <strong>the</strong><br />

start of 2007. Under <strong>the</strong> terms of this resolution<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>tally restructure <strong>the</strong> Russian gaming market,<br />

all existing casinos – including an estimated 2,000<br />

in Moscow alone – will have <strong>to</strong> close by mid-2009.<br />

In <strong>the</strong>ir place, <strong>the</strong> Russian government plans <strong>to</strong><br />

establish four new Las Vegas-style gaming zones.<br />

Located outside <strong>the</strong> main urban areas in <strong>the</strong> Altai,<br />

Krasnodar and Primorye terri<strong>to</strong>ries and <strong>the</strong> Kaliningrad<br />

region, <strong>the</strong>se new gaming centers should offer<br />

eve rything <strong>the</strong> heart desires.<br />

Needless <strong>to</strong> say, <strong>the</strong> provincial governments in<br />

<strong>the</strong> selected zones were not going <strong>to</strong> entrust<br />

an undertaking of this magnitude <strong>to</strong> just any<br />

casino opera<strong>to</strong>r. To ensure everything would be<br />

done by <strong>the</strong> book and revenues would be correctly<br />

taxed – a key argument for <strong>the</strong> respective<br />

Finance Ministers – <strong>the</strong>ir political representatives<br />

began looking for appropriate casino op-<br />

era<strong>to</strong>rs with international experience and an<br />

impeccable reputation.<br />

Their search quickly led <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> Vienna. Or,<br />

more precisely, <strong>to</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> when it came<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> question of who should operate <strong>the</strong> new<br />

casinos. But also <strong>to</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries, who are<br />

now already well on track with <strong>the</strong>ir first project:<br />

<strong>the</strong> market entry in <strong>the</strong> Republic of Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan.<br />

With a population of four million, <strong>the</strong> Russian<br />

Republic of Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan was previously only<br />

really known <strong>to</strong> a select few in <strong>Austria</strong>. But <strong>the</strong><br />

Republic has much <strong>to</strong> offer: rich oil reserves, a<br />

flourishing petrochemical industry, a good overall<br />

economic situation and plenty of potential.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> beginning of 2008, <strong>the</strong> Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan Finance<br />

Minister himself contacted <strong>the</strong> management<br />

team at <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries. A few months<br />

later, an agreement had already been reached.<br />

The launch of <strong>the</strong> “Lucky Hearts” scratch-off<br />

lottery at <strong>the</strong> end of 2008 was a clear initial<br />

sign. The first draw of Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan’s new<br />

national lottery is expected <strong>to</strong> take place mid-<br />

2009. The new lottery will follow <strong>the</strong> established<br />

formula used for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Lot<strong>to</strong> “6 aus<br />

45”, adapted <strong>to</strong> suit <strong>the</strong> size of <strong>the</strong> population.<br />

With this project, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Lotteries have successfully taken a very important<br />

step: linking <strong>the</strong>ir extensive know-how in <strong>the</strong><br />

lottery business with <strong>the</strong>ir international experience<br />

in <strong>the</strong> casino sec<strong>to</strong>r. They have also taken<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir first step in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> new Russian market. In<br />

times of worldwide economic crisis, looking for<br />

potential in new markets becomes all <strong>the</strong> more<br />

important. There can be no doubting that <strong>the</strong><br />

Russian economy is currently being severely<br />

shaken, perhaps even more severely than West- �<br />

MISSION STATEMENT<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG and its subsidiaries offer highest quality<br />

gaming and entertainment. Reliability, extensive experience<br />

and respect for <strong>the</strong> special socio-political responsibility that<br />

goes hand-in-hand with gaming guarantee <strong>the</strong> trust of guests,<br />

cus<strong>to</strong>mers, inves<strong>to</strong>rs and, above all, <strong>the</strong> licensing authorities.<br />

Our shared visions and capacity for innovation promote <strong>the</strong><br />

ongoing development of <strong>the</strong> Group and safeguard <strong>the</strong> jobs of<br />

our employees. We encourage and value active participation<br />

and constructive input.<br />

| 6 | | 7 |


eport ’08 | The Group The Group | report ’08<br />

BUSINESS UNITS<br />

CASINOS AUSTRIA<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss<br />

Heads of Division:<br />

Andreas Cieslar, Dieter Salzgeber,<br />

Christian Schütz, Karl Vybiral<br />

BETTING AND SPORTS SKILL GAMES<br />

Dietmar Hoscher<br />

Heads of Division/Direc<strong>to</strong>rs:<br />

Erwin Binder,<br />

Philip Newald<br />

CORPORATE FUNCTIONS<br />

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT<br />

Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Peter Ulovec<br />

LEGAL AFFAIRS<br />

Dietmar Hoscher<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Peter Erlacher<br />

INTERNAL AUDIT<br />

Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Erhard Peinthor<br />

PUBLIC & EUROPEAN AFFAIRS, CSR<br />

Dietmar Hoscher<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Markus Eder<br />

LOTTERIES<br />

Bettina Glatz-Kremsner<br />

Friedrich Stickler<br />

Heads of Division:<br />

Peter Ulovec,<br />

Wolfgang Leitner<br />

VLT / SLOTS<br />

Dietmar Hoscher<br />

Heads of Division/Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>rs:<br />

Wolfgang Sperl,<br />

Robert Vierziger<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Stephan Walder<br />

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES<br />

Bettina Glatz-Kremsner<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Erich Schuster<br />

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Martin Himmelbauer<br />

SERVICES<br />

Bettina Glatz-Kremsner<br />

Heads of Division:<br />

Nathan Bomze, Oskar Berzsenyi,<br />

Reinhard Summerer<br />

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS<br />

Paul Herzfeld<br />

Josef Leutgeb<br />

Heads of Division:<br />

Erwin Binder, Richard Hainzl,<br />

Stefan Harra<br />

ONLINE GAMING, NEW MEDIA &<br />

OTHER SKILL GAMES<br />

Friedrich Stickler<br />

Bettina Glatz-Kremsner<br />

Heads of Division:<br />

Martin Jekl,<br />

Wolfgang Leitner<br />

FINANCE<br />

Josef Leutgeb<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Wolfgang Sperl<br />

CORPORATE PROCUREMENT<br />

Josef Leutgeb<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Alexander Kiss<br />

GROUP CONTROLLING<br />

Josef Leutgeb<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Alexander Frisch<br />

RESPONSIBLE GAMING,<br />

ADVERTISING, SPONSORING<br />

Friedrich Stickler<br />

Head of Division:<br />

Herbert Beck<br />

ern European economies. But when <strong>the</strong> crisis ends<br />

– as it is also sure <strong>to</strong> do one day – it will also offer<br />

<strong>the</strong> greatest opportunities for growth – opportunities<br />

that should not be ignored.<br />

The results for <strong>the</strong> 2008 business year clearly<br />

show that <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group is well<br />

equipped <strong>to</strong> stand its ground in difficult times.<br />

Despite strong competition in <strong>the</strong> gaming market,<br />

<strong>the</strong> introduction of new no-smoking regulations<br />

in a number of European countries and<br />

noticeable restraint among guests as a result<br />

of <strong>the</strong> crisis, <strong>the</strong> Group reported significant<br />

increases in a number of key indica<strong>to</strong>rs. 22.4<br />

million guests worldwide, an increase of 12.6<br />

percent year-on-year and 3.803 billion euro in<br />

revenues, a rise of nine percent, are <strong>the</strong> kind<br />

of results that speak for <strong>the</strong>mselves. The upward<br />

trend in guest numbers can be credited <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> 63 Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International operations<br />

posting a 14.3 percent rise in guest numbers in<br />

2008. The clear growth in revenues can be attributed<br />

<strong>to</strong> a large extent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> strong performance<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries achieved with its Lot<strong>to</strong>,<br />

Joker, To<strong>to</strong>, Bingo, EuroMillions, ToiToiToi, Zahlenlot<strong>to</strong>,<br />

Rubbellos, Brieflos and Klassenlotterie products.<br />

Boosted by <strong>the</strong> first-ever five-time rollover<br />

for Lot<strong>to</strong> “6 aus 45” and a number of EuroMillions<br />

prizewinners in <strong>Austria</strong> in <strong>the</strong> double-digit<br />

millions, <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries reported an increase<br />

in sales of 15 percent <strong>to</strong> 2.378 billion euro in<br />

2008. Positive developments were also reported<br />

by <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r companies in <strong>the</strong> Group: WINWIN<br />

increased its number of outlets <strong>to</strong> 11 and will<br />

complete <strong>the</strong> dozen in <strong>the</strong> course of 2009. tipp3<br />

raised its profile as sponsor of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Football<br />

Bundesliga and scored a clear win during<br />

EURO ’08 with its professional sports betting services.<br />

win2day.at exceeded <strong>the</strong> 400,000 registered<br />

users mark, while <strong>the</strong> 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos defied<br />

<strong>the</strong> difficult operating conditions, reporting a 1.1<br />

percent increase in revenues <strong>to</strong> 280 million euro.<br />

Gaming in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n domestic market is subject<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> explicit approval of <strong>the</strong> Federal Ministry<br />

of Finance and <strong>the</strong> nine federal states (Bundesländer)<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Federal Republic. Every new game<br />

and every change <strong>to</strong> gaming rules and terms and<br />

conditions – no matter how small – must be submitted<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry for approval before it is<br />

implemented. Naturally, this makes a quick reac-<br />

tion <strong>to</strong> market developments more difficult. But<br />

it also serves as both guarantee and proof of <strong>the</strong><br />

particular level of care exercised by all companies<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir individual areas of business. Every<br />

casino guest and every online user has <strong>to</strong> register<br />

according <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> rules and must be at least<br />

18 years of age. If necessary, casino guests must<br />

disclose whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y have sufficient means <strong>to</strong><br />

support <strong>the</strong>ir gaming activities. When it comes <strong>to</strong><br />

responsible gaming practices, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries are well known for setting new,<br />

exemplary standards.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r strength that results from this special position<br />

is <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group’s clear commitment<br />

<strong>to</strong> social responsibility. In 2008, <strong>the</strong> companies<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Group contributed a <strong>to</strong>tal of over 70<br />

million euro (including <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries’ contributions<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sponsoring of sports) <strong>to</strong> numerous<br />

humanitarian and cultural projects, as well as <strong>to</strong><br />

popular sports in <strong>Austria</strong>. In many cases, <strong>the</strong>se<br />

projects and causes could not have been fur<strong>the</strong>red<br />

without this support.<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group now employs some<br />

13,532 staff worldwide, including 2,332 in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

alone. Indeed, employee numbers in <strong>Austria</strong> even<br />

show a slight increase year-on-year, not something<br />

<strong>to</strong> be taken for granted in <strong>the</strong> current economic climate,<br />

and when one large company after ano<strong>the</strong>r is<br />

introducing short-time working hours or announcing<br />

major redundancy programs. The fact that many of<br />

our staff have been with Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> for well over<br />

10 years – and some of <strong>the</strong>m even for more than 35<br />

years – offers a clear indication that <strong>the</strong> chemistry<br />

must be right.<br />

But it is not only <strong>the</strong> economic crisis that has<br />

made <strong>the</strong> operating environment more difficult.<br />

Competition in <strong>the</strong> gaming industry is also on<br />

<strong>the</strong> increase, particularly from <strong>the</strong> many opera<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

crowding <strong>the</strong> legally contested areas of <strong>the</strong><br />

market. A forthcoming Amendment <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Gaming Act is set <strong>to</strong> reregulate and unify<br />

<strong>the</strong> market across <strong>the</strong> whole country. Clear statu<strong>to</strong>ry<br />

requirements regarding entry controls and<br />

regulations that will be applicable not just <strong>to</strong> operations<br />

run by Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> should ensure<br />

that all operations comply with regula<strong>to</strong>ry policies<br />

and that appropriate measures are in place<br />

<strong>to</strong> protect minors and players.<br />

�<br />

| 8 | | 9 |


eport ’08 | The Group The Group | report ’08<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries headquarters in Vienna<br />

Only <strong>the</strong> State has <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> operate games of<br />

chance in <strong>Austria</strong>. The State has issued licenses<br />

<strong>to</strong> operate such games of chance <strong>to</strong> two companies:<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG is authorized <strong>to</strong> operate<br />

casino games, while <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries holds <strong>the</strong><br />

license <strong>to</strong> operate lottery games. As holders of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se licenses, both companies are subject <strong>to</strong><br />

strict conditions, state control and high taxes.<br />

The legitimacy of national gaming monopolies<br />

like <strong>the</strong> one found in <strong>Austria</strong> has been recently<br />

upheld by <strong>the</strong> European Union: both through <strong>the</strong><br />

rulings of <strong>the</strong> European Court of Justice and<br />

CASINOS AUSTRIA GROUP AT A GLANCE<br />

Revenues (win, registered tips, entrance) in millions EUR<br />

CASAG CAI ÖLG Entertainment Group<br />

2007 277 1,096 1,036 1,080 3,489<br />

2008 280 1,094 1,123 1,305 3,802<br />

+1.1% -0.2% +8.5% +20.8% +9.0%<br />

Taxes paid in <strong>Austria</strong> in millions EUR<br />

CASAG ÖLG Group<br />

2007 132 349 481<br />

2008 134 383 517<br />

Casino Guests in millions<br />

CASAG CAI Group<br />

2007 2.44 (+0%) 17.5 (+5.4%) 19.94<br />

2008 2.36 (-3%) 20.0 (+14.3%) 22.36<br />

| 10 | | 11 |<br />

Legal Framework<br />

Employees *<br />

**<br />

CASAG CAI ÖLG Entertainment Group<br />

2007 1,721 11,500 462 124 13,807<br />

2008 1,752 11,200 442 138 13,532<br />

Number of Slot Machines<br />

CASAG CAI Group<br />

2007 1,814 11,200 13,014<br />

2008 1,846 11,600 13,446<br />

Number of Gaming Tables<br />

through <strong>the</strong> repeated confirmation by <strong>the</strong> Commissioner<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Internal Market and Services,<br />

Charlie McCreevy, that he sees no grounds <strong>to</strong><br />

fundamentally challenge national monopolies.<br />

The <strong>Austria</strong>n Gaming Act, as amended, excludes<br />

gaming machines with maximum bets of 50<br />

cents and winnings of up <strong>to</strong> 20 euro. It remains<br />

at <strong>the</strong> discretion of <strong>the</strong> individual federal states<br />

whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y allow such gaming machines or<br />

not. Lower <strong>Austria</strong>, Styria, Carinthia and Vienna<br />

permit such gaming machines, <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />

federal states do not.<br />

CASAG CAI Group<br />

2007 238 1,000 1,238<br />

2008 236 1,000 1,236<br />

CAI = Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International = 63 casinos in 18 countries on 5 continents or on 11 cruise liners<br />

CASAG = Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG = 12 casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

ÖLG = Österreichische Lotterien GmbH = <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries<br />

* Annual average full-time equivalents<br />

** incl. CAGAST, CAST, CCB and CALL


eport ’08 | Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs | report ’08<br />

Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss, Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

born 26 November 1956 in Dornbirn<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss studied Business Administration at <strong>the</strong><br />

University of Innsbruck, where he also worked as<br />

a lecturer at <strong>the</strong> Institute of Industry and Trade<br />

while completing his PhD. In 1984, he joined<br />

Vorarlberger Landesversicherung, before moving<br />

<strong>to</strong> MZSG Management Zentrum St. Gallen in Switzerland<br />

two years later as Consultant and Partner.<br />

In 1996, he relocated <strong>to</strong> Vienna, working as a Consultant<br />

for Österreichische Postsparkasse for one<br />

year before assuming <strong>the</strong> role of Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

General. He was appointed a Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Raiffeisen<br />

Zentralbank Österreich AG in 2001, joined <strong>the</strong><br />

Paul Herzfeld, Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

born 17 August 1955 in Vienna<br />

Paul Herzfeld joined Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> while studying<br />

for his Masters Degree in Commercial Studies<br />

at Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration<br />

from 1973 <strong>to</strong> 1979. In <strong>the</strong> years that<br />

followed, he held a variety of positions ranging from<br />

Door Inspec<strong>to</strong>r and Front Desk Cashier <strong>to</strong> Chip Cashier<br />

at Casinos Wien, Baden, Bad Gastein and finally<br />

Kitzbühel, where he was appointed Head of Administration<br />

in 1989. In 1990, he returned <strong>to</strong> Vienna<br />

<strong>to</strong> head up <strong>the</strong> new Organization/Information/IT<br />

department established <strong>to</strong> develop and implement<br />

a company-wide reporting and information system.<br />

Three years later, he was appointed Secretary General<br />

Board of Generali Holding Vienna AG as a Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

on 1 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2004 and <strong>to</strong>ok over <strong>the</strong> role of Chairman<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Board at <strong>the</strong> start of 2005. On <strong>the</strong><br />

recommendation of his predecessor, Leo Wallner,<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss was appointed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board of Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> AG with effect from 1 January 2007, where<br />

he succeeded Leo Wallner as Direc<strong>to</strong>r General in<br />

May of <strong>the</strong> same year. In his free time, <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

of three is a keen mountaineer who has completed<br />

several climbing <strong>to</strong>urs in <strong>the</strong> Himalayas with Peter<br />

Habeler, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n extreme mountaineer famed<br />

for his ascent of Mount Everest.<br />

and Authorized Signa<strong>to</strong>ry of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG, a<br />

role which saw him responsible for coordination of<br />

<strong>the</strong> various activities of <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group<br />

on behalf of <strong>the</strong> Board and for management of <strong>the</strong><br />

Group’s European business activities. In 1997, he<br />

was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International Holding<br />

GmbH, where he has since played a defining role<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Group’s successful international expansion.<br />

Paul Herzfeld has been a Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

AG since 2001 and is also a Member of <strong>the</strong> Board<br />

of <strong>the</strong> European Casino Association. His hobbies include<br />

travel and golf.<br />

Dietmar Hoscher, Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

born 5 June 1962 in Vienna<br />

After graduating with a Masters Degree in Economics<br />

from <strong>the</strong> University of Vienna, Dietmar Hoscher<br />

managed a research project in<strong>to</strong> progressive consumption<br />

tax at <strong>the</strong> Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for<br />

Economic Policy Analysis before joining <strong>the</strong> Österreichische<br />

Nationalbank (<strong>Austria</strong>n Central Bank) as<br />

an Economic Advisor in 1987. Two years later, he was<br />

appointed Economic Policy Advisor <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Parliament, serving in this capacity from 1995 under<br />

Ministers of Finance Staribacher, Klima and Edlinger.<br />

In 1998, he joined Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, initially as Head<br />

of Division and Executive Manager. On 4 April 2000,<br />

he was appointed Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Österreichische Sport-<br />

Josef Leutgeb, Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

born 27 March 1961 in Eggenburg<br />

After completing his Masters Degree in Business<br />

Administration at Vienna University of Economics<br />

and Business Administration in 1987, Josef<br />

Leutgeb began his professional career as an Audi<strong>to</strong>r<br />

and Consultant with <strong>the</strong> international auditing<br />

firm BDO Auxilia in Vienna. In this capacity, he<br />

worked with several leading <strong>Austria</strong>n companies,<br />

including Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG. Impressed by his<br />

expertise, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Direc<strong>to</strong>r General Leo<br />

Wallner recruited Josef Leutgeb in 1993 <strong>to</strong> set up<br />

a new company-wide Controlling division. In 1997,<br />

he was appointed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

International Holding GmbH as Chief Financial Officer<br />

(CFO) and also <strong>to</strong>ok up <strong>the</strong> role of Direc<strong>to</strong>r of<br />

wetten GmbH (tipp3), where he assumed <strong>the</strong> position<br />

of Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Board in June 2008. On<br />

1 January 2007, he was appointed Direc<strong>to</strong>r of<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG. He is Vice President of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Bookmakers’ Association and <strong>the</strong> Vienna Business<br />

Circle, a former Member of Parliament and as<br />

Honorary President and Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Board of<br />

Trustees of SK Rapid Wien, naturally also a big fan<br />

of <strong>the</strong> legendary Vienna-based football club. Dietmar<br />

Hoscher is an accomplished author and independent<br />

music journalist who writes for various <strong>Austria</strong>n and<br />

German journals and is a supporter of music festivals<br />

like <strong>the</strong> Vienna Blues Spring.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International Ltd. in Australia. On<br />

1 January 2005, he was also appointed Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG by <strong>the</strong> Supervisory Board.<br />

Responsible for managing <strong>the</strong> Group’s financial affairs,<br />

he has played a leading role in driving a number<br />

of key processes, including <strong>the</strong> turnaround of<br />

its business in Australia and <strong>the</strong> restructuring of<br />

several o<strong>the</strong>r international holdings. A keen traveler,<br />

he does not mind <strong>the</strong> extensive travel that comes<br />

with his role, and also likes traveling with his family<br />

in his free time. Josef Leutgeb is also an enthusiastic<br />

sportsman, who enjoys a number of different<br />

sports – though always in moderation as he is<br />

quick <strong>to</strong> point out.<br />

| 12 | | 13 |


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

Beat’em all<br />

2008 was a challenging year for <strong>the</strong> 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos. But it also offered <strong>the</strong>m a chance<br />

<strong>to</strong> demonstrate <strong>the</strong>ir strengths over o<strong>the</strong>r gaming opera<strong>to</strong>rs. An opportunity that Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> put <strong>to</strong> impressive use.<br />

The number surprised even <strong>the</strong> optimists among<br />

us. In November 2008, 1,503 contestants<br />

grabbed <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> take part in “Beat’em all” –<br />

Europe’s largest live Poker <strong>to</strong>urnament. This major<br />

event began simultaneously in ten casinos across<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>, from Bregenz in <strong>the</strong> west <strong>to</strong> Baden in <strong>the</strong><br />

east, with <strong>the</strong> electrifying final held almost exactly in<br />

<strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> country in Casino Linz.<br />

Of course, it was not just <strong>the</strong> money – a <strong>to</strong>tal prize<br />

pool of 142,785 euro was at stake – that attracted<br />

such a large number of Poker fans. They also<br />

came <strong>to</strong> experience <strong>the</strong> thrilling atmosphere of a<br />

live <strong>to</strong>urnament in a casino and with <strong>the</strong> knowledge<br />

that if <strong>the</strong>y won, <strong>the</strong>y would achieve instant fame in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Poker world as <strong>the</strong> – direct or indirect – winner<br />

among 1,503 contestants.<br />

The winning combination of that very special Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>’s flair and <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>to</strong> buy-in at<br />

casinos all across <strong>the</strong> country, once again proved<br />

a major trump card. But it didn’t s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>the</strong>re: Poker<br />

enthusiasts also had <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> qualify through<br />

a series of satellite <strong>to</strong>urnaments on win2day.at,<br />

our very own online gaming platform. It goes without<br />

saying that we will be repeating <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>urnament<br />

in 2009.<br />

“Beat’em all” was not just <strong>the</strong> name of this remarkable<br />

live Poker <strong>to</strong>urnament, it also proved <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong><br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> mot<strong>to</strong> in <strong>the</strong> battle for supremacy<br />

in <strong>the</strong> gaming industry. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> might be<br />

<strong>the</strong> only <strong>Austria</strong>n company with a clear mandate<br />

and license from <strong>the</strong> Federal Ministry of Finance <strong>to</strong><br />

operate casino games in <strong>Austria</strong>, but competition<br />

in <strong>the</strong> casino sec<strong>to</strong>r remains fierce none<strong>the</strong>less.<br />

Some 50 casinos just across <strong>the</strong> country’s borders<br />

have been increasingly courting <strong>Austria</strong>n cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />

of late, and <strong>the</strong>re is also a great deal of activity<br />

in <strong>the</strong> domestic market. Add <strong>to</strong> this a major eco- �<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

| 14 | | 15 |


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

GUEST RANKING 2008<br />

Casino National Guests International Guests Total<br />

Wien 205,849 158,314 364,163<br />

Baden 286,854 35,346 322,200<br />

Bregenz 110,495 197,994 308,489<br />

Velden 189,494 62,323 251,817<br />

Innsbruck 135,649 99,162 234,811<br />

Linz 196,135 28,490 224,625<br />

Salzburg 108,826 80,427 189,253<br />

Graz 163,970 19,777 183,547<br />

Seefeld 38,368 100,464 138,832<br />

Kitzbühel 30,699 31,101 61,800<br />

Kleinwalsertal 5,152 54,145 59,297<br />

Bad Gastein 9,435 14,741 24,176<br />

Total 1,480,926 882,084 2,363,010<br />

CASINO GUESTS<br />

2008 Percentage of Total<br />

Total Guests 2,363,010<br />

National Guests 1,480,926 63%<br />

International Guests 882,084 37%<br />

Female Guests 1,012,196 43%<br />

First-time Guests 391,395 17%<br />

GROSS GAMING REVENUES 2004-2008<br />

(in millions EUR, in % compared <strong>to</strong> previous year)<br />

2004 205.0 -5.9%<br />

2005 201.0 -2.0%<br />

2006 181.7 -9.6%<br />

2007 193.5 +6.5%<br />

2008 196.9 +1.75%<br />

nomic crisis looming on <strong>the</strong> horizon, and it quickly<br />

becomes clear why companies really have <strong>to</strong> play<br />

on <strong>the</strong>ir strengths <strong>to</strong> stay in <strong>the</strong> running.<br />

To do so, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> hosts far more than just<br />

superb <strong>to</strong>urnaments like “Beat’em all” or <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Poker Tour: we also try <strong>to</strong><br />

provide our guests with a unique range of entertainment<br />

options not available anywhere else. These include<br />

specials like our popular Ladies Nights, our<br />

extensive choice of dining opportunities or our unrivalled<br />

event facilities for unforgettable functions,<br />

parties and congresses. Not forgetting, of course,<br />

<strong>the</strong> superb gaming on offer: as of 31 December<br />

2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s 12 domestic casinos were<br />

home <strong>to</strong> more than 236 gaming tables – with a<br />

choice of games ranging from French and American<br />

Roulette, Blackjack and Poker <strong>to</strong> Pun<strong>to</strong> Banco<br />

– and all managed by our excellent team of company-trained,<br />

international standard croupiers.<br />

With so much entertainment on offer, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

once again confirmed its position as clear market<br />

leader, welcoming 2.36 million guests in <strong>the</strong> reporting<br />

year. Although this figure was down three<br />

percent year-on-year, it still offers a clear indication<br />

of who holds <strong>the</strong> winning hand in <strong>Austria</strong>.<br />

Maintaining this situation is not only in our own interests,<br />

but also in <strong>the</strong> interests of our individual<br />

host regions. Over <strong>the</strong> last 40 years, our casinos<br />

have firmly established <strong>the</strong>mselves as major <strong>to</strong>urist<br />

attractions and bring significant added value<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir host states. This comes in many shapes<br />

and forms: from redevelopment contracts (such<br />

At <strong>the</strong> turn of <strong>the</strong> year, Casino Kleinwalsertal was given a whole new look<br />

as those recently awarded in Vienna, Salzburg or<br />

Kleinwalsertal) and <strong>the</strong> direct benefit for <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>urism<br />

and leisure industries (who view a casino as<br />

a valuable asset) <strong>to</strong> supply agreements with local<br />

food producers (for whom our casino restaurants<br />

and F&B services are important and reliable partners<br />

and cus<strong>to</strong>mers). In cooperation with <strong>the</strong> Österreichischen<br />

Hoteliervereinigung (<strong>Austria</strong>n Hoteliers<br />

Association) and <strong>the</strong> key <strong>Austria</strong>n <strong>to</strong>urism journal<br />

Tourist <strong>Austria</strong> International (T.A.I.), Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

also recently launched a new “Konjunkturmo<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Tourismus” (Tourism as Economic Driver) initiative.<br />

Networked services, i.e. linking gaming operations<br />

directly <strong>to</strong> a central server, are not just a key<br />

element in Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>'s security policy, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

also open up extended gaming possibilities, such<br />

as <strong>the</strong> progressive Mega <strong>Austria</strong> Jackpot, which<br />

provides added excitement <strong>to</strong> slot machine gaming.<br />

One lucky winner hit this jackpot in Casino<br />

Wien at <strong>the</strong> start of 2009, taking home a prize of<br />

1.02 million euro!<br />

Each in <strong>the</strong>ir own special way, <strong>the</strong> 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos<br />

are extraordinary places. Many of <strong>the</strong>m are<br />

located in luxurious palace buildings, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

boast a broad range of different interior designs.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> invests a great deal of energy, time<br />

and money <strong>to</strong> maintain this status. Our operations<br />

in Baden, Linz and Innsbruck were <strong>to</strong>tally renovated<br />

and relaunched in 2007, and <strong>the</strong> idyllic Casino<br />

Kleinwalsertal was given a whole new look at <strong>the</strong><br />

end of 2008 and beginning of 2009. Fur<strong>the</strong>r redevelopment<br />

projects are also already in <strong>the</strong> pipeline<br />

for <strong>the</strong> coming year.<br />

�<br />

GAMING MIX IN AUSTRIA<br />

GROSS GAMING REVENUES 2008<br />

MAJOR JACKPOT PAYOUTS 2008<br />

Mega <strong>Austria</strong> Jackpot (in EUR)<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

French Roulette 6<br />

American Roulette 71<br />

Blackjack/Blackjack Imperial 57<br />

Glücksrad (Wheel of Fortune) 2<br />

Pun<strong>to</strong> Banco/Baccara 5<br />

Poker 58<br />

Red Dog 1<br />

Seven Eleven 1<br />

Tropical Poker 15<br />

Easy Poker 2<br />

Easy Hold‘em 18<br />

Total Live Gaming Tables 236<br />

Slot Machines 1,846<br />

Gross gaming revenues for <strong>the</strong> 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos (in EUR)<br />

Wien 43,656,209<br />

Bregenz 32,404,212<br />

Innsbruck 25,169,042<br />

Velden 18,190,274<br />

Linz 18,069,878<br />

Baden 17,118,859<br />

Graz 10,952,308<br />

Salzburg 11,483,143<br />

Seefeld 11,428,428<br />

Kitzbühel 5,834,955<br />

Kleinwalsertal 1,965,499<br />

Bad Gastein 596,803<br />

Total 196,869,610<br />

Casino Velden 1,192,255 23.01.2008<br />

Casino Kitzbühel 765,951 21.03.2008<br />

Casino Wien 949,874 15.08.2008<br />

Total 2,908,080<br />

| 16 | | 17 |


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

GRAND CASINO BADEN<br />

2500 Baden<br />

Kaiser-Franz-Ring 1<br />

Im Kurpark<br />

Tel.: +43 /2252/ 444 96<br />

Fax: +43 /2252/ 444 96-222<br />

E-mail: baden@casinos.at<br />

www.baden.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

IT’S THE WONDERFUL MIX OF<br />

STYLES THAT MAKES GRAND<br />

CASINO BADEN SO UNIQUE.<br />

Guests: 322,200<br />

Employees: 158<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 17,118,859<br />

Edmund Gollubits, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

It’s a balmy evening, and <strong>the</strong> scent of flowers<br />

hangs in <strong>the</strong> air. Cocktail in hand, you stand on <strong>the</strong><br />

terrace of Grand Casino Baden contemplating <strong>the</strong><br />

light sparkling in <strong>the</strong> dancing fountain. Then you<br />

step in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino, hear people chatting and<br />

laughing as you quickly become caught up in <strong>the</strong><br />

magic of <strong>the</strong> game. “Rien ne va plus. Would you like<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r card? Flush wins.” Time <strong>to</strong> take a break,<br />

relax on one of <strong>the</strong> sumptuous modern sofas and<br />

cast your eyes around <strong>the</strong> room. Red lea<strong>the</strong>r, exquisite<br />

rugs, <strong>the</strong> shiny Do&Co Bar – <strong>the</strong> charm of <strong>the</strong><br />

his<strong>to</strong>ric building harmonizes with <strong>the</strong> contemporary<br />

interior, creating a very special and exciting<br />

atmosphere all of its own.<br />

“It’s <strong>the</strong> wonderful mix of styles that makes Grand<br />

Casino Baden so unique,” explains Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Edmund Gollubits, reflecting on a very exciting year:<br />

“We were delighted <strong>to</strong> welcome so many international<br />

guests during <strong>the</strong> annual European Poker Championship<br />

in <strong>the</strong> fall and be able <strong>to</strong> impress <strong>the</strong>m with<br />

our thoroughly professional <strong>to</strong>urnament and event<br />

services. A fur<strong>the</strong>r highlight in 2008 was definitely<br />

<strong>the</strong> glamorous Undine Gala, which was attended by<br />

numerous national and international celebrities and<br />

stars of stage and screen.”<br />

Las Vegas might have a lot <strong>to</strong> offer, but <strong>the</strong>re’s one<br />

thing <strong>the</strong> casino capital in <strong>the</strong> desert sure doesn’t<br />

have and that’s snow-capped mountains. Winter<br />

sports paradise Bad Gastein, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, is<br />

positively surrounded by <strong>the</strong>m and offers visi<strong>to</strong>rs a<br />

very special place <strong>to</strong> while away <strong>the</strong> hours after a day<br />

on <strong>the</strong> slopes. At an altitude of 1,000 meters above<br />

sea level, Casino Bad Gastein in <strong>the</strong> glamorous<br />

Grand Hotel de l’Europe welcomes guests from literally<br />

all over <strong>the</strong> world. No matter whe<strong>the</strong>r skiers or<br />

hikers, international visi<strong>to</strong>rs never fail <strong>to</strong> succumb <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> appeal of <strong>the</strong> mountains and <strong>the</strong> charm of <strong>the</strong><br />

Belle Époque villas in this picturesque spa <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />

“In 2008, we welcomed guests from over 80 different<br />

countries <strong>to</strong> Casino Bad Gastein. Our international<br />

clientele is quite typical for <strong>the</strong> sport crazy Gastein<br />

region,” explains Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Michael Leczek.<br />

“Offering perfect service is <strong>to</strong>p priority for our small<br />

team. That way we can make sure our guests enjoy<br />

an unforgettable casino experience – a perfect combination<br />

of personal service and <strong>the</strong> unique atmosphere<br />

created by our his<strong>to</strong>ric setting.” A seasonal<br />

operation, Casino Bad Gastein is very much in tune<br />

with holidaying guests, operating from Christmas <strong>to</strong><br />

mid-March and from July <strong>to</strong> mid-September.<br />

OFFERING PERFECT<br />

SERVICE IS TOP PRIORITY<br />

FOR OUR SMALL TEAM.<br />

CASINO BAD GASTEIN<br />

5640 Bad Gastein<br />

Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Str. 14<br />

Grand Hôtel de l’Europe<br />

Tel.: +43 /6434/ 24 65<br />

Fax: +43 /6434/ 24 65-222<br />

E-mail: badgastein@casinos.at<br />

www.badgastein.casinos.at<br />

| 18 | | 19 |<br />

FACTS<br />

Michael Leczek, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Guests: 24,176<br />

Employees: 18<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 596,803


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

BREGENZ HAS NOW GONE<br />

DOWN IN FILM HISTORY AS A<br />

JAMES BOND TOWN.<br />

CASINO BREGENZ<br />

6900 Bregenz<br />

Am Symphonikerplatz 3<br />

Tel.: +43 /5574/ 45 127<br />

Fax: +43 /5574/ 45 127-12222<br />

E-mail: bregenz@casinos.at<br />

www.bregenz.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 308,489<br />

Employees: 158<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 32,404,212<br />

Josef Semler, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

For many years now, Bregenz and Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

have been inextricably linked by <strong>the</strong> Arts. The<br />

symbiosis of art and gaming is reflected not only<br />

in <strong>the</strong> company’s sponsorship of <strong>the</strong> Bregenz<br />

Festival, but also throughout Casino Bregenz itself.<br />

When you stroll in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino from <strong>the</strong> Festival<br />

House next door with <strong>the</strong> music still ringing<br />

in your ears, you simply can’t help but admire<br />

<strong>the</strong> impressive fountain created by Styrian sculp<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Hans Muhr as you approach <strong>the</strong> stairway <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> live gaming area.<br />

“Two exceptional events proved <strong>to</strong> be particular<br />

highlights in 2008. Throughout <strong>the</strong> entire UEFA<br />

EURO 2008 Football Championship, <strong>the</strong> German TV<br />

channel ZDF broadcast its EM’08 Studio program<br />

direct from <strong>the</strong> Bregenz Festival’s floating stage.<br />

Then <strong>the</strong>re were <strong>the</strong> scenes for <strong>the</strong> 2008 James<br />

Bond movie “Quantum of Solace“ that were filmed<br />

just next <strong>to</strong> Casino Bregenz, generating publicity for<br />

Bregenz all over <strong>the</strong> world,” explains Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Josef Semler. “Bregenz has now gone down in film<br />

his<strong>to</strong>ry as a James Bond <strong>to</strong>wn. Both <strong>the</strong>se events<br />

and <strong>the</strong> resultant increase in <strong>the</strong> level of awareness<br />

of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn have also had a positive impact on guest<br />

numbers and revenues at Casino Bregenz.”<br />

Casino Graz, located in <strong>the</strong> city’s celebrated<br />

Congress Center, blends in perfectly with <strong>the</strong><br />

Styrian capital’s his<strong>to</strong>ric <strong>to</strong>wnscape. After all,<br />

<strong>the</strong> old city center in Graz is a UNESCO <strong>World</strong><br />

Heritage Site, a status that carries its own obligations.<br />

Any renovations and changes made <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> casino and <strong>the</strong> Congress Center itself are<br />

never loud and garish, but always discrete and<br />

fully in keeping with <strong>the</strong> style of <strong>the</strong> building.<br />

The arched stained glass windows designed by<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n artist Hans Staudacher, for example,<br />

form a delightful contrast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> building’s late-<br />

Classicist façade.<br />

“2008 again saw Casino Graz as one of <strong>the</strong> leading<br />

locations for social events in <strong>the</strong> Styrian capital.<br />

With our special atmosphere, countless cultural<br />

and entertainment events, our unique Piano<br />

Bar with live music and <strong>to</strong>p quality restaurant,<br />

we’ve been one of <strong>the</strong> most popular venues in<br />

Styria for nearly 25 years,” says Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Andreas Sauseng, describing his casino’s special<br />

appeal. “We were particularly pleased with <strong>the</strong><br />

positive feedback on our <strong>to</strong>urnaments, especially<br />

<strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Poker Tour and our ever-popular<br />

Preisschnappsen card competition.”<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

WE’VE BEEN ONE OF THE<br />

MOST POPULAR VENUES IN STYRIA<br />

FOR NEARLY 25 YEARS.<br />

Andreas Sauseng, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

| 20 | | 21 |<br />

CASINO GRAZ<br />

8010 Graz<br />

Landhausgasse 10<br />

Grazer Congress<br />

Tel.: +43 /316/ 83 25 78<br />

Fax: +43 /316/ 83 25 78-222<br />

E-mail: graz@casinos.at<br />

www.graz.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 183,547<br />

Employees: 118<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 10,952,308


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

OUR NEW TERRACE IS A REAL GEM,<br />

AND THE CASINEUM PROVIDES THE<br />

IDEAL SETTING FOR THE MANY EVENTS<br />

HELD AT THE CASINO.<br />

CASINO INNSBRUCK<br />

6020 Innsbruck<br />

Salurner Str. 15<br />

Hotel Hil<strong>to</strong>n<br />

Tel.: +43 /512/ 58 70 40-0<br />

Fax: +43 /512/ 58 70 40-222<br />

E-mail: innsbruck@casinos.at<br />

www.innsbruck.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 234,811<br />

Employees: 141<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 25,169,042<br />

Kurt Steger, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

The “youngest” of <strong>the</strong> 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos offers<br />

far more than just exciting gaming entertainment.<br />

Casino Innsbruck first opened in 1992<br />

and in <strong>the</strong> meantime has become a hot tip on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Tyrolean comedy scene, with a calendar of<br />

cultural events that reads like a “Who’s Who” of<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n comedians and satirists. The contemporary<br />

interior of <strong>the</strong> casino combines exquisite<br />

green s<strong>to</strong>ne, glass and brass elements with<br />

clever lighting effects, including a fully electronic<br />

LED system both on <strong>the</strong> gaming tables and <strong>the</strong><br />

Roulette wheels <strong>to</strong> effortlessly change <strong>the</strong> mood.<br />

The monumental wall painting by <strong>the</strong> renowned<br />

Tyrolean artist Max Weiler in <strong>the</strong> main gaming<br />

area adds a fur<strong>the</strong>r vibrant splash of color.<br />

“In <strong>the</strong> spring, we successfully completed <strong>the</strong> innovative<br />

redesign of our popular Casineum event<br />

room, giving it a <strong>to</strong>tally new look and equipping<br />

it with <strong>the</strong> very latest in technology. These changes<br />

have gone down very well with our guests, who<br />

have clearly taken <strong>to</strong> our event philosophy,” reports<br />

a delighted Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Kurt Steger.<br />

“We’re also particularly proud of our new terrace,<br />

which is real gem. And we have modernized our<br />

Jackpot Casino <strong>to</strong>o!”<br />

Casino Kitzbühel is situated in one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />

attractive buildings in <strong>to</strong>wn, <strong>the</strong> Hotel Goldener<br />

Greif, a his<strong>to</strong>ric family-owned building built in<br />

1274. The cosmopolitan Alpine <strong>to</strong>wn hits <strong>the</strong> media<br />

spotlight each year when it hosts <strong>the</strong> Hahnenkamm<br />

Alpine Ski Race – just one of <strong>the</strong> many attractions<br />

that have made Kitzbühel a destination<br />

of choice for celebrities and VIPs from all over <strong>the</strong><br />

world. The <strong>to</strong>wn’s popular casino is <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />

place <strong>to</strong> get away from it all for a few hours and<br />

enjoy a fun evening of entertainment away from<br />

<strong>the</strong> flashlights.<br />

“Both table gaming and slot machine revenues<br />

at Casino Kitzbühel in 2008 were by far <strong>the</strong> highest<br />

ever achieved in <strong>the</strong> casino’s 75-year his<strong>to</strong>ry,”<br />

says Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Hannes Huber delightedly.<br />

“The enormous efforts we have put in<strong>to</strong> establishing<br />

Casino Kitzbühel as a year-round operation are<br />

proving very successful. Absolute highlights in <strong>the</strong><br />

2008 event calendar were <strong>the</strong> ‘Racers Night’ party<br />

organized for <strong>the</strong> Hahnenkamm Alpine Ski Race<br />

and <strong>the</strong> gala evenings held during <strong>the</strong> Triathlon<br />

<strong>World</strong> Cup and <strong>the</strong> Tour of Germany. Given <strong>the</strong> success<br />

of <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r events, <strong>the</strong> casino will be a<br />

talking point for many years <strong>to</strong> come.”<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

TABLE AND SLOT REVENUES<br />

IN 2008 WERE THE HIGHEST IN<br />

CASINO KITZBÜHEL’S 75-YEAR HISTORY.<br />

CASINO KITZBÜHEL<br />

6370 Kitzbühel<br />

Hinterstadt 24<br />

Tel.: +43 /5356/ 623 00<br />

Fax: +43 /5356/ 654 66<br />

E-mail: kitzbuehel@casinos.at<br />

www.kitzbuehel.casinos.at<br />

Hannes Huter, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

| 22 | | 23 |<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 61,800<br />

Employees: 50<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 5,834,955


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

AFTER 35 YEARS, THE CASINO<br />

HAS BEEN GIVEN A MUCH-NEEDED<br />

FACELIFT. IT NOW SHINES IN<br />

NEW SPLENDOR.<br />

CASINO KLEINWALSERTAL<br />

A-6991 Riezlern<br />

D-87567 Riezlern<br />

Walserstraße 31<br />

Tel. (<strong>Austria</strong>): +43 /5517/ 50 23-240<br />

Tel. (Germany): +49 /8329/ 50 23<br />

Fax: +43 /5517/ 50 23-16222<br />

E-mail: kleinwalsertal@casinos.at<br />

www.kleinwalsertal.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 59,297<br />

Employees: 46<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 1,965,499<br />

Gerhard Steurer, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Casino Kleinwalsertal in Riezlern is definitely<br />

worth a visit. If only for <strong>the</strong> fact that Kleinwalsertal<br />

can only be reached by car via Germany! But<br />

it’s not just <strong>the</strong> route and its setting that makes<br />

Casino Kleinwalsertal so unique. On <strong>the</strong> outside,<br />

a modern glass façade sets it apart from <strong>the</strong> typical<br />

house fronts in this romantic Alpine village.<br />

And on <strong>the</strong> inside, <strong>the</strong> casino boasts a whole new<br />

look following its renovation in 2008. The crackling<br />

open fire in <strong>the</strong> gaming area is <strong>the</strong> sole reminder<br />

of its rustic interior prior <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> redesign:<br />

an extravagant wall of brown lea<strong>the</strong>r now sweeps<br />

from a pure white entrance area through <strong>the</strong><br />

whole casino, where soft lounge chairs invite you<br />

<strong>to</strong> linger and relax.<br />

“2008 was a real year of change for Casino Kleinwalsertal.<br />

The renovation work began in June, and<br />

after 35 years it was high time for a facelift. First on<br />

<strong>the</strong> cards were our multipurpose event facilities. By<br />

December, <strong>the</strong> whole casino was shining in its new<br />

splendor, and we celebrated our reopening with a<br />

fantastic party,” explains Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Gerhard<br />

Steurer proudly. “With our new look and our great<br />

team, I am very positive about <strong>the</strong> coming year – despite<br />

<strong>the</strong> turbulent times ahead.”<br />

When you enter Casino Linz in <strong>the</strong> four-star Hotel<br />

Schillerpark, you find yourself surrounded by a<br />

wonderful combination of color, light and architecture.<br />

Completely renovated in November 2007, <strong>the</strong><br />

casino is now clearly drawing on <strong>the</strong> full benefits<br />

of its fantastic facilities. The long, curved bar, <strong>the</strong><br />

light pillars that ba<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong> gaming area in constantly<br />

changing light and <strong>the</strong> mosaic-like window frieze<br />

by <strong>Austria</strong>n artist Hans Staudacher all combine perfectly<br />

<strong>to</strong> create a contemporary, stylish whole. The<br />

200 square meter Casineum event room offers plenty<br />

of space for large events.<br />

“One of our goals for 2008 was <strong>to</strong> introduce our<br />

guests <strong>to</strong> our newly redesigned casino, and we are<br />

immensely proud of <strong>the</strong> extremely positive feedback<br />

we have had from all our guests,” says Casino<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r Josef Kneifl. “The great atmosphere perfectly<br />

supports our efforts <strong>to</strong> position Casino Linz<br />

not just as a gaming venue, but also as a place<br />

where people meet up <strong>to</strong> enjoy exciting entertainment,<br />

great events and upmarket cuisine. Among<br />

<strong>the</strong> many events we hosted in 2008, two definite<br />

highlights were <strong>the</strong> final of <strong>the</strong> ‘Beat’em all’ Poker<br />

Tournament – Europe’s largest live Poker competition<br />

– and <strong>the</strong> European Blackjack Championship.”<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

CASINO LINZ IS NOT JUST A<br />

GAMING VENUE, IT’S A PLACE<br />

WHERE PEOPLE MEET.<br />

Josef Kneifl, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

| 24 | | 25 |<br />

CASINO LINZ<br />

4020 Linz<br />

Rainerstraße 2-4<br />

Hotel Schillerpark<br />

Tel.: +43 /732/ 65 44 87<br />

Fax: +43 /732/ 65 44 87-17222<br />

E-mail: linz@casinos.at<br />

www.linz.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 224,625<br />

Employees: 127<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 18,069,878


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

THE TERRACE IS USED AS AN UPSCALE<br />

LOUNGE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS,<br />

CREATING SPACE FOR OUR FIRST-EVER<br />

OUTDOOR BLACKJACK TABLE.<br />

CASINO SALZBURG<br />

5071 Wals-Siezenheim<br />

Schloss Klessheim<br />

Tel.: +43 /662/ 85 44 55-0<br />

Fax: +43 /662/ 85 44 55-222<br />

E-mail: salzburg@casinos.at<br />

www.salzburg.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 189,253<br />

Employees: 120<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 11,483,143<br />

Kurt Pipal, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

What better place <strong>to</strong> dream of fantastic winnings<br />

than in a beautiful palace! Set in <strong>the</strong> magnificent<br />

Schloss Klessheim, Casino Salzburg boasts a truly<br />

majestic ambience. Grand staircases, sparkling<br />

chandeliers and intricate stucco ceilings – you<br />

don’t have <strong>to</strong> be royalty <strong>to</strong> feel special in such a<br />

wonderful setting. In 2008, Casino Salzburg began<br />

an extensive redesign program <strong>to</strong> maintain its<br />

fitting position on <strong>the</strong> cutting edge of modern casino<br />

gaming.<br />

“We began by redesigning <strong>the</strong> ground floor area,<br />

and from <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> year we had <strong>the</strong> complete<br />

north wing ready for use as a multipurpose<br />

event area for receptions, gaming related activities<br />

like Poker <strong>to</strong>urnaments and all manner of o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

functions and events,” reports Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Kurt<br />

Pipal. “New furniture and heating were installed on<br />

<strong>the</strong> terrace, enabling us <strong>to</strong> use it as an upscale<br />

lounge in <strong>the</strong> summer months and creating space for<br />

our first-ever outdoor Blackjack table.” In November,<br />

work <strong>the</strong>n began on <strong>the</strong> new, contemporary look for<br />

<strong>the</strong> reception area. The renovations will continue in<strong>to</strong><br />

2009, with <strong>the</strong> extensive new lighting concept implemented<br />

at <strong>the</strong> end of February adding fur<strong>the</strong>r sparkle<br />

<strong>to</strong> this glittering casino.<br />

The casino in Seefeld has become almost an emblem<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Tyrolean Alpine <strong>to</strong>wn, with its <strong>to</strong>werlike<br />

Münzturm building literally dominating <strong>the</strong><br />

skyline. Affectionately described as <strong>the</strong> “<strong>Austria</strong>'s<br />

coziest casino”, Casino Seefeld captivates<br />

all aficionados of traditional rustic style. Regional<br />

baroque and handcrafted rural antiques and<br />

artifacts complement <strong>the</strong> interior wood paneling<br />

<strong>to</strong> complete <strong>the</strong> Alpine look. And as host of <strong>the</strong><br />

annual Baccara <strong>World</strong> Championships, Casino<br />

Seefeld becomes <strong>the</strong> center of attraction for a<br />

large international fan community each year.<br />

“When we ask our guests <strong>to</strong> describe Casino<br />

Seefeld, <strong>the</strong>y repeatedly emphasize our unique<br />

ambience, extensive gaming mix, great choice of<br />

entertainment and excellent cus<strong>to</strong>mer service,”<br />

says Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Ernst Hubmann, referring<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino’s all-round entertainment concept.<br />

A range of different initiatives in all <strong>the</strong>se areas<br />

also characterized our policy in 2008. “We increased<br />

our popular Poker and <strong>to</strong>urnament activities,<br />

hosted around 2,500 guests at our bigprize<br />

club events and created yet ano<strong>the</strong>r feel<br />

good fac<strong>to</strong>r with our newly designed casino bar,”<br />

explains Hubmann.<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

THE NEW DESIGN OF THE CASINO BAR<br />

CREATES YET ANOTHER FEEL GOOD<br />

FACTOR IN AUSTRIA’S COZIEST CASINO.<br />

CASINO SEEFELD<br />

Ernst Hubmann, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

6100 Seefeld<br />

Bahnhofstraße 124<br />

Hotel Karwendelhof<br />

Tel.: +43 /5212/ 23 40<br />

Fax: +43 /5212/ 23 40-222<br />

E-mail: seefeld@casinos.at<br />

www.seefeld.casinos.at<br />

| 26 | | 27 |<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 138,832<br />

Employees: 103<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 11,428,428


eport ’08 | Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

A MIX OF SEEING AND BEING SEEN,<br />

HIGH-LEVEL CONVENTIONS, EXQUISITE<br />

CUISINE AND AN IMPRESSIVE<br />

GAMING AREA.<br />

CASINO VELDEN<br />

9220 Velden<br />

Am Corso 17<br />

Tel.: +43 /4274/ 20 64<br />

Fax: +43 /4274/ 20 64-222<br />

E-mail: velden@casinos.at<br />

www.velden.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 251,817<br />

Employees: 132<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 18,190,274<br />

Othmar Resch, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Only a privileged few are fortunate enough <strong>to</strong> have a<br />

house on <strong>the</strong> shores of Lake Wör<strong>the</strong>rsee with breathtaking<br />

views over <strong>Austria</strong>’s most beautiful lake. Casino<br />

Velden is one of those lucky few and happily shares its<br />

good fortune with all its guests. True connoisseurs like<br />

<strong>to</strong> arrive in style by boat, docking at <strong>the</strong> casino’s private<br />

landing pier. The most popular spot in <strong>the</strong> casino<br />

is, of course, <strong>the</strong> terrace, where not only do guests<br />

enjoy <strong>the</strong> fantastic view over <strong>the</strong> lake, <strong>the</strong>y also have<br />

<strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> try <strong>the</strong>ir luck at <strong>the</strong> open-air gaming<br />

tables. The Casineum provides <strong>the</strong> casino with its very<br />

own function center offering a perfect setting for any<br />

event, while <strong>the</strong> glass façade ensures that <strong>the</strong> main<br />

attraction – <strong>the</strong> lake – always remains center stage.<br />

“Casino Velden enjoys a unique location overlooking<br />

<strong>the</strong> Wör<strong>the</strong>rsee bay and exudes a very special flair<br />

with its mix of seeing and being seen, high-level conventions,<br />

exquisite cuisine and impressive gaming<br />

area,” says Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Othmar Resch, praising<br />

Casino Velden’s many attractions. Just some of <strong>the</strong><br />

events regularly hosted at <strong>the</strong> casino include <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />

Fête Blanche celebrations, when over 10,000<br />

party-goers dressed all in white flock <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, or<br />

<strong>the</strong> CEE Forum attended by leading representatives<br />

from <strong>the</strong> worlds of politics and industry.<br />

The oldest building in Vienna’s Kärntner Straße,<br />

Palais Esterházy, is now a mecca for <strong>to</strong>p-class<br />

gaming in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n capital. With its central<br />

location close <strong>to</strong> both <strong>the</strong> State Opera and<br />

<strong>the</strong> landmark St. Stephen’s Ca<strong>the</strong>dral, Casino<br />

Wien indulges its guests with cutting edge gaming<br />

on three lavish floors – from slot machines<br />

<strong>to</strong> its very own first-class Poker Lounge. It was<br />

<strong>the</strong> increased demand for Poker that prompted<br />

Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Reinhard Deiring <strong>to</strong> convert<br />

<strong>the</strong> second-floor bistro in<strong>to</strong> a dedicated Poker<br />

Lounge in 2008. With <strong>the</strong> conversion completed<br />

in a record-breaking three weeks, <strong>the</strong> new Poker<br />

Lounge is styled in contemporary gray and purple<br />

flannel, dark wood and lea<strong>the</strong>r, features a<br />

sparkling bar of glass, mirrors and flat screens,<br />

and offers guests a choice of five Poker tables.<br />

This conversion, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> restyling of<br />

<strong>the</strong> impressive Fuchs Room and a complete<br />

facelift <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> gaming area in <strong>the</strong> Jackpot Casino<br />

have all added <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino’s attraction.<br />

“International gaming and unique service combined<br />

with <strong>the</strong> sheer elegance of a Viennese palace<br />

are <strong>the</strong> best possible ingredients for success,”<br />

says Reinhard Deiring confidently.<br />

Casinos in <strong>Austria</strong> | report ’08<br />

INTERNATIONAL GAMING AND UNIQUE<br />

SERVICE COMBINED WITH THE SHEER<br />

ELEGANCE OF A VIENNESE PALACE.<br />

Reinhard Deiring, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

| 28 | | 29 |<br />

CASINO WIEN<br />

1010 Vienna<br />

Kärntner Straße 41<br />

Palais Esterházy<br />

Tel.: +43 /1/ 512 48 36<br />

Fax: +43 /1/ 512 48 36-21222<br />

E-mail: wien@casinos.at<br />

www.wien.casinos.at<br />

FACTS<br />

Guests: 364,163<br />

Employees: 213<br />

Revenues (in EUR): 43,656,209


eport ’08 | Food & Beverage<br />

Panem et circenses<br />

Fine dining is one of <strong>the</strong> many highlights of a great night out at <strong>the</strong> casino. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s restaurants<br />

and bistros offer a broad range of mouthwatering culinary delights in some of <strong>the</strong> most<br />

attractive and elegant settings in <strong>Austria</strong>.<br />

Marcel Vanic stands in his shiny stainless<br />

steel kitchen, watching his team of<br />

chefs with a look of absolute concentration on<br />

his face. Ten servings of olive-crusted sea bass<br />

on a bed of saffron linguine with braised <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong><br />

and fennel are about <strong>to</strong> be dispatched <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

restaurant, and every last move must be timed<br />

<strong>to</strong> perfection. One last adjustment on <strong>the</strong> plate,<br />

a final sprinkling of fennel fronds. Then a procession<br />

of waiters sweeps through <strong>the</strong> electric<br />

doors, and within seconds <strong>the</strong> plates are gone.<br />

Silently, <strong>the</strong> chefs turn, <strong>the</strong>ir attention already<br />

focused on <strong>the</strong> next order.<br />

A typical snapshot of life behind <strong>the</strong> scenes in<br />

<strong>the</strong> restaurant at Casino Velden. As if its location<br />

on <strong>the</strong> shores of beautiful Lake Wör<strong>the</strong>rsee<br />

in one of Casino <strong>Austria</strong>’s most impressive buildings<br />

were not enough, <strong>the</strong> trend-setting restaurant<br />

has also set itself <strong>the</strong> highest culinary goals. TV<br />

chef Marcel Vanic is <strong>the</strong> casino’s Food & Beverage<br />

(F&B) Manager, directing not only <strong>the</strong> award-winning<br />

restaurant (praised by <strong>the</strong> Gault Millau Guide<br />

for its “distinctive style and elegance”), but also<br />

four bars, two terraces and a bistro. And <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

more: when <strong>the</strong> Casineum, <strong>the</strong> casino’s multipurpose<br />

conference and event center, hosts a really<br />

large event, Vanic and his team are naturally also<br />

on hand <strong>to</strong> conjure up culinary delights for up <strong>to</strong><br />

1,000 guests. And when <strong>the</strong> reputation of such a<br />

well-established team whets <strong>the</strong> appetite of cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />

far beyond <strong>the</strong> casino walls, <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />

cannot be ignored – so <strong>the</strong> F&B department<br />

at Casino Velden now also handles catering in <strong>the</strong><br />

VIP area at Klagenfurt football stadium.<br />

Special events and culinary highlights have always<br />

played a starring role at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>. It’s<br />

part of our corporate branding strategy <strong>to</strong> market<br />

a visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino as an all-round experience<br />

and establish our casinos as leading <strong>to</strong>urist attractions<br />

and pillars of society in <strong>the</strong>ir host regions.<br />

The restaurants and bars in most of our casinos<br />

are run by partner companies, while teams<br />

of professional event organizers are on hand <strong>to</strong><br />

provide support at major events, when thousands<br />

of visi<strong>to</strong>rs can represent a huge challenge for <strong>the</strong><br />

local infrastructure.<br />

Casino Innsbruck, for example, works hand-inhand<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Hil<strong>to</strong>n Hotel just next door. In Linz,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Tourist Office provides <strong>the</strong> necessary infrastructure,<br />

while in Graz it’s <strong>the</strong> adjacent Congress<br />

House. The situation in Baden is ra<strong>the</strong>r unique<br />

– <strong>the</strong> casino’s proximity <strong>to</strong> Vienna can mean a<br />

huge difference between weekdays and weekends.<br />

There are often three times as many guests –<br />

we’re referring <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> restaurant here – on a Saturday<br />

as <strong>the</strong>re would be on a typical weekday. Since<br />

Grand Casino Baden is also a regular conference<br />

venue, not <strong>to</strong> mention a highly popular location<br />

for ball nights in <strong>the</strong> carnival season, <strong>the</strong>re is really<br />

only one partner who can handle such strong<br />

fluctuations in demand, confirms F&B Manager<br />

Oliver Kitz: “We’ve been working successfully with<br />

Do&Co for many years.”<br />

In 2004, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> founded a subsidiary<br />

company – Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Gastronomiebetriebs<br />

GmbH (CAGAST) – <strong>to</strong> operate <strong>the</strong> restaurants in<br />

a number of casinos. CAGAST currently runs <strong>the</strong><br />

Lake Wör<strong>the</strong>rsee F&B emporium, <strong>the</strong> bar at Casino<br />

Seefeld, as well as <strong>the</strong> gourmet restaurants at <strong>the</strong><br />

casinos in Kleinwalsertal, Kitzbühel and Bregenz.<br />

Over in Kitzbühel, master chef Walter Hiedl is<br />

renowned for his love of adding a contemporary<br />

twist <strong>to</strong> traditional <strong>Austria</strong>n cuisine. Although <strong>the</strong><br />

tastes of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn’s clientele – a mix of more conservative<br />

local residents and international visi<strong>to</strong>rs �<br />

Food & Beverage | report ’08<br />

| 30 | | 31 |


eport ’08 | Food & Beverage<br />

– can be hard <strong>to</strong> play <strong>to</strong>, this particular culinary<br />

approach has proved extremely popular. <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

specialties naturally also feature strongly on<br />

<strong>the</strong> menu at <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r casino restaurants, even<br />

if <strong>the</strong>y are complemented by <strong>the</strong> occasional turbot<br />

or Italian-influenced creation, as Oliver Kitz<br />

explains: “The <strong>Austria</strong>n <strong>to</strong>uch is an important part<br />

of our F&B concept. We cater <strong>to</strong> many international<br />

guests, and <strong>the</strong>y would be really disappointed<br />

if all we offered <strong>the</strong>m was standard, international<br />

fare and none of <strong>the</strong> world-famous Viennese<br />

dishes.” This is why CAGAST restaurants – and all<br />

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r casino F&B operations – primarily use<br />

locally sourced <strong>Austria</strong>n products. They also work<br />

closely with <strong>the</strong> Bund Österreichischer Gastlichkeit<br />

(“<strong>Austria</strong>n Hospitality Association”), an organization<br />

set up <strong>to</strong> promote traditional cooking skills<br />

and styles in <strong>the</strong> restaurant industry. And when it<br />

comes <strong>to</strong> ingredients that cannot be sourced lo-<br />

cally – like exotic fruits, spices and coffee – <strong>the</strong><br />

casino restaurants are careful <strong>to</strong> choose Fairtrade<br />

products wherever possible.<br />

An important part of our concept is ensuring that<br />

we offer a high standard of cuisine without trying<br />

<strong>to</strong> overshoot <strong>the</strong> mark. In our experience, casino<br />

guests tend <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> kind of people who enjoy<br />

good food and appreciate quality. But dining is<br />

just one element of <strong>the</strong> casino experience – <strong>the</strong><br />

card tables, <strong>the</strong> Roulette wheel and <strong>the</strong> slots are<br />

all equally part of <strong>the</strong> fun.<br />

That probably explains why our dining packages<br />

are some of our most popular products, offering<br />

guests <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> combine an elegant meal with<br />

a few hours excitement at <strong>the</strong> gaming tables at<br />

unbeatable prices. In 2008, over 180,000 guests<br />

purchased packages from this range.<br />

Our Dinner & Casino package, for example, costs<br />

57 euro and includes a four-course meal and welcome<br />

chips <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> value of 25 euro, valid at both <strong>the</strong><br />

tables and <strong>the</strong> slot machines. This package is also a<br />

very popular gift – a four-course meal in a glamorous<br />

casino setting is a wonderful experience in itself<br />

– whe<strong>the</strong>r Lady Luck proves <strong>to</strong> be on your side or not.<br />

If you don’t have <strong>the</strong> time or appetite for four<br />

courses, <strong>the</strong>re are also a range of “lighter” options<br />

<strong>to</strong> choose from – such as <strong>the</strong> Surf & Turf<br />

Package (steak, shrimp and welcome chips <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

value of 25 euro) for just 40 euro or Bistro & Casino<br />

(a choice of dishes from <strong>the</strong> Bistro menu and<br />

welcome chips <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> value of 25 euro) for only 29<br />

euro. The Dinner & Roulette Package probably has<br />

<strong>the</strong> greatest fun fac<strong>to</strong>r and is particularly recommended<br />

for small groups: after <strong>the</strong>y have finished<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir four-course dinner, a portable Roulette table<br />

is wheeled in, and <strong>the</strong> guests are given <strong>the</strong> chance<br />

<strong>to</strong> play for <strong>the</strong> price of <strong>the</strong>ir meal. The number <strong>the</strong><br />

ball lands on is <strong>the</strong> price <strong>the</strong> guest pays, in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

words between 0 und 36 euro. Winning in this<br />

kind of fun atmosphere tends <strong>to</strong> bring on a fit of<br />

generosity: whenever someone lands on zero, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

almost always choose <strong>to</strong> celebrate by ordering a<br />

round of drinks.<br />

DINNER & CASINO NIGHT<br />

If you want <strong>to</strong> spoil someone special with an exciting<br />

night out at <strong>the</strong> casino, an excellent meal and an exquisite<br />

overnight stay, our Dinner & Casino Night package<br />

is <strong>the</strong> perfect gift:<br />

� The exclusive four-course Dinner & Casino menu<br />

� Welcome chips <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> value of 25 euro<br />

� A glass of sparkling wine at <strong>the</strong> casino bar<br />

� One night’s hotel accommodation with buffet<br />

breakfast for only 129 euro per person sharing a<br />

double room (supplement for single occupancy<br />

on request)<br />

With <strong>Austria</strong>n cuisine, <strong>Austria</strong>n hospitality and<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n wines all so closely linked <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> fine<br />

dining on offer in our casinos, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

has a long his<strong>to</strong>ry of promoting <strong>the</strong>se important<br />

aspects of our national culture. We sponsor <strong>the</strong><br />

annual Goldene Traube (“Golden Grape”) award,<br />

which recognizes particularly exceptional wines<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Burgenland region. The Österreichische<br />

Wein Salon (“<strong>Austria</strong>n Wine Salon”) also <strong>to</strong>urs all<br />

12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos each year, with a series of<br />

events offering guests <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>to</strong> taste<br />

and compare <strong>the</strong> several dozen prize-winning<br />

wines selected by <strong>the</strong> Salon’s independent jury<br />

of experts from literally thousands of entries<br />

from all wine-growing areas in <strong>Austria</strong>.<br />

The most prestigious of <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> gourmet<br />

awards is undoubtedly <strong>the</strong> Goldene Roulette<br />

Kugel (“Golden Roulette Ball”). This quite simply<br />

recognizes <strong>the</strong> best of <strong>the</strong> best and is presented<br />

each year in cooperation with <strong>the</strong> leading restaurant<br />

guide Gault Millau. Former prize-winners include<br />

many of <strong>Austria</strong>’s most famous restaurants,<br />

including Steirereck and Korso in Vienna, Obauer<br />

in Werfen and <strong>the</strong> Arlberg Hospiz in St. Chris<strong>to</strong>ph,<br />

with <strong>the</strong> 2008 award going <strong>to</strong> Lisl Wagner-Bacher<br />

of Landhaus Bacher in Mautern.<br />

�<br />

DINNER & CASINO<br />

For only 57 euro, why not enjoy our:<br />

� Exclusive four-course Dinner & Casino menu<br />

� Welcome chips <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> value of 25 euro<br />

� A glass of sparkling wine<br />

Food & Beverage | report ’08<br />

� 4 Paroli chips (place your Paroli chips on <strong>the</strong> right<br />

number in three successive spins of <strong>the</strong> Roulette<br />

wheel <strong>to</strong> win 7,777 euro in gold)<br />

Not available on 24 and 31 December.<br />

| 32 | | 33 |


eport ’08 | Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

A Global Player<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group is renowned throughout <strong>the</strong> world for its diverse<br />

range of <strong>to</strong>p-class casinos. Its international subsidiary, Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> International, was founded in 1977 and is now a leading player in <strong>the</strong><br />

global casino industry. With its unique portfolio of casino consulting, development,<br />

management and investment services, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

has successfully realized more casino projects in more jurisdictions than<br />

any o<strong>the</strong>r casino opera<strong>to</strong>r worldwide. Service, quality, integrity, responsibility<br />

and innovation are <strong>the</strong> driving forces behind <strong>the</strong> company's success and are<br />

reflected in all its business activities.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International – Facts and Figures 2008<br />

At <strong>the</strong> end of 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International operated a <strong>to</strong>tal of 63 casinos<br />

in 18 countries and on board 11 cruise liners, including new casinos in<br />

Chile and Argentina. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>se 63 casinos welcomed 20 million guests<br />

and employed 11,200 people in 2008. They offered gaming entertainment at<br />

a <strong>to</strong>tal of 1,000 gaming tables and 11,600 slot machines, generating aggregate<br />

revenues (win, registered tips, entrance) of 1.1 billion euro. Particularly<br />

strong growth was reported by operations in Argentina, Australia, Belgium,<br />

Egypt and Switzerland.<br />

Organizational Changes and New Horizons<br />

Over <strong>the</strong> past 30+ years, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has successfully<br />

achieved its goal of becoming a leading player in <strong>the</strong> international casino<br />

industry. But <strong>the</strong>se are dynamic times for <strong>the</strong> international gaming industry.<br />

New products are constantly appearing on <strong>the</strong> market, innovation cycles are<br />

becoming shorter and <strong>the</strong> regula<strong>to</strong>ry environment is increasingly complex.<br />

To address <strong>the</strong>se developments, <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group underwent a major<br />

restructuring process in 2008 – bringing <strong>the</strong> individual companies in <strong>the</strong><br />

Group closer <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r and creating <strong>the</strong> first gaming group in a position <strong>to</strong><br />

offer its clients a complete range of gaming solutions and products from a<br />

single source.<br />

As part of this restructuring process and <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> integration of new<br />

gaming products in<strong>to</strong> our portfolio, <strong>the</strong> Board of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

was extended with effect from 15 July 2008. CEO Paul Herzfeld and<br />

CFO Josef Leutgeb were joined on <strong>the</strong> Board by Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss as Chairman and<br />

Dietmar Hoscher as Direc<strong>to</strong>r.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

International Developments 2008<br />

For Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International and for <strong>the</strong> casino industry in general, 2008<br />

was a challenging year, characterized by contradictions and regula<strong>to</strong>ry issues,<br />

in particular <strong>the</strong> introduction of smoking bans and announcement of<br />

future increases in gaming taxes in a number of countries. But for Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> International, it was also a year of new beginnings.<br />

We added a fur<strong>the</strong>r country <strong>to</strong> our casino map in July with <strong>the</strong> opening of Gran<br />

Casino Los Angeles in Chile and consolidated our entry in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chilean market<br />

at <strong>the</strong> end of August with <strong>the</strong> award of <strong>the</strong> concession for a second casino, this<br />

time for <strong>the</strong> city of Ovalle in <strong>the</strong> Coquimbo region. Our local subsidiary in Argentina,<br />

Entretenimien<strong>to</strong>s y Juegos de Azar (ENJASA), <strong>the</strong> only company licensed <strong>to</strong><br />

operate games of chance (casinos, lotteries and slot machines) in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

province of Salta, continued its development program, launching live gaming at<br />

two of its popular slot venues. The new fully-fledged casinos were renamed<br />

Casino Oran and Casino Tartagal <strong>to</strong> reflect <strong>the</strong>ir new status.<br />

Following <strong>the</strong> successful opening of Queens Casino and Casino Silverstar in<br />

December 2007, our partner in South Africa, JSE-listed gaming and entertainment<br />

company Gold Reef Resorts, marked <strong>the</strong> opening of all facilities<br />

at Casino Silverstar – which boasts <strong>the</strong> largest water feature in <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

Hemisphere - with an extraordinary launch function in April.<br />

In Europe, Grand Casino Beograd in <strong>the</strong> Serbian capital celebrated its completion<br />

with a spectacular Gala Weekend in February, an event that will be talked<br />

about in <strong>the</strong> European casino industry for many years <strong>to</strong> come. Spielbanken Niedersachsen,<br />

our subsidiary in Germany, consolidated its activities in Osnabrück,<br />

merging <strong>the</strong> two existing casinos in <strong>the</strong> city in<strong>to</strong> a new ultra-modern <strong>the</strong>med<br />

venue. The “new” Hollywood Casino Osnabrück opened in April 2008.<br />

Naturally, <strong>the</strong> global economic crisis also had its impact on <strong>the</strong> casino and gaming<br />

industries. This led <strong>to</strong> two of our smaller casinos in <strong>the</strong> Czech Republic<br />

– Casino Ceske Budejovice and Casino 777 Teplice – being closed in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.<br />

Similarly, <strong>the</strong> casinos on board two luxury cruise yachts, <strong>the</strong> SeaDream I and<br />

SeaDream II, no longer proved economically viable, and we withdrew from <strong>the</strong>se<br />

operations in December. Several of our casinos also felt <strong>the</strong> impact of <strong>the</strong> introduction<br />

of smoking bans or increases in gaming taxes in <strong>the</strong>ir jurisdictions. �<br />

| 34 | | 35 |


eport ’08 | Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

At <strong>the</strong> end of 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International operated 63 casinos in 18 countries and on board 11 cruise liners<br />

Outlook 2009<br />

All in all, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International can look back on a positive business<br />

year in 2008, with its casinos around <strong>the</strong> world continuing <strong>to</strong> demonstrate<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir strength and class. This was again recognized by <strong>the</strong> industry,<br />

and we were voted “Best European Casino Opera<strong>to</strong>r” for <strong>the</strong><br />

second year in succession at <strong>the</strong> Empire Events Gaming Awards in London<br />

in January 2009.<br />

We remain optimistic for <strong>the</strong> future and see strong potential in our existing<br />

casino operations and new strategic growth opportunities established<br />

through our new product portfolio and our ongoing casino development<br />

projects. We were awarded an operating license for <strong>the</strong> United<br />

Kingdom in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2008 and will be opening our new casino in Ovalle,<br />

Chile in early 2011. New casinos are currently under development in<br />

Prague, Czech Republic, and in Hanover, Germany, while construction<br />

work continues on <strong>the</strong> permanent location for Grand Casino Brussels in<br />

<strong>the</strong> city’s former Anspach Center. At <strong>the</strong> end of 2008, we announced our<br />

intention <strong>to</strong> sell our stake in Grand Casino Beograd <strong>to</strong> Club Hotel Loutraki<br />

– where Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International is already a shareholder – and<br />

intensify our business relationship with our Greek partners through <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

possible investment in Grand Casino Brussels.<br />

We are also evaluating fur<strong>the</strong>r projects and investment opportunities in<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r parts of <strong>the</strong> world. We follow global developments closely and are<br />

constantly on <strong>the</strong> lookout for expansion opportunities. Our new product<br />

portfolio is a core element in our expansion strategy, and we intend <strong>to</strong><br />

use our international market know-how <strong>to</strong> develop and market <strong>the</strong> entire<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

range of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group products and services – from casinos<br />

and lotteries <strong>to</strong> sports betting, online gaming, video lotteries and slot<br />

parlors – in <strong>the</strong> international marketplace.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International will naturally also continue <strong>to</strong> draw on its extensive<br />

experience <strong>to</strong> improve <strong>the</strong> product and entertainment opportunities<br />

on offer at its existing operations around <strong>the</strong> globe. Our well-established<br />

knowledge and best practice exchange programs, annual casino conference<br />

and international market research activities all contribute greatly<br />

<strong>to</strong> assisting our casinos and local partners <strong>to</strong> grow successfully in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

local markets.<br />

�<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs with <strong>the</strong> “Best European Casino Opera<strong>to</strong>r”<br />

award: (l. <strong>to</strong> r.) Josef Leutgeb, Paul Herzfeld, Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss, Dietmar Hoscher<br />

| 36 | | 37 |


eport ’08 | Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

Grand Casino Brussels, Belgium www.gcb.be<br />

Set in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> capital of Europe, Grand Casino Brussels opened in December<br />

2005. With its contemporary amber and red interiors, <strong>the</strong> casino offers an exciting<br />

blend of elegant and relaxed gaming and entertainment. Each of its three floors has<br />

its own very unique ambiance: from <strong>the</strong> ground floor gaming areas with over 20 tables<br />

and 200 slot machines <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> VIP club, newly refurbished and rebranded 360° steak<br />

restaurant and Cot<strong>to</strong>n Club multipurpose function room on <strong>the</strong> upper levels.<br />

Europe<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

| 38 | | 39 |<br />

Belgium<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International opened its casino in <strong>the</strong> Belgian capital in December 2005,<br />

celebrating <strong>the</strong> event with a spectacular Gala Opening in January 2006. Following legislative<br />

changes in 1999 and <strong>the</strong> creation of <strong>the</strong> Belgian Gaming Commission, <strong>the</strong> region of Brussels<br />

had requested <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> have a casino in its terri<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong> complement <strong>the</strong> eight existing casinos<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Flanders and Wallonia regions. An international tender was launched, and in June<br />

2004 Brussels City Council voted <strong>to</strong> award <strong>the</strong> concession <strong>to</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International.<br />

The result was <strong>the</strong> elegant yet contemporary Grand Casino Brussels – <strong>the</strong> ninth and final casino<br />

concession in Belgium. Currently located in <strong>the</strong> beautifully res<strong>to</strong>red Salle de la Madeleine,<br />

construction work was ongoing throughout 2008 at <strong>the</strong> permanent location for Grand Casino<br />

Brussels in <strong>the</strong> city’s former Anspach Center.<br />

Czech Republic<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been active in <strong>the</strong> Czech Republic since 1989. Our six casinos<br />

in <strong>the</strong> country – Casino Grand in Brno, Casino Palais Savarin in Prague, Casino Savoy in<br />

Folmava, City Casino in Pilsen, Pupp Casino Club in Karlovy Vary and Casino 777 Brno – are<br />

managed by two subsidiaries: Czech Casinos a.s. and Casinos 777, which will be merged in<br />

2009 <strong>to</strong> streamline operations. Both companies are represented in <strong>the</strong> European Casino Association,<br />

and Czech Casinos has held <strong>the</strong> presidency of <strong>the</strong> Czech Casino Association since<br />

2002. As part of a restructuring process in 2008, we closed two casinos (Casino Ceske Budejovice<br />

and Casino 777) in <strong>the</strong> Czech Republic and began construction work at a new site in<br />

Prague. Our casino in <strong>the</strong> capital will relocate <strong>to</strong> its new, modern venue in <strong>the</strong> course of 2009.<br />

Casino Grand (2) www.czechcasinos.cz<br />

Casino Grand is located in <strong>the</strong> Grand Hotel in Brno, <strong>the</strong> principal city of <strong>the</strong> province of<br />

Moravia, a region famous for its quality white wines. Brno is home <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest exhibition<br />

center in Central Europe, attracting thousands of visi<strong>to</strong>rs each year. Casino Grand<br />

is one of <strong>the</strong> leading casinos in Brno, offering a wide range of facilities, including table<br />

gaming, slot machines, TouchBet Roulette, extended opening hours and a foreign currency<br />

exchange service.<br />

Casino Palais Savarin (1) www.czechcasinos.cz<br />

Currently located in Prague’s famous Palais Savarin, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International’s flagship<br />

casino in <strong>the</strong> Czech capital will move <strong>to</strong> a prime new location in a pedestrian zone<br />

nearer <strong>the</strong> city center in mid-2009. The luxurious new Chevalier’s Casino will be situated on<br />

<strong>the</strong> ground floor of a refurbished former bank and will set itself apart from o<strong>the</strong>r casinos<br />

in <strong>the</strong> city’s competitive gaming market with its unique hybrid casino lounge bar concept,<br />

contemporary design and cutting edge gaming mix.<br />

Casino Savoy (3) www.czechcasinos.cz<br />

First opened in 2001, Casino Savoy is located near <strong>the</strong> Czech-German border <strong>to</strong>wn of Folmava<br />

in <strong>the</strong> beautiful Sumava and Böhmerwald national park area and attracts visi<strong>to</strong>rs from as far<br />

afield as Munich and Regensburg. Casino Savoy is one of our largest operations in <strong>the</strong> Czech<br />

Republic, offering a choice of table games, slot machines and TouchBet Roulette, as well as a<br />

hotel and a separate Spielstub'n bar with additional slots and Multi-Roulette terminals.<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3


eport ’08 | Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

1 2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Casino 777 Brno (1) www.casino777.cz<br />

Brno is <strong>the</strong> second largest city in <strong>the</strong> Czech Republic. A convenient location close <strong>to</strong><br />

Prague and neighboring <strong>Austria</strong> and Slovakia makes Brno an active commercial center,<br />

with its impressive medieval architecture attracting visi<strong>to</strong>rs all year round. The<br />

main <strong>to</strong>wn square dates back <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> 13th century and is now also home <strong>to</strong> Casino<br />

777 Brno, offering guests relaxed gaming in a warm and friendly ambience, as well<br />

as a bar service and a satellite TV lounge.<br />

City Casino (2) www.czechcasinos.cz<br />

Pilsen is situated on <strong>the</strong> main route between Bavaria and Prague and is an important<br />

business, industrial and cultural center intrinsically linked with <strong>the</strong> acclaimed Pilsen<br />

Urquel beer. City Casino was opened in 1991 and moved <strong>to</strong> a prime location on Pilsen's<br />

main square in 1998. The lively casino has rejuvenated <strong>the</strong> city's casino business with its<br />

contemporary design, delicate pastel shades, spacious table gaming area and excellent<br />

bar and lounge facilities.<br />

Pupp Casino Club (3) www.czechcasinos.cz<br />

Pupp Casino Club is located in <strong>the</strong> Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, a <strong>to</strong>wn dating back<br />

<strong>to</strong> 1358 and one of Europe's best known spas. Karlovy Vary was once a popular destination<br />

for <strong>the</strong> European aris<strong>to</strong>cracy and regularly visited by Czar Peter <strong>the</strong> Great. The cultured<br />

atmosphere of <strong>the</strong> casino, with its broad gaming mix, classic-style interior design<br />

and his<strong>to</strong>ric ambience makes it a popular meeting point for local guests and <strong>the</strong> many<br />

<strong>to</strong>urist visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />

Denmark<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International opened its first casino in Denmark in 1990 and currently operates<br />

three of <strong>the</strong> country’s six casinos: Casino Copenhagen, Casino Munkebjerg Vejle and<br />

Casino Odense. All Danish casinos are represented both on <strong>the</strong> Danish Casino Association –<br />

which is chaired by Casino Copenhagen – as well as on <strong>the</strong> European Casino Association. The<br />

implementation of <strong>the</strong> nationwide smoking ban that came in<strong>to</strong> effect in all public buildings<br />

and private businesses in Denmark in August 2007 continued <strong>to</strong> impact <strong>the</strong> gaming industry<br />

throughout 2008, and most of <strong>the</strong> country’s casinos initiated restructuring measures <strong>to</strong><br />

respond <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> changing trading conditions. Table gaming was less affected by <strong>the</strong> ban, with<br />

Poker products in general and Poker <strong>to</strong>urnaments in particular continuing <strong>to</strong> prove extremely<br />

popular with guests.<br />

Casino Copenhagen (4) www.casinocopenhagen.dk<br />

The only casino in <strong>the</strong> Danish capital is situated in <strong>the</strong> luxurious Radisson SAS Scandinavia<br />

Hotel, which enjoys an enviable location overlooking <strong>the</strong> old city ramparts. Casino<br />

Copenhagen complements its attractive gaming mix of 23 tables and 150 slot machines<br />

with a range of exclusive packages offered in cooperation with <strong>the</strong> hotel's four world-class<br />

restaurants. Opened in 1990, <strong>the</strong> elegant casino has been a venue for several movies,<br />

including Bille August's "Smilla's Sense of Snow".<br />

Casino Munkebjerg Vejle (5) www.casinomunkebjerg.dk<br />

Set in <strong>the</strong> Munkebjerg Forest in Central Jutland, with superb views of <strong>the</strong> stunning Vejle<br />

Fjord, Casino Munkebjerg Vejle shares its facilities with one of Denmark's finest hotels.<br />

As part of <strong>the</strong> Hotel Munkebjerg complex, <strong>the</strong> casino is linked <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> 27-hole Munkebjerg<br />

Golf Club and offers a range of <strong>the</strong>med packages like “Golf and Gourmet”, “Dinner and<br />

Casino” and “Weekend Breaks”, which perfectly complement its state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art gaming<br />

mix and dining facilities.<br />

Casino Odense (6) www.casinoodense.dk<br />

A popular <strong>to</strong>urist destination with a strong cultural heritage, Odense is <strong>the</strong> birthplace of<br />

Hans Christian Andersen. Casino Odense is set in <strong>the</strong> luxurious Radisson SAS H. C. Andersen<br />

Hotel, whose Hans Christian restaurant is praised by gourmets around <strong>the</strong> world for its<br />

fine cuisine. The casino was extensively refurbished in 2008 with <strong>the</strong> support of local architects<br />

and artists and successfully combines traditional and modern interior elements<br />

with clever lighting features.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

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Germany<br />

The acquisition of Spielbanken Niedersachsen GmbH (SNG) in 2005 provided Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> International with a major foothold in <strong>the</strong> German casino market. SNG is <strong>the</strong><br />

third largest casino opera<strong>to</strong>r in Germany and <strong>the</strong> only company licensed <strong>to</strong> operate<br />

casinos in <strong>the</strong> state of Lower Saxony. In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> launch of a corporate reorganization<br />

process, two major construction projects dominated events at SNG in 2008. In<br />

Osnabrück, <strong>the</strong> casino at <strong>the</strong> railway station site was extensively redeveloped and <strong>the</strong><br />

city’s two casinos merged in<strong>to</strong> a stunning new Hollywood-<strong>the</strong>med casino that opened in<br />

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April. Construction work also continued throughout <strong>the</strong> year on SNG’s largest project <strong>to</strong><br />

date: <strong>the</strong> development of its new casino in <strong>the</strong> state capital due <strong>to</strong> open in early 2010.<br />

Aquamarin Casino Seevetal (8) www.casino-seevetal.de<br />

Lower Saxony's first <strong>the</strong>med casino makes quite a splash on <strong>the</strong> outskirts of Hamburg,<br />

taking its unique, underwater <strong>the</strong>me <strong>to</strong> new depths. Guests at Aquamarin Casino Seevetal<br />

try <strong>the</strong>ir luck alongside an 8,000 liter aquarium of tropical fish at a choice of over<br />

150 slot machines, at Multi-Roulette or in Germany's first intranet casino, CyberGame.<br />

The casino is located in Hotel and Restaurant Krohwinkel, where a range of culinary<br />

delights awaits.<br />

Casino Bad Zwischenahn (7) www.casino-bad-zwischenahn.de<br />

Luck has been in season in Bad Zwischenahn since 1976, when a beautiful half-timbered<br />

building in <strong>the</strong> lakeside spa <strong>to</strong>wn became home <strong>to</strong> its casino. Casino Bad Zwischenahn<br />

offers an extensive choice of gaming tables and <strong>the</strong> latest slot machines and regularly<br />

hosts <strong>the</strong> German Poker Championship. Extraordinary flair and an array of culinary delights<br />

are also close at hand in <strong>the</strong> hotel's gourmet Fischer- and Jägerstuben or awardwinning<br />

Apicius restaurants.<br />

Hollywood Casino Osnabrück (9) www.spielbank-osnabrueck.de<br />

Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Charlie Chaplin all found <strong>the</strong>ir way <strong>to</strong> Casino Osnabrück in<br />

April 2008. With its "Hollywood" <strong>the</strong>me, <strong>the</strong> new Casino Osnabrück offers an impressive<br />

selection of gaming machines as well as live gaming at a choice of American Roulette,<br />

Blackjack and Poker tables. Major sporting events are broadcast live on 14 high tech<br />

screens, and <strong>the</strong> casino complements its <strong>to</strong>p-class gaming mix with a wide variety of<br />

events <strong>to</strong> ensure every guest enjoys a winning night out.


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Spielbank Bad Ben<strong>the</strong>im (1) www.spielbank-bad-ben<strong>the</strong>im.de<br />

Nestled at <strong>the</strong> foot of his<strong>to</strong>ric Bad Ben<strong>the</strong>im's imposing medieval castle lies ano<strong>the</strong>r winning<br />

attraction. Opened in 1976, Spielbank Bad Ben<strong>the</strong>im offers exciting gaming entertainment<br />

with over 100 of <strong>the</strong> latest Multi-Roulette terminals and slot machines and is always a popular<br />

destination with visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> this romantic spa <strong>to</strong>wn near <strong>the</strong> Dutch-German border. The casino’s<br />

gaming operations were updated and extensive renovations <strong>to</strong> its facilities completed in 2008.<br />

Spielbank Bad Harzburg (3) www.spielbank-bad-harzburg.de<br />

With its enviable location in <strong>the</strong> Harz National Park, <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric spa <strong>to</strong>wn of Bad Harzburg is<br />

a popular <strong>to</strong>urist destination. Its stylish, elegant casino is located in <strong>the</strong> spa park and offers<br />

Roulette and Blackjack tables and a selection of <strong>the</strong> latest video and slot machines. Spielbank<br />

Bad Harzburg shares its premises with <strong>the</strong> spa hotel Michels Kurhotel Vier Jahreszeiten,<br />

where guests can enjoy fine dining in <strong>the</strong> gourmet restaurant after a drink at <strong>the</strong> bar.<br />

Spielbank Bad Pyrmont (2) www.spielbank-bad-pyrmont.de<br />

The neo-classic architecture of <strong>the</strong> concert hall sets <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>ne for <strong>the</strong> casino in <strong>the</strong> popular<br />

spa <strong>to</strong>wn of Bad Pyrmont, where traditional and modern elements interplay harmoniously<br />

under one roof. First opened in 1975, Spielbank Bad Pyrmont was completely<br />

renovated in 2004 and now focuses solely on slot machine gaming, offering a choice of<br />

over 100 slot machines and Multi-Roulette terminals, including <strong>the</strong> Niedersachsen Jackpot<br />

that links all casinos in Lower Saxony.<br />

Spielbank Borkum (4) www.spielbank-borkum.de<br />

Everyone is a winner on <strong>the</strong> North Sea island of Borkum. This popular holiday destination offers<br />

something for all its visi<strong>to</strong>rs, and a vacation on Borkum is guaranteed <strong>to</strong> be an unforgettable<br />

experience. But no stay would be truly complete without a visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> island's casino.<br />

Spielbank Borkum first opened in 1978 and offers guests gaming fun and excitement at an<br />

extensive selection of <strong>the</strong> latest slot machines and Multi-Roulette terminals.<br />

Spielbank Hannover (6) www.spielbank-hannover.de<br />

Spielbank Hannover, <strong>the</strong> casino in <strong>the</strong> heart of Lower Saxony’s capital, has welcomed over six<br />

million visi<strong>to</strong>rs since it opened in 1975 and offers a choice of Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables<br />

as well as an impressive selection of slot machines and Multi-Roulette terminals. Throughout<br />

2008, work also continued on <strong>the</strong> development of <strong>the</strong> new casino in Hanover, which will<br />

combine state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art gaming with extensive entertainment, dining and conference facilities.<br />

Spielbank Norderney (5) www.spielbank-norderney.de<br />

Miles of beaches, unspoilt sand dunes and fresh sea air: just some of <strong>the</strong> spectacular outdoor<br />

treats <strong>to</strong> be found on <strong>the</strong> North Sea vacation island of Norderney. But holidaymakers also<br />

find <strong>the</strong>mselves treated <strong>to</strong> some equally delightful indoor fun at <strong>the</strong> island's casino. With a<br />

choice of modern slot machines and Multi-Roulette terminals, Spielbank Norderney offers so<br />

many different ways <strong>to</strong> win, including <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> hit <strong>the</strong> regional Niedersachsen Jackpot.<br />

Spielbank Wolfsburg (7) www.spielbank-wolfsburg.de<br />

Wolfsburg is not only home <strong>to</strong> Volkswagen, it is also becoming an increasingly popular <strong>to</strong>urist<br />

destination, and visi<strong>to</strong>rs are spoilt for choice by <strong>the</strong> many attractions it has <strong>to</strong> offer. A visit<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino complements a <strong>to</strong>ur of <strong>the</strong> famous Au<strong>to</strong>stadt car city or a seat in <strong>the</strong> stadium<br />

cheering on local soccer heroes VfL Wolfsburg. Spielbank Wolfsburg offers exciting entertainment<br />

at an extensive selection of <strong>the</strong> latest slot machines and Multi-Roulette terminals.<br />

Greece<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been active in <strong>the</strong> Greek gaming market since <strong>the</strong><br />

1980s and currently holds a stake in <strong>the</strong> country’s leading casino, Club Hotel Casino<br />

Loutraki. Located in a stunning resort complex overlooking <strong>the</strong> Corinthian Gulf in <strong>the</strong><br />

coastal spa <strong>to</strong>wn of Loutraki some 70 km south of <strong>the</strong> capital, A<strong>the</strong>ns, Club Hotel Casino<br />

Loutraki is not only <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p casino in Greece, it is also one of <strong>the</strong> largest, best-known<br />

and most successful casinos in Europe. Procedures for <strong>the</strong> extension of <strong>the</strong> geographical<br />

exclusivity of Greek casinos are expected <strong>to</strong> commence in 2009.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, Greece www.casinoloutraki.com<br />

Club Hotel Casino Loutraki opened in 1995 and is integrated in a resort complex that includes<br />

a luxurious designer hotel with 255 rooms, 20 suites and a sophisticated, multipurpose<br />

conference center. The resort’s impressive, newly renovated 5,000 square meter<br />

gaming hall offers 80 gaming tables and 1,000 cutting-edge slot machines and welcomed<br />

almost 1.17 million guests in 2008. The casino’s extensive support for culture and <strong>to</strong>urism<br />

confirms its strong reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.<br />

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Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

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Hungary<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has long played a pioneering role in <strong>the</strong> Hungarian casino<br />

industry and launched our first casino in Budapest in 1981 – <strong>the</strong> first casino <strong>to</strong><br />

open behind <strong>the</strong> Iron Curtain and be run by an international opera<strong>to</strong>r. Over <strong>the</strong> past<br />

25+ years, we have gone on <strong>to</strong> launch a <strong>to</strong>tal of 15 casinos across <strong>the</strong> country and<br />

continue <strong>to</strong> operate three of <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> this very day: Casino Györ, Casino Kecskemét<br />

and Casino Sopron. All of <strong>the</strong>se casinos are members of <strong>the</strong> Hungarian Casino Association<br />

(HCA), which is also represented on <strong>the</strong> European Casino Association. Competition<br />

in Hungary’s gaming sec<strong>to</strong>r remained strong in 2008, with lottery products<br />

and slot halls competing with casinos for a share of <strong>the</strong> action, Poker continuing<br />

<strong>to</strong> grow in popularity and a continued rise in <strong>the</strong> number of so-called Poker clubs<br />

across <strong>the</strong> country.<br />

Casino Györ (1) www.casinos.hu<br />

Györ is situated in western Hungary near <strong>the</strong> borders with <strong>Austria</strong> and Slovakia,<br />

close <strong>to</strong> both Vienna and Bratislava. A bustling border shopping destination with<br />

a celebrated <strong>to</strong>wn center, Györ is a melting pot of Hungarian, <strong>Austria</strong>n and Slovak<br />

culture and business. The elegant Casino Györ opened in 1993 in a his<strong>to</strong>ric building<br />

in <strong>the</strong> main pedestrian zone and features an extensive selection of table games and<br />

slot machines, many of which were updated in 2008.<br />

Casino Kecskemét (3) www.casinos.hu<br />

Only a short drive from <strong>the</strong> capital, Budapest, in <strong>the</strong> heart of Hungary's puszta plain<br />

region, Kecskemét is famous for its culinary specialties, spas, viniculture, equestrianism<br />

and hunting. Casino Kecskemét is situated in <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn’s main hotel, offers<br />

special room rates and dinner for out of <strong>to</strong>wn visi<strong>to</strong>rs and hosts regular party nights.<br />

In keeping with market trends, a new form of Poker – Texas Hold’Em Bonus Poker –<br />

was introduced in Casino Kecskemét in 2008.<br />

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Casino Sopron (2) www.casinos.hu<br />

Casino Sopron is situated prominently in Sopron's cultural center. The beautifully<br />

designed casino prides itself on its high cus<strong>to</strong>mer service standards and offers one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> most competitive slot mixes in <strong>the</strong> region. Roulette is <strong>the</strong> game of choice for<br />

most guests in <strong>the</strong> spacious table gaming area, and state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art betting terminals<br />

are linked directly <strong>to</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> Roulette tables. The casino also offers nightly<br />

buffets, weekly draws and regular <strong>the</strong>med party nights.<br />

Romania<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has played an active role in <strong>the</strong> competitive Romanian casino<br />

market for over 17 years and was awarded <strong>the</strong> first casino license <strong>to</strong> be issued in <strong>the</strong> country<br />

after <strong>the</strong> fall of <strong>the</strong> Iron Curtain. Our highly popular casino in <strong>the</strong> capital, Bucharest, was<br />

launched <strong>to</strong> great acclaim in 1991 as <strong>the</strong> first casino <strong>to</strong> open in <strong>the</strong> new Romania. Inspired<br />

by its location in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> city, this stylish, modern casino, with <strong>the</strong> warm and welcoming<br />

appeal of a players’ club, has firmly established its position at <strong>the</strong> center of Bucharest<br />

night life. Casino Bucharest remains <strong>the</strong> destination of choice for those seeking a<br />

great night out and <strong>the</strong> finest gaming experience in Bucharest, and is dedicated <strong>to</strong> offering<br />

<strong>the</strong> ultimate entertainment experience <strong>to</strong> both casual visi<strong>to</strong>rs and gaming enthusiasts alike.<br />

Casino Bucharest (4) www.casinobucharest.ro<br />

Located in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> city in <strong>the</strong> five-star InterContinental Hotel, Casino Bucharest<br />

is distinguished by its contemporary elegance, sophisticated ambience and excellence<br />

in guest services. Guests enjoy an enticing selection of popular casino games and <strong>the</strong><br />

latest slot machines, all with flexible limits and <strong>the</strong> most generous game rules in <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />

The elegant bar and lounge areas are perfect for relaxing over a drink whilst taking in <strong>the</strong><br />

exhilarating energy of <strong>the</strong> casino.<br />

Grand Casino Beograd, Serbia www.casino-beograd.com<br />

Grand Casino Beograd is a multi-faceted luxury complex offering <strong>the</strong> largest selection of<br />

casino games and entertainment in South Eastern Europe. In addition <strong>to</strong> cutting edge gaming,<br />

<strong>the</strong> venue offers gourmet dining in its <strong>to</strong>p-class Diva, Ginger and Chameleon restaurants,<br />

function facilities, two bars, retail outlets and a separate VIP gaming area. With 25<br />

tables and 230 slot machines, Grand Casino Beograd presents <strong>the</strong> very best in casino<br />

gaming and entertainment in a contemporary, yet glamorous setting.<br />

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Serbia<br />

Grand Casino Beograd was <strong>the</strong> first casino <strong>to</strong> open in Serbia since <strong>the</strong> introduction of a<br />

new Gaming Act in 2004 paved <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> opening of up <strong>to</strong> 10 casinos across <strong>the</strong><br />

country. A subsequent Government Resolution allowed for <strong>the</strong> award of one concession<br />

for Belgrade in 2005 and a fur<strong>the</strong>r four licenses outside <strong>the</strong> capital by <strong>the</strong> end of 2008.<br />

In December 2005, <strong>the</strong> Belgrade concession was awarded <strong>to</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

and its partners, Club Hotel Loutraki of Greece and <strong>the</strong> State Lottery of Serbia.<br />

Grand Casino Beograd was subsequently completed in record time and began operations<br />

in June 2007. The complex was continuously expanded throughout 2007 and celebrated<br />

its success with a spectacular Gala Weekend in February 2008. Grand Casino Beograd is<br />

<strong>the</strong> official representative of <strong>the</strong> Serbian casino industry in <strong>the</strong> European Casino Association.<br />

In December 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International announced its intention <strong>to</strong> sell its<br />

stake in Grand Casino Beograd <strong>to</strong> Club Hotel Loutraki.<br />

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Switzerland<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been active in <strong>the</strong> Swiss casino market for almost a<br />

decade. Our equity participations in Switzerland are managed by our local holding company,<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> (Swiss) AG, which also acts as know-how provider for our Swiss<br />

cooperation partners and <strong>the</strong> Swiss Casino Association. Our first casinos in <strong>the</strong> country<br />

– Grand Casino Bern, Grand Casino Luzern, Grand Casino St. Gallen, Casino St. Moritz,<br />

Casino Schaffhausen and Casino Zürichsee – opened in 2002. In 2007, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

(Swiss) AG also successfully acquired a stake in Casinò Lugano, bringing its number of<br />

casinos in Switzerland <strong>to</strong> seven, <strong>the</strong> largest portfolio of any opera<strong>to</strong>r in terms of number<br />

of operations. Recent developments in <strong>the</strong> Swiss gaming market included <strong>the</strong> introduction<br />

of smoking bans in some can<strong>to</strong>ns and <strong>the</strong> announcement of planned changes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

casino licensing and tax system.<br />

Grand Casino Bern (2) www.grandcasino-bern.ch<br />

Embedded in <strong>the</strong> Kursaal Bern complex in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> Swiss capital, Grand Casino<br />

Bern offers panoramic vistas extending from <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric old <strong>to</strong>wn (a UNESCO <strong>World</strong> Heritage<br />

Site) <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> snow-capped Alps. The casino boasts 15 gaming tables and 266 cashless<br />

slot machines with 66 different games. The complex also features <strong>the</strong> four-star Hotel<br />

Allegro, acclaimed Meridiano and Yù restaurants with 17 and 13 Gault Millau points respectively,<br />

and extensive congress and banqueting facilities.<br />

Grand Casino St. Gallen (1) www.grandcasinostgallen.ch<br />

Located close <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> border with <strong>Austria</strong>, St. Gallen is <strong>the</strong> largest city in eastern Switzerland.<br />

Its elegant casino is ideally situated adjacent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> city's exhibition grounds and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Radisson SAS Hotel St. Gallen and offers a choice of 15 live gaming tables and over<br />

160 of <strong>the</strong> latest gaming machines, including <strong>the</strong> Swiss Jackpot, Europe’s largest widearea<br />

progressive jackpot. Grand Casino St. Gallen also offers an American-style lounge<br />

bar and extensive parking facilities.<br />

Casinò Lugano (3) www.casinolugano.ch<br />

Set against an Alpine backdrop on <strong>the</strong> shores of Lake Lugano, Casinò Lugano is more<br />

than just a sophisticated gaming venue. Located in a refurbished former <strong>the</strong>ater, its open<br />

architecture has been designed <strong>to</strong> reflect modern gaming culture, yet still fit in perfectly<br />

with its host city. With 30 tables and over 350 gaming machines, Casinò Lugano features<br />

<strong>the</strong> largest gaming mix in Switzerland, a <strong>to</strong>p-class panorama restaurant, five bars and<br />

extensive banqueting facilities.<br />

Casino St. Moritz (6) www.casinostmoritz.ch<br />

Opened in December 2002 on <strong>the</strong> “<strong>to</strong>p of <strong>the</strong> world” in <strong>the</strong> renowned Alpine resort’s<br />

Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, Casino St. Moritz combines classic elegance with<br />

warm Italian flair, featuring 6 gaming tables and a selection of 75 slot machines. Guests<br />

can relax over a drink in <strong>the</strong> stylish Ivory Ball Lounge Bar or enjoy one of <strong>the</strong> casino's<br />

many special events or regular promotions. A seasonal operation, Casino St. Moritz is<br />

closed in May and November.<br />

Casino Schaffhausen (4) www.casinoschaffhausen.ch<br />

Located in <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> medieval <strong>to</strong>wn of Schaffhausen in <strong>the</strong> north of Switzerland,<br />

Casino Schaffhausen opened in 2002 and blends a unique combination of state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

casino standards with <strong>the</strong> traditions of its his<strong>to</strong>ric setting and landmark building. With its<br />

Las Vegas-style interior design, Casino Schaffhausen features a selection of 8 gaming tables,<br />

over 120 slot machines, as well as fine dining and banqueting facilities for up <strong>to</strong> 180 guests.<br />

Casino Zürichsee (5) www.casinozuerichsee.ch<br />

Casino Zürichsee is located in <strong>the</strong> 4-star Seedamm Plaza Hotel on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn shores<br />

of Lake Zurich and has been <strong>the</strong>med <strong>to</strong> depict <strong>the</strong> many famous landmarks in <strong>the</strong> city of<br />

Zurich, including <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric late-baroque Opera House or <strong>the</strong> famous "Bahnhofstrasse".<br />

Casino Zürichsee offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere and features 12 gaming tables<br />

and a choice of 150 state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art slot machines. Casino guests also have access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

hotel's extensive parking lot.<br />

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Grand Casino Luzern, Switzerland www.grandcasinoluzern.ch<br />

With its magnificent setting on <strong>the</strong> shores of Lake Lucerne, Grand Casino Luzern offers<br />

unparalleled, highest quality entertainment and dining. At <strong>the</strong> heart lie its Grand<br />

Jeu and Jackpot casinos, with 13 gaming tables, 245 slot machines and 16 TouchBet<br />

Roulette machines. Mediterranean cuisine is <strong>the</strong> order of <strong>the</strong> day in <strong>the</strong> acclaimed<br />

Olivo restaurant with 14 Gault Millau points, while <strong>the</strong> extensive variety of events in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Casineum ensure its place as a firm fixture in Lucerne’s nightlife.<br />

Africa – Middle East<br />

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Egypt<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has a long his<strong>to</strong>ry of success in <strong>the</strong> buoyant and competitive<br />

Egyptian casino gaming market, opening our first casino in <strong>the</strong> country almost<br />

twenty years ago in 1990. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with our local partners, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

operated two <strong>to</strong>p-class casinos in Egypt in 2008: Casino Semiramis in <strong>the</strong> capital, Cairo,<br />

and Casino Royale in <strong>the</strong> holiday destination of Sharm El Sheikh. Both <strong>the</strong>se casinos are<br />

located in five-star hotels in accordance with <strong>the</strong> country’s strict gaming laws.<br />

Casino Royale (1) www.casinosaustria.com<br />

Casino Royale enjoys a prime site in <strong>the</strong> five-star Maritim Jolie Ville Resort in <strong>the</strong> heart of<br />

Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rnmost tip of <strong>the</strong> Sinai Peninsula. With its beautiful<br />

surroundings and elegant colonnade, <strong>the</strong> casino has become a focal point in <strong>the</strong> city and is<br />

its premier gaming venue. Refurbished in early 2009, <strong>the</strong> interior is classic in design, offering<br />

guests a choice of popular table games and slot machines in a relaxed club-like atmosphere.<br />

Casino Semiramis (2) www.casinosaustria.com<br />

Situated in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> Egyptian capital in <strong>the</strong> five-star Semiramis Inter-Continental Hotel,<br />

Casino Semiramis enjoys spectacular views of <strong>the</strong> River Nile. The casino has been a leader<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Egyptian casino industry since it opened in 1990 and continued this trend-setting role<br />

in 2008. Known for its hospitality and excellent service, <strong>the</strong> casino features a comprehensive<br />

gaming mix with 13 live gaming tables and a wide selection of <strong>the</strong> latest slot machines.<br />

Palestinian Au<strong>to</strong>nomy<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International and its partners began operations in <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Au<strong>to</strong>nomy<br />

in September 1998. While operational, <strong>the</strong> Oasis Hotel Casino Resort in Jericho was<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> company’s most successful operations worldwide, opening 24 hours a day and<br />

featuring 124 tables and 278 slots. However, in July 2000, shortly after completion of <strong>the</strong><br />

resort’s five-star hotel, increasing political unrest in <strong>the</strong> region and <strong>the</strong> closure of <strong>the</strong> area<br />

around Jericho <strong>to</strong> Israeli citizens and <strong>to</strong>urist visi<strong>to</strong>rs forced <strong>the</strong> casino <strong>to</strong> cease operations.<br />

Oasis Hotel Casino Resort (3) www.casinosaustria.com<br />

Although <strong>the</strong> Oasis Hotel Casino again remained closed throughout 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

International closely moni<strong>to</strong>rs developments in <strong>the</strong> region, and <strong>the</strong> casino itself is kept<br />

fully equipped, maintained and ready <strong>to</strong> reopen as soon as <strong>the</strong> political situation allows.<br />

The hotel itself has always remained open and recently underwent refurbishment <strong>to</strong> its<br />

pool areas and guest rooms.<br />

South Africa<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been active in <strong>the</strong> South African casino market since <strong>the</strong><br />

1990s and holds a 22 percent economic interest in its local partner, Gold Reef Resorts<br />

Limited. Listed on <strong>the</strong> Johannesburg Securities Exchange, Gold Reef Resorts is a gaming<br />

and entertainment company that operates world-class resorts and entertainment complexes<br />

throughout South Africa and currently has interests in seven resorts: Gold Reef City, Garden<br />

Route Casino, Golden Horse Casino, Goldfields Casino, Mykonos Casino, Queens Casino<br />

and Silverstar Casino. Each resort offers a diverse choice of entertainment, <strong>the</strong> highest levels<br />

of cus<strong>to</strong>mer service and world-class facilities: from casino gaming, fine dining and hotels,<br />

<strong>to</strong> cultural and outdoor activities. Gold Reef Resorts is committed <strong>to</strong> offering its shareholders<br />

consistent growth and contributing <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> country as a responsible corporate citizen.<br />

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Gold Reef City Casino, South Africa www.goldreefcity.co.za<br />

Gold Reef City Casino near Johannesburg is a flagship operation in <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

International network. Set in a magnificent complex offering a winning combination of<br />

<strong>the</strong>me park, Apar<strong>the</strong>id museum and casino gaming, Gold Reef City Casino opened in<br />

May 2000 and has a look and feel best described as “Pure Jozi, Pure Gold”. Open 24/7,<br />

<strong>the</strong> casino features 1,600 slot machines, 50 tables, a Salon Privé for high rollers and<br />

“Barneys” – one of <strong>the</strong> largest smoking casinos in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa.<br />

1 2<br />

Garden Route Casino (4, see page 49) www.gardenroutecasino.co.za<br />

Garden Route Casino opened in 2002 in one of <strong>the</strong> most beautiful locations in South<br />

Africa: <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn of Mossel Bay on <strong>the</strong> Garden Route overlooks <strong>the</strong> Indian Ocean and<br />

boasts 24 km of unspoilt beaches. The thrilling facilities on offer at <strong>the</strong> casino include<br />

376 slot machines, 16 gaming tables, a Salon Privé, buffet restaurant and sports bar, as<br />

well as <strong>the</strong> award-winning Pinnacle Point golf course, 71 four-star golf lodges, 24 villas<br />

and <strong>the</strong> 43-room Garden Route Hotel and Spa.<br />

Golden Horse Casino (2) www.goldenhorsecasino.co.za<br />

Golden Horse Casino in Kwazulu-Natal is much more than just a casino. Set in <strong>the</strong> Pietermaritzburg<br />

hillside, <strong>the</strong> only casino in Africa linked <strong>to</strong> a racecourse promises a unique gaming<br />

experience. The casino shares its premises with <strong>the</strong> Scottsville Racecourse and boasts a<br />

96-room hotel, restaurants, conference facilities and <strong>the</strong> world’s largest statue of a horse: <strong>the</strong><br />

14-meter Pegasus. Its casino floor offers 450 slot machines, 16 tables and <strong>the</strong> exclusive Rosewood's<br />

Room for high rollers.<br />

Goldfields Casino (1) www.goldfieldscasino.co.za<br />

Goldfields Casino and Entertainment Centre opened in December 2003 and is located in Goldfields<br />

Plaza on Stateway, <strong>the</strong> main street in <strong>the</strong> city of Welkom. The contemporary design of<br />

this premier destination combines an eclectic mix of style elements, with a clever use of colors<br />

and textures creating warm, inviting spaces. The casino boasts 250 slot machines, 9 gaming<br />

tables and a Salon Privé, as well as extensive banqueting, dining and bar facilities.<br />

Mykonos Casino (3) www.casinomykonos.com<br />

Mykonos Casino in Langebaan some 120 km north of Cape Town opened in December 2000<br />

and brings great gaming entertainment <strong>to</strong> a resort already renowned as a water sports mecca.<br />

Set in a Greek-styled self-catering and conference resort, <strong>the</strong> casino boasts an impressive selection<br />

of 278 slot machines and 9 table games. The resort’s extensive facilities cater <strong>to</strong> both<br />

young and old with its games room, choice of restaurants and bars, crèche service and health<br />

and beauty spa.<br />

Queens Casino (4) www.queenscasino.co.za<br />

Queens Casino opened its doors <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> public in December 2007 in Queens<strong>to</strong>wn in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Eastern Cape Province. Designed with a focal railway <strong>the</strong>me, <strong>the</strong> casino features<br />

a beautifully res<strong>to</strong>red steam locomotive once used <strong>to</strong> transport <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n Princess<br />

Elizabeth during a visit <strong>to</strong> South Africa. In addition <strong>to</strong> a choice of 180 slot machines<br />

and 6 gaming tables, <strong>the</strong> new casino also offers a hotel, buffet restaurant, sports bar,<br />

games facility and crèche.<br />

Silverstar Casino (5) www.silverstarcasino.co.za<br />

Opened in December 2007, Silverstar Casino is Gauteng’s first non-<strong>the</strong>med casino with<br />

its unique, contemporary style and neo-African influences designed <strong>to</strong> reflect <strong>the</strong> natural<br />

aes<strong>the</strong>tics of <strong>the</strong> area. The casino boasts 756 slot machines, 26 gaming tables and a<br />

luxury hotel, whose 38 suites have superb views of <strong>the</strong> Fountain Spectacular, <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />

water feature in <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Hemisphere. It also offers a choice of restaurants, bars and<br />

conference facilities for up <strong>to</strong> 500 delegates.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

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The Americas<br />

Argentina<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International’s first casino in Argentina opened in 1987 in <strong>the</strong> Andean<br />

winter sports resort of Valle de Las Leñas. In 2000, we entered a cooperation with Entretenimien<strong>to</strong>s<br />

y Juegos de Azar (ENJASA), <strong>the</strong> only company licensed <strong>to</strong> operate casinos,<br />

lotteries and slot parlors in <strong>the</strong> province of Salta, and reinforced this long and<br />

successful partnership with <strong>the</strong> acquisition of a majority shareholding in December<br />

2006. In an eventful year, 2008 saw <strong>the</strong> introduction of table gaming at Casino Oran<br />

and Casino Tartagal in <strong>the</strong> interior of <strong>the</strong> province and <strong>the</strong> launch of <strong>the</strong> new Reno slot<br />

hall in <strong>the</strong> capital, expanding ENJASA’s portfolio <strong>to</strong> 5 casinos and 15 slot halls. Lottery<br />

developments throughout <strong>the</strong> year included <strong>the</strong> introduction of new lottery games and<br />

<strong>the</strong> implementation of 500 online point of sale units.<br />

Boulevard Casino (1) www.enjasa.com<br />

Opened in 2004, Boulevard Casino is located in Salta's popular Alta NOA center, <strong>the</strong> region’s<br />

main retail mall. The lively casino offers visi<strong>to</strong>rs a chance <strong>to</strong> take a break from <strong>the</strong>ir shopping<br />

and try <strong>the</strong>ir luck at its Blackjack and American Roulette tables or extensive selection<br />

of electronic gaming machines. Boulevard Casino was refurbished in 2008, offers a full bar<br />

service and can be accessed ei<strong>the</strong>r directly from Avenida Virrey Toledo or through <strong>the</strong> mall.<br />

Casino Golden Dreams (2) www.enjasa.com<br />

The popular Casino Golden Dreams first opened in January 2002 and is located in <strong>the</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn<br />

pedestrian zone in <strong>the</strong> provincial capital, Salta City. It offers guests <strong>to</strong>p-class gaming in<br />

an expansive gaming area with a selection of more than 350 state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art electronic gaming<br />

and slot machines and live gaming tables for American Roulette, Blackjack, Pun<strong>to</strong> Banco<br />

and Caribbean Poker. Casino Golden Dreams also has its own exclusive guest parking facility.<br />

Casino Oran (4) www.enjasa.com<br />

Located in San Ramon de la Nueva Oran (known locally simply as "Oran") in <strong>the</strong> interior of <strong>the</strong><br />

province about 270 km from <strong>the</strong> capital, Salta, <strong>the</strong> lively Casino Oran first opened in December<br />

2000 as a slots-only venue. The modern casino expanded its gaming mix in June 2008 <strong>to</strong><br />

offer live gaming from Wednesday <strong>to</strong> Sunday at its American Roulette and Blackjack tables. A<br />

popular destination for locals and visi<strong>to</strong>rs alike, <strong>the</strong> casino also offers a complete bar service.<br />

Casino Salta (5) www.enjasa.com<br />

Opened in August 2005, Casino Salta is located on <strong>the</strong> ground floor of Salta City's Shera<strong>to</strong>n<br />

Salta Hotel only a few blocks from <strong>the</strong> down<strong>to</strong>wn area in an exceptional location that<br />

offers panoramic views of <strong>the</strong> city, <strong>the</strong> Lerma Valley and <strong>the</strong> Andes. The casino offers a<br />

choice of American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Poker and Craps tables, as well as a<br />

large selection of state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art slot machines. It also features a VIP Lounge, bar and<br />

piano area and valet parking.<br />

Casino Tartagal (3) www.enjasa.com<br />

Located in Tartagal in <strong>the</strong> north-west of <strong>the</strong> province of Salta, Casino Tartagal first opened in<br />

December 2002 as a slots-only venue. This lively casino moved <strong>to</strong> a new location on <strong>the</strong> city's<br />

main square in September 2008 and expanded its gaming mix <strong>to</strong> offer American Roulette,<br />

Blackjack and Poker tables from Wednesday <strong>to</strong> Sunday. With its proximity <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> borders with<br />

Bolivia and Paraguay, <strong>the</strong> casino is popular with both local guests and international visi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, Canada www.greatblueheroncasino.com<br />

Located on reserve land near <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn of Port Perry, <strong>the</strong> Great Blue Heron Charity<br />

Casino is one of Ontario’s finest casino properties. Aboriginal <strong>the</strong>mes are depicted<br />

throughout <strong>the</strong> building and on <strong>the</strong> uniforms worn by staff. Open 24/7, <strong>the</strong> casino<br />

boasts an extensive gaming mix with 60 tables and 545 TITO-enabled, latest generation<br />

spinning reel and video slot machines. It also features <strong>the</strong> Waters Edge buffet<br />

restaurant and Lucky S<strong>to</strong>ne and Heron Bar serving snacks and light meals.<br />

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Casino Las Leñas (1) www.casinosaustria.com<br />

Set at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, Casino Las Leñas is <strong>the</strong> highest casino in<br />

<strong>the</strong> world and was <strong>the</strong> first private casino in Argentina. The casino is located in <strong>the</strong> five-star<br />

Hotel Piscis and offers a choice of live gaming tables and slot machines as well as a VIP gaming<br />

room and a lively casino bar. A seasonal operation, <strong>the</strong> casino is only open in <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

hemisphere's winter season, welcoming guests each year from mid-June <strong>to</strong> mid-Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.<br />

Canada<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been managing <strong>the</strong> Great Blue Heron Charity Casino – a<br />

gaming complex 100 km nor<strong>the</strong>ast of Toron<strong>to</strong>, Ontario – for over a decade. Operated on behalf<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and <strong>the</strong> Ontario Lottery and Gaming<br />

Corporation, <strong>the</strong> venue first opened in 1997 with a simple vision of providing economic de-<br />

3<br />

Australia - Asia<br />

velopment and advancement opportunities for <strong>the</strong> Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.<br />

The casino has since evolved in<strong>to</strong> a significant economic driver and one of <strong>the</strong> largest<br />

employers in <strong>the</strong> region, reaffirming its ongoing commitment <strong>to</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning and enhancing<br />

its image as a model corporate citizen. The Great Blue Heron takes its role as a community<br />

partner very seriously and has been widely praised for <strong>the</strong> active support provided by <strong>the</strong><br />

casino and its charitable foundation <strong>to</strong> many groups and organizations.<br />

Chile<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International was awarded <strong>the</strong> concession <strong>to</strong> develop and operate our firstever<br />

casino in Chile in July 2006. This latest development takes us fur<strong>the</strong>r south on <strong>the</strong> map<br />

than ever before – <strong>to</strong> Los Angeles, <strong>the</strong> capital of Chile’s Bío-Bío Region. Completed in record<br />

time, <strong>the</strong> opening of <strong>the</strong> new Gran Casino Los Angeles was a highlight for Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

International in 2008. Our expansion strategy in Chile was reinforced in August 2008, when<br />

<strong>the</strong> gaming board awarded us <strong>the</strong> concession for a second operation in <strong>the</strong> country – <strong>the</strong> new<br />

casino and <strong>to</strong>urism center in <strong>the</strong> city of Ovalle in <strong>the</strong> Coquimbo Region. Casino Gran Ovalle<br />

will open in 2011 and combine gaming, <strong>to</strong>urism and culture in one luxury complex, with a<br />

modern casino, a 4-star hotel, restaurants, bars, a conference center, museums, an open-air<br />

<strong>the</strong>ater and retail outlets promoting local products and crafts.<br />

Gran Casino Los Angeles (2) www.grancasinolosangeles.cl<br />

Opened in July 2008, CAI’s newest casino in <strong>the</strong> central Chilean city of Los Angeles reinforces<br />

<strong>the</strong> city’s position as <strong>the</strong> gateway <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> south of <strong>the</strong> country. Set in <strong>the</strong> heart<br />

of <strong>the</strong> city, Gran Casino Los Angeles boasts a spacious design with striking woodwork<br />

features, a bar, a restaurant and an unrivalled gaming experience at 12 tables, 200 slot<br />

machines and a 40-seat Bingo room. The complex will also feature a <strong>to</strong>p-class hotel with<br />

90 rooms, spa facilities and a conference center, opening in 2009.<br />

Australia<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has a long and successful his<strong>to</strong>ry of operations in <strong>the</strong> Australian<br />

market and currently operates two casinos in <strong>the</strong> country: Casino Canberra in <strong>the</strong><br />

nation’s capital and The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns, North Queensland. Both casinos<br />

are members of <strong>the</strong> Australian Casino Association (ACA) and play an active role within<br />

<strong>the</strong> organization. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International also holds direct and indirect interests<br />

of approximately 42 percent in <strong>the</strong> Reef Casino Trust, <strong>the</strong> holding company that owns<br />

The Reef Hotel Casino complex in Cairns. The Australian casino industry is competitive,<br />

with a <strong>to</strong>tal of 13 casinos operating across <strong>the</strong> country, one in each state capital, as well<br />

as a number in o<strong>the</strong>r regional locations. Casino gaming is regulated at state level and is<br />

subject <strong>to</strong> stringent standards and gaming rules, as well as high levels of security.<br />

Casino Canberra (3) www.casinocanberra.com.au<br />

Casino Canberra is located on <strong>the</strong> eastern side of Canberra’s CBD in beautiful Glebe Park<br />

adjacent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Convention Centre. The world-class gaming and entertainment<br />

on offer at <strong>the</strong> casino includes an extensive selection of popular casino games, three welcoming<br />

bars and <strong>the</strong> renowned The Grill Brasserie restaurant overlooking <strong>the</strong> park. The<br />

heart and <strong>the</strong> soul of <strong>the</strong> city, Casino Canberra is known for its good corporate citizenship<br />

and support for <strong>the</strong> community.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

The Reef Hotel Casino, Australia www.reefcasino.com.au<br />

Situated in Cairns, <strong>the</strong> capital of Queensland, The Reef Hotel Casino opened in 1996 and<br />

is one of Australia's finest boutique casinos. The lavishly appointed casino offers an exciting<br />

range of table games and over 500 state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art gaming machines. It also features<br />

VIP facilities for premium players, two main bars and designated outdoor smoking areas.<br />

The complex boasts a five-star hotel with 128 luxury suites, 4 restaurants, a nightclub<br />

and a variety of bars and retail outlets.<br />

| 54 | | 55 |


eport ’08 | Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International<br />

India<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has been active in <strong>the</strong> Indian casino market since 1999 when<br />

<strong>the</strong> western state of Goa amended its Gambling Act <strong>to</strong> allow <strong>the</strong> provision of table and slot<br />

machine gaming on board offshore vessels in <strong>the</strong> inland waters off <strong>the</strong> state. At <strong>the</strong> time,<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International and its local partners were granted <strong>the</strong> only such license <strong>to</strong><br />

be awarded, securing <strong>the</strong>ir status as <strong>the</strong> first casino opera<strong>to</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> Indian sub-continent.<br />

Due in part <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pioneering work carried out by Casino Goa, acceptance of casino gaming<br />

as a form of entertainment has grown enormously in India over <strong>the</strong> past few years. Recent<br />

gaming policy changes in Goa have led <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> issue of fur<strong>the</strong>r offshore licenses, and four additional<br />

offshore casinos began operating on <strong>the</strong> Mandovi River in late 2008, with two more<br />

vessels expected <strong>to</strong> join <strong>the</strong> market in 2009.<br />

Casino Goa (1) www.casinogoa.biz<br />

Located on <strong>the</strong> M.V. Caravela, a twin-engine catamaran named after <strong>the</strong> first Portuguese<br />

armada <strong>to</strong> sail <strong>to</strong> Goa in <strong>the</strong> 16th century, Casino Goa opened in February 2001 and was<br />

India’s first live gaming offshore casino. The vessel is specially designed <strong>to</strong> sail <strong>the</strong> inland<br />

waters off Goa and features a wide choice of gaming tables and slot machines in a<br />

unique, club-style atmosphere, complemented by live entertainment on <strong>the</strong> sundeck, in<br />

<strong>the</strong> casino and in <strong>the</strong> lavish restaurant.<br />

Shipboard Operations<br />

With over 25 years of experience in <strong>the</strong> cruising casino sec<strong>to</strong>r, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International’s<br />

turnkey solutions range from designing and equipping cus<strong>to</strong>mized onboard casinos, recruiting<br />

staff and managing <strong>the</strong> casino <strong>to</strong> developing <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>to</strong> ensure maximum returns<br />

for <strong>the</strong> cruise line. We launched our first shipboard casino in 1981 and have since opened<br />

casinos on board some of <strong>the</strong> world’s most prestigious ocean-going vessels. Management<br />

of our cruising casinos in 2008 was shared between two subsidiaries: Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Maritime<br />

Corp. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Shipboard Casino Services in Piraeus, Greece. Toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y operated casinos on board vessels in <strong>the</strong> following fleets: Discovery Cruise Line,<br />

Indian Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises<br />

and Windstar Cruises. The office in Greece was closed in February 2009, when management<br />

of its vessels was transferred <strong>to</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Maritime.<br />

Discovery Cruise Line www.discoverycruiseline.com<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Maritime has operated <strong>the</strong> casino on <strong>the</strong> 1,400-passenger Discovery Sun<br />

since 1995. Discovery Sun makes daily trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, <strong>to</strong> Freeport,<br />

Grand Bahama, and has been voted “Best Day Cruise” <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bahamas by <strong>the</strong> readers of<br />

Porthole Cruise Magazine for eight consecutive years. The casino was remodeled in 2008 <strong>to</strong><br />

incorporate a 10-seat electronic Texas Hold’Em table <strong>to</strong> complement its existing 8 gaming<br />

tables and 117 slot machines.<br />

Indian Ocean Cruises www.indianoceancruises.net<br />

Skillfully refurbished in 2006, <strong>the</strong> four-star, 250-passenger Ocean Odyssey offers <strong>the</strong> distinctive,<br />

intimate atmosphere of a sea-going yacht, backed by <strong>the</strong> excellent service of an experienced<br />

and highly professional crew. Indian Ocean Cruises is <strong>the</strong> first cruise line <strong>to</strong> offer cruises<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> un<strong>to</strong>uched tropical Lakshadweep Islands in <strong>the</strong> Arabian Sea, India’s smallest Union<br />

Terri<strong>to</strong>ry. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> closed <strong>the</strong> casino on board <strong>the</strong> Ocean Odyssey at <strong>the</strong> end of 2008.<br />

Regent Seven Seas Cruises www.rssc.com<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International has a long his<strong>to</strong>ry of cooperation with Regent Seven<br />

Seas Cruises and extended its concession agreements with <strong>the</strong> cruise line in 2007.<br />

Cruising Casinos<br />

1 Regent Seven Seas Mariner<br />

In 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International operated casinos on board <strong>the</strong> sister all-suite, allbalcony,<br />

700-guest Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner and all-suite, 90 percent<br />

balcony Seven Seas Naviga<strong>to</strong>r. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers exclusive, unparalleled,<br />

all-inclusive cruise vacations and consistently ranks as one of <strong>the</strong> world’s most<br />

prestigious cruise lines. The company was voted “Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by<br />

Condé Nast Traveler in 2008.<br />

SeaDream Yacht Club www.seadreamyachtclub.com<br />

The SeaDream Yacht Club’s twin, ultra-luxury mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream<br />

II, each cater <strong>to</strong> only 116 passengers, offering <strong>the</strong> ultimate in elegant yachting, first-class<br />

service and absolute privacy. The SeaDream Yacht Club has received numerous awards<br />

and accolades and was recognized with a “<strong>World</strong>’s Best” in <strong>the</strong> prestigious Condé Nast<br />

Traveler’s January 2007 Gold List. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International closed <strong>the</strong> casinos on<br />

board <strong>the</strong> SeaDream I and SeaDream II at <strong>the</strong> end of 2008.<br />

Silversea Cruises www.silversea.com<br />

In 2008, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International operated casinos on three vessels in <strong>the</strong> Silversea<br />

Cruises ultra-luxury, all-inclusive fleet: <strong>the</strong> 382-guest Millennium Class Silver Shadow, <strong>the</strong><br />

382-guest all-ocean-view-suite Millennium Class Silver Whisper and <strong>the</strong> 296-guest capacity<br />

Silver Wind. Silversea Cruises reflects generations of maritime and travel experience and<br />

pledges <strong>to</strong> build and operate <strong>the</strong> highest quality ships in <strong>the</strong> ultra-luxury segment. The company<br />

is consistently lauded by leading consumer and trade publications and was honored<br />

with Travel + Leisure’s “<strong>World</strong>’s Best Award” in 2008 for <strong>the</strong> seventh time.<br />

Windstar Cruises www.windstarcruises.com<br />

The casinos on board <strong>the</strong> three vessels in Seattle-based Windstar Cruises unique fleet of<br />

exclusive five-star sailing yachts all opened in 2007: <strong>the</strong> 148-guest multi-sail-yachts Wind<br />

Star and Wind Spirit and <strong>the</strong> 308-guest Wind Surf. A market leader in luxury small ship<br />

cruising, Windstar Cruises offers cruise vacationers <strong>the</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> world in contemporary<br />

luxury from <strong>the</strong> romantic, intimate setting of an elegant yet informal yacht.<br />

Windstar Cruises has an impressive list of awards and was listed on Condé Nast Traveler’s<br />

Annual Gold List of “Best Cruise Lines” in 2008.<br />

Wind Surf Silver Shadow<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International | report ’08<br />

| 56 | | 57 |


eport ’08 | <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries<br />

(l. <strong>to</strong>. r. ): Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss (Chairman), Bettina Glatz-Kremsner (Direc<strong>to</strong>r), Friedrich Stickler (Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r General)<br />

A Stroke of Luck<br />

Lady Luck was definitely watching over <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries and its cus<strong>to</strong>mers in 2008. Defying<br />

<strong>the</strong> odds in a not particularly favorable economic climate, <strong>the</strong> company succeeded in increasing<br />

its <strong>to</strong>tal sales for <strong>the</strong> year by 15 percent <strong>to</strong> 2.378 billion euro. Luck was also on <strong>the</strong> side<br />

of <strong>the</strong> players, with <strong>to</strong>tal winnings hitting an unprecedented 1.7 billion euro.<br />

There are some sales fac<strong>to</strong>rs you can influence,<br />

such as <strong>the</strong> timing of special promotions or<br />

<strong>the</strong> introduction of bonus or additional cash prizes.<br />

And <strong>the</strong>re are some events that cannot be influenced:<br />

<strong>the</strong>y simply lie in <strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong> game and are<br />

purely a matter of chance – like rollover jackpots,<br />

where <strong>the</strong> prospect of even higher winnings or dream<br />

of <strong>to</strong>tal financial independence and freedom produce<br />

a significant increase in <strong>the</strong> number of lottery tickets<br />

purchased.<br />

At <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries, <strong>the</strong>re were more such chance<br />

events in 2008 than ever before. Its flagship national<br />

Lot<strong>to</strong> “6 aus 45” (literally “6 from 45”) and<br />

EuroMillions lotteries produced a particularly high<br />

number of single and rollover jackpots, including<br />

<strong>the</strong> first-ever five-times rollover jackpot in <strong>the</strong> 22year<br />

his<strong>to</strong>ry of Lot<strong>to</strong> “6 aus 45”. A six-times rollover<br />

Europot for EuroMillions resulted in <strong>to</strong>tal prize<br />

money of over 100 million euro.<br />

There were also a number of impressive wins in<br />

<strong>the</strong> double-digit millions in <strong>Austria</strong>: one player from<br />

Carinthia won 55.6 million euro, ano<strong>the</strong>r from Vorarlberg<br />

almost 29 million euro and yet ano<strong>the</strong>r from<br />

Lower <strong>Austria</strong> more than 28 million euro. 31 o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

lucky players also successfully matched six numbers<br />

<strong>to</strong> become lottery millionaires.<br />

Lot<strong>to</strong> "6 aus 45" Lottery<br />

The company’s flagship lottery product recorded<br />

555.34 million euro in sales in 2008, a 7.4 percent<br />

rise compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous year. The increase can<br />

be attributed both <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> large number of jackpots<br />

(three additional jackpots and <strong>the</strong> first-ever five-time<br />

rollover jackpot in <strong>the</strong> lottery’s his<strong>to</strong>ry more than<br />

compensated for three fewer triple rollover jackpots<br />

than in 2007) and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> change in price of a Lot<strong>to</strong><br />

ticket <strong>to</strong> one euro.<br />

To<strong>to</strong> and Torwette Football Pools<br />

Three special quarter-million rounds <strong>to</strong> mark <strong>the</strong><br />

UEFA EURO 2008 along with a six-times and an eighttimes<br />

Extra To<strong>to</strong> rollover jackpot boosted <strong>the</strong> To<strong>to</strong> football<br />

pool (incl. Extra To<strong>to</strong>) in 2008 and resulted in a<br />

2.8 percent increase in sales year-on-year <strong>to</strong> 11.66<br />

million euro. The Torwette football pool (incl. Extra Torwette)<br />

posted sales of 1.08 million euro.<br />

Bingo<br />

Bingo remained equally attractive <strong>to</strong> its fans in 2008<br />

as it had been in <strong>the</strong> previous year. Sales for <strong>the</strong> year<br />

amounted <strong>to</strong> 11.29 million euro, an increase of 1.02<br />

percent compared <strong>to</strong> 2007.<br />

EuroMillions<br />

Ticket sales for <strong>the</strong> EuroMillions lottery profited greatly<br />

from four major jackpot winners in <strong>Austria</strong> in 2008.<br />

Favorable jackpot constellations – longer runs with<br />

larger Europots than in <strong>the</strong> previous year – also had<br />

a positive effect: EuroMillions sales increased by 17.6<br />

percent <strong>to</strong> 170.88 million euro.<br />

ToiToiToi Numbers Lottery<br />

The ToiToiToi numbers lottery, drawn daily from Monday<br />

<strong>to</strong> Saturday, posted sales of 17.04 million euro<br />

– a slight decrease of 0.6 percent compared <strong>to</strong> 2007.<br />

Zahlenlot<strong>to</strong> 1-90 Numbers Lottery<br />

With three draws each week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays<br />

and Saturdays), sales for <strong>the</strong> Zahlenlot<strong>to</strong> 1-90 numbers<br />

lottery decreased by 3.2 percent in 2008 <strong>to</strong> 4.51<br />

million euro.<br />

Joker<br />

Following on <strong>the</strong> heels of Lot<strong>to</strong> “6 aus 45” and<br />

EuroMillions, sales for <strong>the</strong> Joker <strong>to</strong>te game showed<br />

a very positive trend and were fur<strong>the</strong>r boosted by a<br />

price adjustment introduced in June 2008. These de- �<br />

| 58 | | 59 |


eport ’08 | <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries<br />

velopments resulted in sales of 162.21 million euro<br />

– a rise of 13.9 percent year-on-year.<br />

Rubbellos Scratch-Off Tickets<br />

The new <strong>the</strong>mes for 2008 – “Super Schatztruhe”,<br />

“Golden Goals”, “Gold” and “Poker” – helped boost<br />

sales of <strong>the</strong> Rubbellos instant scratch-off ticket lottery<br />

by 2.6 percent <strong>to</strong> 127.38 million euro.<br />

Brieflos Break-open Tickets<br />

The introduction of <strong>the</strong> new Mega Brieflos series<br />

(larger format, ticket price of two euro and three<br />

main prizes of 250,000 euro each) on 17 November<br />

brought a breath of fresh air and increased interest<br />

in this break-open ticket lottery. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, prize<br />

payout levels for <strong>the</strong> original Brieflos product were increased.<br />

These developments resulted in a 7.2 percent<br />

increase in sales <strong>to</strong> 25.85 million euro.<br />

Klassenlotterie <strong>Austria</strong>n Class Lottery<br />

Sales for <strong>the</strong> Österreichische Klassenlotterie (<strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Class Lottery) reached 36.17 million euro in <strong>the</strong><br />

reporting year, a decrease of 3.8 percent year-on-year.<br />

The online gaming platform win2day.at with its newly<br />

opened Pokerroom and <strong>the</strong> WINWIN video lottery ter-<br />

minals outlets, both operated as joint ventures with<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, also made an important contribution<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> positive results at <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries in 2008.<br />

Sales at win2day.at were up by 17 percent yearon-year,<br />

while WINWIN posted an increase in sales of<br />

36.2 percent for <strong>the</strong> reporting year.<br />

Sports Sponsoring<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries is unquestionably one of <strong>the</strong><br />

most important sponsors of sports in <strong>Austria</strong>, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> company places equal emphasis on supporting<br />

<strong>to</strong>p-level professional sports, youth development<br />

and amateur sports.<br />

In addition <strong>to</strong> its specific sponsorship of individual<br />

organizations and events, <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries contributes<br />

three percent of its gross sales each year <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> sponsoring of sports, with <strong>the</strong> majority of <strong>the</strong>se<br />

funds going <strong>to</strong> amateur sporting endeavors. In 2008,<br />

this amounted <strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>tal contribution <strong>to</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

sports of 62.02 million euro. These funds are managed<br />

and distributed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Federal Sports<br />

Organization. Based on sales figures for 2008, <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Lotteries expects its contributions <strong>to</strong> sports for<br />

<strong>the</strong> current year <strong>to</strong> exceed <strong>the</strong> 70 million euro mark<br />

for <strong>the</strong> first time in <strong>the</strong> company’s his<strong>to</strong>ry. �<br />

AUSTRIAN LOTTERIES IN FIGURES<br />

Sales 2,378.04 millions EUR<br />

Total taxes 383.49 millions EUR<br />

(<strong>the</strong>reof) game-related duties 161.27 millions EUR<br />

(<strong>the</strong>reof) concession fee 216.75 millions EUR<br />

Sports sponsoring 62.02 millions EUR<br />

Profit on ordinary activities 39.06 millions EUR<br />

Net income after taxes 33.65 millions EUR<br />

Balance sheet profit 33.66 millions EUR<br />

Employees* 472<br />

Sales network<br />

Lot<strong>to</strong> and football pools<br />

retail partners<br />

3,889<br />

Scratch-off ticket retail partners 6,783<br />

Break-open ticket retail partners 6,790<br />

TOTAL SALES 2008 BY PRODUCT<br />

in EUR Percentage of Total<br />

Lot<strong>to</strong> "6 aus 45" 555,342,870.50 23.35%<br />

To<strong>to</strong> and Torwette *) 12,741,247.40 0.54%<br />

Bingo 11,295,641.30 0.47%<br />

EuroMillions 170,881,731.50 7.19%<br />

ToiToiToi 17,041,865.75 0.72%<br />

Zahlenlot<strong>to</strong> 4,510,330.35 0.19%<br />

Joker 162,212,294.50 6.82%<br />

Rubbellos 127,375,639.80 5.36%<br />

Brieflos 25,848,123.60 1.09%<br />

Klassenlotterie 36,171,782.00 1.52%<br />

win2day.at 945,648,184.36 39.77%<br />

win2day.at - Poker 5,049,682.83 0.21%<br />

WINWIN 303,925,312.08 12.78%<br />

Total 2,378,044,705.97 100.00%<br />

*) incl. Extra To<strong>to</strong> and Extra Torwette<br />

| 60 | | 61 |<br />

*) as at 31.12.2008<br />

50%<br />

68%<br />

50%<br />

100% 100%<br />

56%<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries | report ’08


eport ’08 | win2day.at<br />

WIN2DAY.AT<br />

Gamesroom<br />

Codeknacker Keno Pferderennen Spin & Win<br />

Eldorado Penalty Por<strong>to</strong>bello Western Saloon<br />

Lottery Games<br />

Lot<strong>to</strong> To<strong>to</strong> ToiToiToi Brieflos<br />

Joker Extra To<strong>to</strong> Zahlenlot<strong>to</strong> Klassenlotterie<br />

EuroMillions Bingo Rubbellos<br />

Casino Games<br />

Roulette: Video Poker: Chicken Slot Schatzinsel<br />

American Roulette Draw Poker Cleopatra‘s Gold Schatzkammer<br />

French Roulette Jacks or Better Dolphin Star Wild Fruits<br />

Cards: Joker and Kings Goldmine Magic Money<br />

Black Jack Lucky Joker Jungle Jane Dice:<br />

Tropical Stud Poker Double Draw Faces Lucky Monsters Escalero<br />

Easy Hold‘em Poker Slots: Pirates Bay European Seven Eleven<br />

Red Dog African King Robbie Rich Würfelpoker<br />

Pokerroom<br />

Texas Hold‘em Five Card Draw Omaha Seven Card Stud<br />

Virtual Reality<br />

Casino games, <strong>the</strong>med games, Poker room and virtual Lot<strong>to</strong> and To<strong>to</strong> sales outlet – win2day.at<br />

offers all this and more, with strictest security and <strong>the</strong> protection of minors and players<br />

guaranteed.<br />

A Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries<br />

joint venture, <strong>the</strong> internet gaming platform<br />

win2day.at offers something for every taste: from<br />

classic casino games, specially designed <strong>the</strong>med<br />

games, Lot<strong>to</strong> and To<strong>to</strong> through <strong>to</strong> Poker. With <strong>the</strong><br />

launch of its Pokerroom on 7 February 2008 win-<br />

2day.at achieved yet ano<strong>the</strong>r first – <strong>the</strong> first all-<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n online Poker room that not only matches<br />

its international counterparts in every way,<br />

but actually outplays <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

With Poker rooms a dime a dozen nowadays, it can<br />

be hard <strong>to</strong> tell one from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. And many of<br />

<strong>the</strong>m are sadly lacking in one particular aspect:<br />

entertainment value. The Pokerroom at win2day.at<br />

is different, and when it comes <strong>to</strong> entertainment<br />

value, it is quite literally ahead of <strong>the</strong> pack. All its<br />

Hold’em tables are named after <strong>Austria</strong>n <strong>to</strong>wns,<br />

mountains or rivers, and <strong>the</strong> names of many of<br />

its <strong>to</strong>urnaments are <strong>Austria</strong>n through and through<br />

– just two of <strong>the</strong> many features that set it apart.<br />

So players can set off on a virtual Poker <strong>to</strong>ur from<br />

“Kitzbühel” over <strong>the</strong> summit of <strong>the</strong> “Hochkönig”<br />

and along <strong>the</strong> banks of <strong>the</strong> “Mur” <strong>to</strong> “Graz”. The<br />

chat is kept in German, so that Poker fans can also<br />

enjoy a bit of <strong>Austria</strong>n humor along <strong>the</strong> way.<br />

As with all o<strong>the</strong>r win2day.at games, security and<br />

responsibility naturally played a key role in every<br />

stage of <strong>the</strong> Poker room’s development. Responsible<br />

gaming aspects are particularly important<br />

when it comes <strong>to</strong> online Poker sites, and <strong>the</strong> new<br />

Poker room not only had <strong>to</strong> comply with all <strong>the</strong><br />

familiar win2day.at responsible gaming features<br />

– like strict registration procedures and <strong>the</strong> compulsory<br />

setting of deposit and playing time limits<br />

– it also had <strong>to</strong> guarantee that players are protected<br />

from o<strong>the</strong>rs trying <strong>to</strong> fix matches or cheat.<br />

Security and integrity are central <strong>to</strong> all activities<br />

at win2day.at and <strong>to</strong> any new games added <strong>to</strong> its<br />

portfolio. Protection against criminal activities is a<br />

core aspect here, since it is <strong>the</strong> anonymity offered<br />

by some online gaming platforms that can attract<br />

people with dishonest intentions and encourage<br />

money laundering and cheating. Thanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> inbuilt<br />

tried and tested cutting edge security software<br />

and <strong>the</strong> permanent moni<strong>to</strong>ring of <strong>the</strong> site by<br />

fully-trained experts, this simply cannot happen at<br />

win2day.at. The fact that all players have <strong>to</strong> register<br />

with <strong>the</strong> site by name and <strong>the</strong> personal details<br />

provided are verified before anyone is allowed <strong>to</strong><br />

play also adds a fur<strong>the</strong>r layer of security. Anonymous<br />

con artists have no chance at win2day.at.<br />

All <strong>the</strong>se fac<strong>to</strong>rs offer clear confirmation of <strong>the</strong><br />

high standards of security in place at win2day.<br />

at, and it is <strong>the</strong>se standards that ensure <strong>the</strong> site<br />

continues <strong>to</strong> grow in popularity. In 2008, win2day.<br />

at reported sales of 945.55 million euro (2007:<br />

808 million euro) and a Poker rake of five million<br />

euro. As of 31 December 2008, <strong>the</strong> site had a <strong>to</strong>tal<br />

of 400,000 registered users. �<br />

| 62 | | 63 |


eport ’08 | WINWIN<br />

A WINWIN Situation<br />

Despite difficult operating conditions in 2008, WINWIN added two fur<strong>the</strong>r chapters <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> VLT<br />

outlet success s<strong>to</strong>ry that began back in 2004.<br />

Video Lottery Terminals – or VLTs for short<br />

– might be optically similar <strong>to</strong> classic slot<br />

machines, but behind this façade lies a great deal<br />

more. The difference between VLTs and conventional<br />

gaming machines lies in <strong>the</strong> technology and gaming<br />

mechanism: a complex computer network fully<br />

equipped with <strong>the</strong> latest and best security standards<br />

guarantees reliable gaming entertainment of <strong>the</strong><br />

highest level.<br />

With two new outlets opened last year in Landeck, Tyrol<br />

and Vöcklabruck, Upper <strong>Austria</strong>, Glücks- und Unterhaltungsspiel<br />

Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H. (“Entertainment<br />

GmbH”) – better known by <strong>the</strong> brand name<br />

WINWIN – operated a <strong>to</strong>tal of 11 outlets across <strong>Austria</strong><br />

as of 31 December 2008. Each of <strong>the</strong>se outlets<br />

offers between 50 and 150 such VLTs, all permanently<br />

linked <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries central computer<br />

center. While conventional slot machines determine<br />

<strong>the</strong> outcome of a wager independently using a random<br />

number genera<strong>to</strong>r, this is decided for WINWIN<br />

machines by <strong>the</strong> random number genera<strong>to</strong>r on a central<br />

computer – based on set odds and payout limits<br />

approved by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Federal Ministry of Finance.<br />

As a joint subsidiary of Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Lotteries, WINWIN perfectly combines <strong>the</strong> extensive<br />

THE 11 WINWIN OUTLETS<br />

know-how and industry expertise of both companies<br />

– Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> with its 75 casinos on five continents<br />

and over 40 years experience in casino gaming<br />

and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries with its wealth of experience<br />

in online gaming. <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries also holds<br />

<strong>the</strong> appropriate electronic lotteries license required<br />

<strong>to</strong> operate VLTs under Section 12a of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Gaming Act.<br />

True <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir mot<strong>to</strong>, WINWIN outlets really do have<br />

it all: <strong>the</strong> trendy 500 <strong>to</strong> 650 square meter venues<br />

are all home not just <strong>to</strong> at least 50 gaming terminals,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y also serve a wide selection of good food<br />

and drinks. The target group is fun-loving, entertainment-minded<br />

people, who enjoy rounding off a<br />

pleasant evening in a great setting with a few rounds<br />

on <strong>the</strong> gaming machines. And WINWIN is also proof<br />

that good gaming entertainment doesn’t have <strong>to</strong> be<br />

expensive: its VLTs can be played from as little as<br />

one cent, with maximum possible winnings of up <strong>to</strong><br />

26,050 euro. Fur<strong>the</strong>r WINWIN outlets are currently<br />

also in <strong>the</strong> pipeline.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> 2008 business year, WINWIN posted sales of<br />

303.92 million euro, an increase of over 35 percent<br />

compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous year.<br />

�<br />

Am Marienbrunnen 346, 6290 Mayrhofen: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Tyrol:<br />

Bozenerplatz 2, 9900 Lienz: 80 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Malserstraße 25, 6500 Landeck: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Salzburg: Seegasse 5, 5700 Zell am See: 63 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

| 64 | | 65 |<br />

Upper <strong>Austria</strong>:<br />

Lower <strong>Austria</strong>:<br />

Unterer Stadtplatz 3, 4780 Schärding: 81 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Grünmarkt 17, 4400 Steyr: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Kaiser-Josef-Platz 8, 4600 Wels: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Stadtplatz 21, 4840 Vöcklabruck: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Wienergasse 3, 2460 Bruck/Leitha: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge<br />

Racinoplatz 1, 2483 Ebreichsdorf: 150 VLTs<br />

Hamerlingstraße 5, 3910 Zwettl: 50 VLTs, tipp3 Betting Lounge


eport ’08 | tipp3<br />

TIPP3<br />

50 million euro in sales<br />

65,000 registered online users<br />

3,700 sales outlets in <strong>Austria</strong><br />

10 tipp3 Betting Lounges in WINWIN outlets<br />

Betting arena on <strong>the</strong> Goleador site<br />

Betting by text message<br />

tipp3-fan.tv<br />

Main sponsor of <strong>the</strong> "tipp3-Bundesliga<br />

powered by T-Mobile"<br />

A Hot Tip(p)<br />

tipp3 (Österreichische Sportwetten GmbH) has been a <strong>to</strong>p scorer in <strong>the</strong> highly competitive<br />

betting sports betting sec<strong>to</strong>r for <strong>the</strong> last nine years – and caused great excitement among<br />

fans in 2008 as new lead sponsor of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Football Bundesliga.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> words of <strong>the</strong> stars of <strong>the</strong> tipp3 advertising<br />

campaign – <strong>Austria</strong>n sports reporters Adi Niederkorn<br />

and Edi Finger Jr. – things looked “guat”, yes<br />

“even very guat” in 2008. Good for tipp3 and for <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Football Bundesliga.<br />

tipp3 was definitely match-ready for <strong>the</strong> kick-off of<br />

UEFA EURO 2008 – <strong>the</strong> football event of <strong>the</strong> year<br />

– and its careful preparations more than proved<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir worth, with <strong>the</strong> company recording a doubledigit<br />

percentage increase in betting sales during<br />

<strong>the</strong> championship period. In <strong>to</strong>tal, Österreichische<br />

Sportwetten GmbH (“<strong>Austria</strong>n Sports Betting Ltd.”)<br />

posted annual sales for 2008 of around 50 million<br />

euro. In doing so, <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Lotteries joint venture with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n media organizations<br />

Bundesländerverlage and Mediaprint, successfully<br />

outperformed average results for <strong>the</strong> sec<strong>to</strong>r.<br />

To remain ahead of <strong>the</strong> game, tipp3 continually introduces<br />

new products and services. As an added<br />

convenience <strong>to</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mers, betting by text message<br />

was introduced at <strong>the</strong> start of 2008. Cus<strong>to</strong>mers who<br />

cannot make it <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir local tipp3 sales outlet during<br />

opening hours or cannot get <strong>to</strong> a PC with internet<br />

access can now place <strong>the</strong>ir bets quickly and easily<br />

by text message. Service and fun were also two of<br />

<strong>the</strong> key fac<strong>to</strong>rs behind <strong>the</strong> introduction of <strong>the</strong> tipp3<br />

QuickTipp. All <strong>the</strong> cus<strong>to</strong>mer has <strong>to</strong> do is pick <strong>the</strong> level<br />

of risk – <strong>the</strong> system at <strong>the</strong> sales outlet does <strong>the</strong> rest<br />

and suggests <strong>the</strong> appropriate bet.<br />

Also a firm favorite with <strong>the</strong> 65,000 registered online<br />

cus<strong>to</strong>mers of www.tipp3.at is <strong>the</strong> fan.tv option<br />

with its up-<strong>to</strong>-date selection of video clips of current<br />

championship events.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> subject of championships: <strong>the</strong> general enthusiasm<br />

for football following UEFA EURO 2008<br />

and <strong>the</strong> continued rise in interest in sports betting<br />

prompted tipp3 <strong>to</strong> intensify its cooperation activities<br />

with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Football Bundesliga. tipp3 became<br />

a lead sponsor of <strong>the</strong> Bundesliga at <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong><br />

2008/2009 season, with <strong>Austria</strong>’s <strong>to</strong>p football clubs<br />

kicking off in <strong>the</strong> new “tipp3-Bundesliga powered by<br />

T-Mobile” since 1 July 2008.<br />

�<br />

(l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Joachim Burger (T-Mobile), Bundesliga Chairman Georg Pangl and tipp3 Chairman Dietmar Hoscher<br />

seal <strong>the</strong>ir partnership<br />

| 66 | | 67 |


eport ’08 | Responsible Gaming<br />

Responsible Gaming<br />

The proof of a great night out at <strong>the</strong> casino is waking up <strong>the</strong> next morning with <strong>the</strong> smile still on your face. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> ensures that<br />

everyone can rest assured – and no one needs <strong>to</strong> hide under <strong>the</strong> bedspread.<br />

A guest who has enjoyed a great evening’s<br />

entertainment at <strong>the</strong> casino should still<br />

be smiling about it <strong>the</strong> next day. The memories<br />

of those happy hours should linger on for many<br />

a day <strong>to</strong> come: <strong>the</strong> exquisite meal, <strong>the</strong> glass of<br />

sparkling wine, <strong>the</strong> charm and expertise of <strong>the</strong><br />

helpful casino staff and – above all – <strong>the</strong> fun and<br />

excitement of watching <strong>the</strong> Roulette ball spin<br />

around <strong>the</strong> wheel, trying <strong>to</strong> read <strong>the</strong> expressions<br />

on <strong>the</strong> faces of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r players around <strong>the</strong> Poker<br />

table or waiting for <strong>the</strong> symbols on <strong>the</strong> slot<br />

machines <strong>to</strong> finally come <strong>to</strong> a halt.<br />

Yet for Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, perfect cus<strong>to</strong>mer service<br />

extends far beyond <strong>the</strong> actual visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino.<br />

Our exemplary player protection measures ensure<br />

gaming remains <strong>the</strong> fun experience it is intended <strong>to</strong><br />

be, and begin <strong>the</strong> moment a guest enters <strong>the</strong> foyer<br />

with our strict registration procedures. Player protection<br />

and responsible gaming are not just clear<br />

requirements laid down by <strong>the</strong> national regula<strong>to</strong>ry<br />

authorities, <strong>the</strong>y are also an integral part of corporate<br />

culture at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and are firmly rooted<br />

in <strong>the</strong> company’s traditions.<br />

The vast majority of people who enjoy gaming do so<br />

responsibly, reasonably and within <strong>the</strong>ir means. But<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are a few exceptions <strong>to</strong> this rule. To address<br />

this, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> provides regular and thorough<br />

training for staff, ensuring <strong>the</strong>y are able <strong>to</strong> recognize<br />

<strong>the</strong> signs of a potential gambling problem. The company<br />

is fully aware that gambling can be a problem<br />

for some people and can have negative consequences<br />

in some cases. But at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, responsible<br />

gaming is not just a byword, it’s a guiding principle.<br />

Tight access controls are in place <strong>to</strong> protect minors<br />

from gaming itself and prevent this particularly vulnerable<br />

group from even coming in <strong>the</strong> vicinity of<br />

gaming premises. In addition <strong>to</strong> access restrictions,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are a whole range of fur<strong>the</strong>r measures in place<br />

<strong>to</strong> protect players from any negative effects of<br />

gambling. Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s fully-trained staff and<br />

cutting edge security technology and facilities ensure<br />

permanent moni<strong>to</strong>ring of gaming activities.<br />

Naturally, all this is done with absolute discretion<br />

so no one ever has <strong>the</strong> feeling <strong>the</strong>y are being<br />

watched. But as soon as any money is changed,<br />

this information is recorded. If <strong>the</strong> frequency of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se transactions, <strong>the</strong> amounts involved or even a<br />

combination of <strong>the</strong> two indicate <strong>the</strong>re might be a<br />

cause for concern, a qualified member of staff will<br />

initially broach <strong>the</strong> matter with <strong>the</strong> guest and work<br />

with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> find a solution. Whe<strong>the</strong>r this ultimately<br />

results in a ban, <strong>the</strong> setting of betting limits or a<br />

restriction in <strong>the</strong> number of permitted casino visits,<br />

<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r we find a way. The company’s Responsible<br />

Gaming department ensures that <strong>the</strong> latest<br />

information material, including flyers on gambling<br />

addiction, is always available and prominently on<br />

display in all 12 <strong>Austria</strong>n casinos.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> has always sought <strong>to</strong> draw greater<br />

public attention <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>pic of gambling addiction.<br />

Like all o<strong>the</strong>r forms of addiction, this is a social<br />

problem and has <strong>to</strong> be given wide media attention.<br />

To ensure this becomes <strong>the</strong> case, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

launched a “Responsible Gaming Breakfast” initiative<br />

<strong>to</strong> provide first-hand information <strong>to</strong> leading<br />

media representatives. The strong interest in this<br />

initiative confirmed <strong>the</strong> clear information deficit on<br />

<strong>the</strong> subject of gambling addiction and <strong>the</strong> strong<br />

demand for Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s know-how and expertise<br />

in this field. This applies both <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> facts<br />

and figures produced by <strong>the</strong> company itself as well<br />

as <strong>to</strong> latest research results. Once a year, Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries also organize a “Responsible<br />

Gaming Academy”, whose seminars and<br />

workshops provide a forum for <strong>the</strong> presentation of<br />

<strong>the</strong> latest insights and research and in-depth discussions<br />

with independent experts on gambling<br />

addiction and associated fields.<br />

All <strong>the</strong>se efforts ensure that our staff go <strong>to</strong> work with<br />

a <strong>to</strong>tally clear conscience, while our guests can rest<br />

assured that <strong>the</strong>ir next visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino will be just<br />

as safe and just as much fun as <strong>the</strong> last. �<br />

Responsible Gaming | report ’08<br />

| 68 | | 69 |


eport ’08 | Security<br />

Security in Mind<br />

Central surveillance is <strong>the</strong> new hot <strong>to</strong>pic when it comes <strong>to</strong> Responsible Gaming at Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>. Our responsible approach <strong>to</strong> this <strong>to</strong>pic has earned us a reputation for excellence<br />

that extends far beyond our national borders.<br />

The technical finesse of <strong>the</strong> systems in <strong>the</strong><br />

unobtrusive room is not immediately apparent<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> uninitiated. Surrounded by moni<strong>to</strong>rs,<br />

a member of <strong>the</strong> surveillance team sits at<br />

his desk with a special keyboard and joystick <strong>to</strong><br />

hand. Anyone who might assume he was playing<br />

<strong>the</strong> latest computer game would be seriously<br />

mistaken. He uses <strong>the</strong>se devices <strong>to</strong> rapidly<br />

switch from one casino <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> next and with a few<br />

clicks of <strong>the</strong> mouse can cover a distance of several<br />

hundred kilometers almost instantaneously.<br />

Central surveillance is <strong>the</strong> latest addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> security system and a fur<strong>the</strong>r example<br />

of <strong>the</strong> company’s pioneering role in <strong>the</strong><br />

gaming industry.<br />

There are several aspects <strong>to</strong> security at Casinos<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>. Naturally, we place utmost importance<br />

on providing <strong>the</strong> guests at our 12 casinos across<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> with a safe and secure environment in<br />

which <strong>to</strong> enjoy a few hours of fun and entertainment.<br />

But we also focus on <strong>the</strong> safety and security<br />

of society as a whole. For example, when it<br />

comes <strong>to</strong> protection against organized crime and<br />

money laundering, two areas that in some countries<br />

are unfortunately all <strong>to</strong>o often associated<br />

with casino gaming.<br />

At Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, security is viewed as a service<br />

that is constantly changing, just like <strong>the</strong><br />

demands and expectations of casino guests.<br />

Critically assessing and auditing <strong>the</strong> standards<br />

already in place is a key challenge. Such so-called<br />

Security Audits apply as much <strong>to</strong> alarm systems<br />

as <strong>the</strong>y do <strong>to</strong> Roulette wheels, which are checked,<br />

for example, for unevenness, ball track, elasticity<br />

of dividing bars and number slot dimensions. At<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, <strong>the</strong>se audits are an integral part<br />

of our comprehensive security package.<br />

The security solutions developed by Casinos <strong>Austria</strong><br />

regularly set new standards for <strong>the</strong> entire gaming<br />

industry. Our national experts are linked <strong>to</strong> all key<br />

players in <strong>the</strong> market through <strong>the</strong> “International<br />

Association of Casino Security”, where <strong>the</strong>y can discuss<br />

latest developments and best practices and<br />

promote <strong>the</strong>ir own know-how.<br />

Protection against Criminal Activities<br />

The fact that money laundering and organized<br />

crime are not associated with casino gaming in<br />

<strong>Austria</strong> can be attributed in no small way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

country’s strict provider monopoly. The existence<br />

of a single, known, reliable and trustworthy provider<br />

who conducts gaming operations in accordance<br />

with all regula<strong>to</strong>ry policy maxims, makes<br />

it easier for <strong>the</strong> authorities and <strong>the</strong> general public<br />

<strong>to</strong> rule out <strong>the</strong> likelihood of criminal activities.<br />

Money laundering in casinos can be prevented by<br />

clear statu<strong>to</strong>ry regulations and strict checks and<br />

balances – from guest identity, transparency of<br />

payouts, recording of casino revenues <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> integrity<br />

of <strong>the</strong> opera<strong>to</strong>r.<br />

An external review of <strong>the</strong>se endeavors by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

Federal Ministries of Finance and <strong>the</strong> Interior<br />

(Bundeskriminalamt, “Federal Criminal Intelligence<br />

Service, Department for <strong>the</strong> Prevention<br />

of Organized Crime”) was very positive: all security<br />

measures in place in our domestic casinos far �<br />

Security | report ’08<br />

| 70 | | 71 |


eport ’08 | Security<br />

exceed typical levels of control. These include<br />

identity verification procedures prior <strong>to</strong> entry,<br />

transaction moni<strong>to</strong>ring and targeted staff training.<br />

Payouts are moni<strong>to</strong>red and recorded: all<br />

cash desk transactions are captured on video.<br />

The s<strong>to</strong>red video data is subject <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> statu<strong>to</strong>ry<br />

duty of confidentiality.<br />

But security issues in a casino environment extend<br />

beyond <strong>the</strong>se important regula<strong>to</strong>ry requirements<br />

– also covering <strong>the</strong> safety and security<br />

of operations, staff and guests in <strong>the</strong> individual<br />

casinos. At Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, each casino has<br />

its own security department and a highly trained<br />

team of security experts with international experience.<br />

These departments provide an extensive<br />

range of security services: from first aid <strong>to</strong><br />

building evacuation in <strong>the</strong> case of a fire. Emergency<br />

procedures and scenarios are regularly<br />

rehearsed, with <strong>to</strong>p priority given <strong>to</strong> prevention<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than reaction.<br />

Data Protection<br />

State-of-<strong>the</strong>-art alarm systems, entry checks,<br />

video surveillance, smoke detec<strong>to</strong>rs, motion detec<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

and direct links <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Police and Fire<br />

Departments have long been standard in every<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG casino. The clear focus of<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir use lies in protecting our cus<strong>to</strong>mers and<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir privacy: <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Gaming Act specifically<br />

binds Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> <strong>to</strong> a duty of absolute<br />

confidentiality regarding guests and <strong>the</strong>ir gam-<br />

ing activities. Data protection issues take highest<br />

priority in <strong>the</strong> planning and development of any<br />

software <strong>to</strong>ols. A comprehensive access rights<br />

system is in place for all guest-related applications<br />

<strong>to</strong> ensure such data can only be accessed<br />

by authorized members of staff.<br />

Zero Tolerance for Cheating<br />

At Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, our guests naturally take<br />

center stage in all such considerations and endeavors.<br />

Our guarantee <strong>to</strong> provide fair gaming<br />

entertainment without unwanted side effects is<br />

one of our major success fac<strong>to</strong>rs, and our company<br />

has a long his<strong>to</strong>ry of success in upholding<br />

this guarantee.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> staff are trained <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest<br />

international standards. Strict internal checks<br />

and balances ensure that all statu<strong>to</strong>ry and regula<strong>to</strong>ry<br />

provisions are adhered <strong>to</strong> and guarantee<br />

maximum integrity and reliability. Our staff are<br />

strictly forbidden <strong>to</strong> accept personal financial<br />

gifts or payments from guests or <strong>to</strong> participate<br />

in any gaming activities <strong>the</strong>mselves. Guests are<br />

not permitted <strong>to</strong> use any technical aids. Casino<br />

inven<strong>to</strong>ry and equipment is locked and secured<br />

outside gaming hours. Attempts <strong>to</strong> manipulate<br />

gaming activities are prevented using motion detec<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

and alarm systems. Mobile inven<strong>to</strong>ry and<br />

equipment (e.g. cards and dice) are also s<strong>to</strong>red<br />

in a secure location and carefully checked at regular<br />

intervals. �<br />

Security | report ’08<br />

| 72 | | 73 |


eport ’08 | Sponsoring<br />

Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss with Wolfgang Kopetzky – Secretary General of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n Red Cross Cooperation with <strong>the</strong> Burg<strong>the</strong>ater in Vienna – “Row 13 for 13 euro”<br />

Big Spender<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>, <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries and tipp3 have been active sponsors of social, cultural<br />

and sporting activities for decades. In 2008 alone, <strong>the</strong>y contributed over 70 million euro<br />

<strong>to</strong> good causes.<br />

A few things were a little different about <strong>the</strong><br />

Vienna Opera Ball this year. Above all <strong>the</strong><br />

expectations of <strong>the</strong> media and <strong>the</strong> general public.<br />

There were even some who dared <strong>to</strong> suggest<br />

that it might be time for this grand society event<br />

<strong>to</strong> take its final bow. But <strong>the</strong>y were mistaken. The<br />

2009 Opera Ball again attracted a great deal of<br />

interest, and this year’s guests were again treated<br />

<strong>to</strong> a whole host of musical, culinary and entertainment<br />

delights.<br />

And nobody had <strong>to</strong> do without <strong>the</strong> popular “Opera<br />

Ball Casino” ei<strong>the</strong>r, one of <strong>the</strong> permanent features<br />

of a successful ball night. In <strong>the</strong> magnificent<br />

setting of <strong>the</strong> Schwindfoyer – a beautiful hall hung<br />

with oil paintings after sketches by <strong>Austria</strong>n artist<br />

Moritz von Schwind – Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> offered<br />

ball-goers an exciting introduction <strong>to</strong> our extensive<br />

gaming mix. But something was different about<br />

<strong>the</strong> casino this year <strong>to</strong>o. Whereas in previous years<br />

guests had played for money, this year’s casino<br />

was run entirely for a good cause. Up for grabs<br />

were fantastic non-cash prizes – including a trip<br />

for two <strong>to</strong> Australia – with all donations <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> proceedings<br />

going <strong>to</strong> charity.<br />

In <strong>the</strong>se times of economic doom and gloom, <strong>the</strong><br />

company decided <strong>to</strong> take this opportunity <strong>to</strong> set a<br />

good example.<br />

Both Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries embrace<br />

<strong>the</strong> goal of providing help <strong>to</strong> those causes<br />

that will put <strong>the</strong> money <strong>to</strong> best use – causes that will<br />

benefit society as a whole. They provide extensive<br />

support, for example, <strong>to</strong> public organizations which<br />

rely on sponsorship funding <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>the</strong>ir good<br />

work. “We put a lot of effort in<strong>to</strong> projects like <strong>the</strong><br />

Giant Panda Project, which help protect endangered<br />

species. Many of <strong>the</strong>se projects would not be possible<br />

without <strong>the</strong> long-term support of loyal spon-<br />

sors like Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> and <strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries,”<br />

says Dagmar Schratter, Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Schönbrunn Zoo<br />

in Vienna. The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group’s deep commitment<br />

<strong>to</strong> social causes stretches back over 40<br />

years. It has supported <strong>the</strong> ORF children’s charity<br />

initiative Licht ins Dunkel since 1990, <strong>the</strong> Bregenzer<br />

Festspiele (“Bregenz Festival”) since 1980 and <strong>the</strong><br />

Wiener Festwochen (“Vienna Festival”) since 1968,<br />

i.e. for 41 years. “I really value our strong and fair<br />

partnership with Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>,” confirms Festival<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r Luc Bondy, emphasizing in particular<br />

<strong>the</strong> company’s “immense sense of loyalty”. David<br />

Pountney, Direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Bregenz Festival, is also<br />

quick <strong>to</strong> praise: “Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s long-term commitment<br />

has been instrumental in <strong>the</strong> success of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Bregenz Festival.” Over <strong>the</strong> years, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong>’s<br />

“Casino on Tour” events have also helped <strong>to</strong><br />

raise money for numerous charities. In 2008 alone,<br />

this mobile casino raised 107,502 euro for charitable<br />

organizations at 389 events across <strong>the</strong> whole<br />

of <strong>Austria</strong>.<br />

In 2008, <strong>the</strong> Group’s contributions <strong>to</strong> good causes<br />

(including its sponsorship of sports) <strong>to</strong>taled over<br />

70 million euro, contributions which cannot be<br />

calculated in strictly tangible terms alone, e.g. return<br />

on investment. So while good fortune is <strong>the</strong><br />

focus of our business activities, <strong>the</strong> Group also<br />

puts great effort in<strong>to</strong> helping <strong>the</strong> less fortunate<br />

in society, contributing <strong>to</strong> public health and supporting<br />

<strong>the</strong> Arts <strong>to</strong> ensure that as broad an audience<br />

as possible has access <strong>to</strong> works of art and<br />

cultural events.<br />

The companies in <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group take<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir social responsibility and <strong>the</strong>ir role as good<br />

corporate citizens very seriously and willingly accept<br />

and embrace <strong>the</strong>ir moral duty <strong>to</strong> help o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

The accompanying PR benefits, while not irrelevant,<br />

definitely take second place.<br />

�<br />

SELECTED PROJECTS<br />

Sponsoring | report ’08<br />

Albertina Museum –<br />

“Monet <strong>to</strong> Picasso: The Batliner Collection"<br />

Arnold Schönberg Center<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Mountain Rescue Service<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n National Library<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Olympic Committee<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Red Cross<br />

Boltzmann Institute – European Research Fellowship<br />

Bregenz Festival<br />

Bruno Kreisky Prize<br />

Burg<strong>the</strong>ater Vienna<br />

Cancer Research Initiative<br />

Cardinal König Prize for Visual Arts<br />

Caritas – Haus Immanuel for Mo<strong>the</strong>rs and Children<br />

in Need<br />

European Forum Alpbach<br />

Figl Stiftung<br />

Gala “Nacht des Sports” (“Night of Sport”)<br />

Helene Partik-Pablé Project <strong>to</strong> Help <strong>the</strong> Disabled<br />

Jazz Fest Wien (“Vienna Jazz Festival”)<br />

Licht ins Dunkel<br />

“Living with Cancer” Initiative<br />

Nestroy Theater Prize<br />

Schönbrunn Zoo Vienna<br />

SOS Children’s Villages Charity Gala<br />

Spanish Riding School Vienna<br />

Tag des Sports (“<strong>Austria</strong>n Day of Sport”)<br />

tipp3-Bundesliga<br />

Vienna Economic Forum<br />

Vienna Festival<br />

Vienna State Opera<br />

Vienna University of Economics and<br />

Business Administration<br />

Volks<strong>the</strong>ater Vienna<br />

Workers Samaritan Federation <strong>Austria</strong><br />

WWF<br />

| 74 | | 75 |


eport ’08 | Employees<br />

A Winning Team<br />

Qualified personnel is one of <strong>the</strong> most valuable assets a service provider can have.<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group has a winning team of 13,532 highly qualified employees,<br />

who make a huge contribution <strong>to</strong> its success.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> staff in <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group, 2008<br />

was a year of change. The introduction of a<br />

new streamlined organizational structure meant<br />

many of <strong>the</strong>m found <strong>the</strong>mselves in new or slightly<br />

altered roles and facing new challenges.<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> naturally made every possible<br />

effort <strong>to</strong> ensure employees received <strong>the</strong> support<br />

<strong>the</strong>y needed during this change process – through<br />

a specially designed Change Management Program<br />

and a series of workshops initiated and run<br />

by our Human Resources department in collaboration<br />

with external experts.<br />

There was much speculation in <strong>the</strong> press that<br />

<strong>the</strong> streamlining of processes within <strong>the</strong> Group<br />

might lead <strong>to</strong> a wave of redundancies. But this<br />

was never <strong>the</strong> intention behind <strong>the</strong> strategy and,<br />

of course, never happened. New projects like <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries market launch in <strong>the</strong> Russian<br />

Republic of Bashkor<strong>to</strong>stan and <strong>the</strong> expansion of<br />

our business activities in <strong>the</strong> sports betting and<br />

online gaming segments – which would o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />

have necessitated <strong>the</strong> recruitment of additional<br />

staff – could thus be predominantly covered using<br />

existing internal resources.<br />

The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group employed on average<br />

a <strong>to</strong>tal of 13,532 people in 2008, 2,332 of <strong>the</strong>m<br />

in <strong>Austria</strong>.<br />

All our employees have access <strong>to</strong> – and make<br />

active use of – our comprehensive range of inhouse<br />

and external training and fur<strong>the</strong>r education<br />

programs.<br />

People like working for <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Group.<br />

The average length of service currently stands at<br />

around ten years, and Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> even has a<br />

large number of employees who have been with<br />

<strong>the</strong> company for 30 years or more. Each and every<br />

one of <strong>the</strong>m has a wealth of experience and knowhow,<br />

and this is unquestionably a winning fac<strong>to</strong>r in<br />

our corporate success.<br />

�<br />

EMPLOYEES BY COMPANY<br />

Employees | report ’08<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> ** 1,752<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> International 11,200<br />

<strong>Austria</strong>n Lotteries 442<br />

Entertainment GmbH 138<br />

Group Total 13,532<br />

* Annual average full-time equivalents<br />

** incl. CAGAST, CAST, CCB and CALL<br />

| 76 | | 77 |<br />

*


eport ’08 | Events<br />

Undine Awards Gala at Grand Casino Baden<br />

In <strong>the</strong> Spotlight<br />

Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> also enjoys a long-standing reputation as a leading event organizer. Our<br />

casinos host literally hundreds of events every year – from art exhibitions, fashion shows,<br />

cabaret performances and concerts through <strong>to</strong> conferences and charity galas. Our range<br />

of exciting gaming <strong>to</strong>urnaments also proved immensely popular with national and international<br />

guests alike in 2008, while “Casino on Tour”, our mobile casino, traveled <strong>to</strong> around<br />

400 events around <strong>the</strong> country <strong>to</strong> help raise funds for good causes.<br />

1 2 3<br />

1. Klaus Maria Brandauer and István Szabó; 2. Cosma Shiva Hagen and Klaus Eberhartinger; 3. Ann-Kathrin Kramer, Harald Krassnitzer, Governor of Lower <strong>Austria</strong> Erwin Pröll and Karl Merkatz<br />

The highly-prized Undine Awards were presented <strong>to</strong> young, talented ac<strong>to</strong>rs and actresses for <strong>the</strong> fifth year in succession at a glamorous, high-profile<br />

gala ceremony in Grand Casino Baden on 25 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2008. Numerous film and TV stars attended <strong>the</strong> prestigious event, paying tribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> achievements<br />

of <strong>the</strong> award-winning young ac<strong>to</strong>rs as <strong>the</strong>y presented <strong>the</strong> coveted awards.<br />

1 2<br />

1. ( l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Ex-Davis Cup player Markus Hipfl, Tournament Direc<strong>to</strong>r Sandra Reichel, Tournament Spokesperson Judith Wiesner-Floimair,<br />

Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Michael Leczek and Felix Gottwald; 2. Blackjack Tournament at Casino Bad Gastein. Casino<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r Michael Leczek with <strong>Austria</strong>n tennis players Melanie Klaffner, Patricia Mayr and Yvonne Meusburger (l. <strong>to</strong> r.)<br />

“Casino Ladies’ Night” at WTA<br />

Tennis Tournament<br />

The second annual “Gastein Ladies” WTA<br />

(Women’s Tennis Association) tennis <strong>to</strong>urnament<br />

with prize monies of $175,000 was held in July<br />

2008 in Bad Gastein. The world-class starting<br />

field, including two Top 20 players, Agnes Szavay<br />

and Alize Cornet, generated huge media interest.<br />

On day three of <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>urnament, Casino Bad<br />

Gastein invited players, VIPs and sponsors <strong>to</strong><br />

a “Casino Ladies’ Night”. After s<strong>to</strong>cking up on<br />

those all-important carbohydrates at a special<br />

“Pasta Party”, <strong>the</strong> tennis ladies were treated <strong>to</strong><br />

some great gaming entertainment: with aces of<br />

a ra<strong>the</strong>r different kind calling <strong>the</strong> shots in a fun<br />

Blackjack Tournament.<br />

Bond Fever hits Bregenz<br />

Several scenes from <strong>the</strong> latest James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace”<br />

were filmed on location in Bregenz. The film’s release saw <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn once<br />

again transformed in<strong>to</strong> a film set, with Casino Bregenz playing a starring<br />

role in <strong>the</strong> main 007 party. Five gaming tables added <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> excitement and<br />

flair of <strong>the</strong> event with guests enjoying a round of Roulette, Blackjack or<br />

Poker along with a well-mixed drink – naturally shaken not stirred.<br />

1. Croupier Andreas Haider at <strong>the</strong> Blackjack table; 2. Croupier Belinda Bischofsberger at <strong>the</strong> Poker table; 3. 007 lights up <strong>the</strong> Festival Hall<br />

Events | report ’08<br />

| 78 | | 79 |<br />

1<br />

2<br />

Casino Graz at <strong>the</strong> Opera Redoute<br />

The atmosphere evokes memories of <strong>the</strong> glory days of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n<br />

monarchy – ladies elegant in <strong>the</strong>ir glamorous evening gowns and<br />

gentlemen suitably attired in tuxedos or tailcoats. For <strong>the</strong> last ten<br />

years, <strong>the</strong> Opera House in Graz glitters with all <strong>the</strong> pomp and circumstance<br />

of this bygone age when it becomes host <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual<br />

Opera Redoute. In <strong>the</strong> midst of all this glamour, <strong>the</strong> Casino Graz<br />

Champagne Lounge and French Roulette table became <strong>the</strong> place <strong>to</strong><br />

be seen at <strong>the</strong> 2008 event and a welcome spot for friends of <strong>the</strong><br />

casino <strong>to</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>r and enjoy <strong>the</strong>ir good fortune until <strong>the</strong> early hours.<br />

1 2<br />

1. & 2. Guests at <strong>the</strong> Opera Redoute in Graz enjoyed trying <strong>the</strong>ir luck at <strong>the</strong> Roulette table<br />

3


eport ’08 | Events<br />

Football Legends at<br />

Casino Innsbruck<br />

There were lots of famous faces <strong>to</strong><br />

be seen at Casino Innsbruck in <strong>the</strong><br />

weeks before and during <strong>the</strong> UEFA<br />

EURO 2008 European Football<br />

Championship. Pictures speak louder<br />

than words ...<br />

1. Carina Mauthner and TV presenter Michael Kriess with ex-national team players Gischi Westerthaler and Werner Kriess and two casino guests; 2. <strong>World</strong> Cup 1998 goalkeeping hero Davor<br />

Suker was also a welcome guest at Casino Innsbruck; 3. Tyrolean midfielder Clemens Walch, who transferred <strong>to</strong> VfB Stuttgart prior <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> European Championship, with Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Kurt Steger and his new team jersey; 4. Tyrol and Innsbruck UEFA EURO 2008 ambassador Hansi Müller with Kurt Steger on <strong>the</strong> “Tyrol:08 pitch” in front of <strong>the</strong> casino; 5. Klaus Lindenberger<br />

(<strong>Austria</strong>n Football Association goalkeeping trainer), Michael Rummenigge and Kurt Steger enjoy a VIP table football match<br />

Miss Tyrol and Miss <strong>Austria</strong> 2008, Marina Schneider, with runners-up<br />

1 2<br />

3 14<br />

5<br />

The Prettiest Girl in Tyrol<br />

In 2008, <strong>the</strong> final of <strong>the</strong> Miss Tyrol beauty pageant<br />

was again held at Casino Kitzbühel. In a whole series<br />

of heats from <strong>the</strong> Ötztal Valley <strong>to</strong> East Tyrol,<br />

candidates from across <strong>the</strong> state gave <strong>the</strong>ir best<br />

as <strong>the</strong>y endeavored <strong>to</strong> qualify for <strong>the</strong> Grand Final.<br />

Having taken <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> catwalk <strong>to</strong> show off <strong>the</strong>ir curves<br />

in <strong>the</strong> evening wear and swimwear sections, <strong>the</strong><br />

young ladies later revealed <strong>the</strong>ir inner values in <strong>the</strong><br />

ever-popular “Personality Show”.<br />

The celebrity jury finally reached a unanimous<br />

decision: Marina Schneider was officially named<br />

<strong>the</strong> prettiest girl in Tyrol. And as if this wasn’t<br />

enough, she <strong>the</strong>n headed off east <strong>to</strong> pick up <strong>the</strong><br />

Miss <strong>Austria</strong> title as well at <strong>the</strong> Magna Racino in<br />

Ebreichsdorf.<br />

Big Changes in Kleinwalsertal<br />

Casino Kleinwalsertal celebrated its successful interior redesign with<br />

a glittering reopening party on 12 December 2008. Warm materials,<br />

soft lea<strong>the</strong>r, exquisite fabrics and sweeping forms define <strong>the</strong> new look<br />

and give <strong>the</strong> casino a real lounge-like atmosphere. A fur<strong>the</strong>r addition<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> look is <strong>the</strong> casino’s new multipurpose event room – <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />

venue for all manner of events: from seminars <strong>to</strong> cabaret shows.<br />

The “old” restaurant gave way <strong>to</strong> a spacious, modern Casineum event<br />

room. The blazing log fire in <strong>the</strong> gaming area is <strong>the</strong> sole reminder of<br />

<strong>the</strong> former rustic interior.<br />

2 3<br />

1. (l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Mayor Werner Strohmaier, Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Gerhard Steurer and Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Direc<strong>to</strong>r General Karl S<strong>to</strong>ss at <strong>the</strong> opening ceremony; 2. Music by “harry and <strong>the</strong> nicknames”;<br />

3.The new-look Casino Kleinwalsertal<br />

1 2<br />

Events | report ’08<br />

| 80 | | 81 |<br />

1<br />

First Among 1,503 Players<br />

One of <strong>the</strong> gaming highlights of 2008 at Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> was undoubtedly<br />

“Beat’em all” – Europe’s largest live Poker <strong>to</strong>urnament. A<br />

<strong>to</strong>tal of 1,503 contestants battled it out in <strong>the</strong> electrifying final on<br />

30 November in Casino Linz, with Eduard Farkashazy from Vienna<br />

ultimately emerging <strong>the</strong> vic<strong>to</strong>r over <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r eight finalists <strong>to</strong> take<br />

home <strong>the</strong> lion’s share of <strong>the</strong> 142,785 euro pot. By popular demand,<br />

<strong>the</strong> highly successful “Beat’em all” <strong>to</strong>urnament will definitely be<br />

back in 2009.<br />

1. Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Josef Kneifl with <strong>to</strong>urnament winner Eduard Farkashazy and Poker Manager Edgar Stuchly; 2. This pho<strong>to</strong> was taken before Farkashazy (r.) secured his vic<strong>to</strong>ry


eport ’08 | Events<br />

An<strong>to</strong>n Graf (President of <strong>the</strong> Salzburg Cancer Aid Association), Karin Pilz (Marketing & Sales), Kurt Pipal (Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r)<br />

Seefeld Crowns <strong>the</strong> Baccara <strong>World</strong> Champion<br />

<strong>From</strong> 3 <strong>to</strong> 5 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2008, Casino Seefeld hosted <strong>the</strong> Baccara <strong>World</strong> Championship for <strong>the</strong> 10th time. Top players from around <strong>the</strong> world flocked <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> casino <strong>to</strong> battle it out once again for <strong>the</strong><br />

title of “Baccara <strong>World</strong> Champion”. In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> coveted title, <strong>the</strong> winner of this year’s event<br />

was also presented with <strong>the</strong> new “Ring of <strong>the</strong> Master” <strong>to</strong>p prize, a stunning ring worth over 10,000<br />

euro, specially created for <strong>the</strong> Baccara <strong>World</strong> Championship by local jewelry designer Armbruster<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Tiroler Schmuckkastl.<br />

2 3<br />

Charity Fashion Event in Salzburg<br />

On 30 September 2008, seven well-known female<br />

entrepreneurs hosted a Charity Fashion Cocktail<br />

event in <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ric Salzburg Residenz in aid of <strong>the</strong><br />

“Salzburg Breast Cancer Initiative”. A regular supporter<br />

of “Pink Ribbon” events, Casino Salzburg<br />

also provided <strong>the</strong>m with a Roulette table for <strong>the</strong><br />

evening. In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> stunning fashion show,<br />

good food and excellent entertainment, more than<br />

300 guests were also invited <strong>to</strong> “Faites vos jeux”,<br />

<strong>to</strong> boost <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>tal amount raised by <strong>the</strong> evening’s<br />

festivities.<br />

1. The “Ring of <strong>the</strong> Master” worth over 10,000 euro has already become a cult object; 2. (l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Ernst Hubmann, <strong>World</strong> Champion 2008 Giuseppe Cascetta with <strong>the</strong><br />

Casino Seefeld Baccara Team: Marco Peer, Erwin Serloth, Ronald Bösch; 3. Competi<strong>to</strong>rs enjoy some local cus<strong>to</strong>ms<br />

1<br />

Fête Blanche in Velden<br />

Fête Blanche – <strong>the</strong> summer party at Lake Wör<strong>the</strong>rsee – once again attracted<br />

thousands of party-goers <strong>to</strong> Carinthia. True <strong>to</strong> its mot<strong>to</strong>, Casino Velden<br />

hosted a spectacular “All in White” party in <strong>the</strong> Casineum with live music<br />

and an exquisite gala dinner.<br />

1. Thousands kept <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> white dress code at <strong>the</strong> Fête Blanche; 2. Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Othmar Resch with Chef de Cuisine Marcel Vanic and staff; 3. The Fête Blanche Party on<br />

<strong>the</strong> square in front of <strong>the</strong> casino<br />

| 82 | | 83 |<br />

1<br />

2<br />

Poker in a Noble Setting<br />

Casino Wien has a new attraction. On 19 November 2008, <strong>Austria</strong>’s<br />

busiest casino opened its very own Poker Lounge. Architect Michael<br />

Manzenreiter – of Vienna Opera Ball fame – and his team had just<br />

three weeks <strong>to</strong> transform <strong>the</strong> former 2nd floor bistro in<strong>to</strong> an exquisite,<br />

professional and welcoming Poker room. The results clearly speak for<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves. The fun opening event was attended by colleagues, friends<br />

of <strong>the</strong> casino, Poker fans and numerous journalists.<br />

2 3 4<br />

3<br />

1. The new Poker lounge; 2. Cool, yet still cozy; 3. The Poker Lounge Dream Team (l. <strong>to</strong> r.): Casino Direc<strong>to</strong>r Reinhard Deiring, Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> Poker Manager Edgar Stuchly, Architect<br />

Michael Manzenreiter and Construction Contrac<strong>to</strong>r Markus Spiegelfeld; 4. Heinz Dobcak (Croupier Casino Baden) with Ines Benisch (Marketing Service & Sponsoring)<br />

1<br />

Events | report ’08


eport ’08 | Supervisory Board<br />

SUPERVISORY BOARD<br />

Walter Ro<strong>the</strong>nsteiner<br />

President, Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

(Chairman)<br />

Günter Geyer<br />

Vice President, Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

(2 nd Deputy Chairman)<br />

State Commissioners<br />

Under-Secretary Alfred Lejsek<br />

Alfred Katterl<br />

Franz Philipp Sutter<br />

Members of <strong>the</strong> Supervisory Board<br />

Vice Governor, Wolfgang Duchatczek<br />

Supervisory Board Report<br />

In its meetings, <strong>the</strong> Supervisory Board continued <strong>to</strong> perform <strong>the</strong> functions incumbent upon it pursuant<br />

<strong>to</strong> statu<strong>to</strong>ry provisions and <strong>the</strong> Articles of Association. The Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs provided regular reports<br />

on <strong>the</strong> current business situation. The Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG annual financial statements and management<br />

report were audited by <strong>the</strong> official audi<strong>to</strong>rs appointed at <strong>the</strong> Annual General Meeting on 4 April 2008,<br />

BDO Auxilia Treuhand Gesellschaft m.b.H. and KPMG <strong>Austria</strong> Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft m.b.H. This<br />

audit raised no grounds for objection. The audi<strong>to</strong>rs have <strong>the</strong>refore confirmed that <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG<br />

annual financial statements and management report comply with statu<strong>to</strong>ry provisions. The Supervisory<br />

Board confirms that it concurs with <strong>the</strong> Board of Direc<strong>to</strong>rs’ management report and <strong>the</strong> proposed distribution<br />

of profits and that it formally approves <strong>the</strong> Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG annual financial statements, which<br />

are hereby adopted pursuant <strong>to</strong> Section 125 of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Austria</strong>n S<strong>to</strong>ck Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz). Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Supervisory Board recommends that said audit firms, BDO Auxilia Treuhand Gesellschaft<br />

m.b.H. and KPMG <strong>Austria</strong> Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft m.b.H., also be appointed audi<strong>to</strong>rs for <strong>the</strong><br />

2009 business year at <strong>the</strong> Annual General Meeting.<br />

The Supervisory Board<br />

Walter Ro<strong>the</strong>nsteiner (Chairman)<br />

Vienna, 27 March 2009<br />

Dietmar Spranz<br />

Vice President, Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

(1 st Deputy Chairman)<br />

until April 2008<br />

Maria Theresia Bablik<br />

Vice President<br />

(3 rd Deputy Chairman)<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r General, Helmut Jonas<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r General, Konstantin Klien<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Gerald Neuber<br />

At<strong>to</strong>rney-at-Law, Thomas Schröfl<br />

President (ret.), Adolf Wala<br />

Direc<strong>to</strong>r Peter Zöllner<br />

Kurt Meyer<br />

Vice President, Direc<strong>to</strong>r General<br />

(1 st Deputy Chairman)<br />

from April 2008<br />

Leo Wallner<br />

Vice President<br />

(4 th Deputy Chairman)<br />

Representatives of <strong>the</strong> Central Works Council<br />

Jürgen Nachbaur (Works Council Chairman),<br />

Dieter Löw, Christian Holz, Peter Löb (until April<br />

2008), Manfred Schönbauer, Maciej Turkiewicz<br />

(until April 2008), Christian Hampejs (from April<br />

2008), Werner Lieber (from April 2008)<br />

Company and<br />

Consolidated<br />

Financial Statements 2008 | report ’08<br />

Financial Statements<br />

2008<br />

| 84 | | 85 |


eport ’08 | Financial Statements 2008<br />

Financial Statements as at 31 December 2008 - Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG<br />

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008<br />

ASSETS EUR EUR<br />

A. Long Term Assets<br />

2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

I. Intangible assets<br />

1. Concessions and o<strong>the</strong>r rights 6,075,475.11 7,684<br />

2. Advance payments 351,360.00 0<br />

6,426,835.11 7,684<br />

II. Tangible assets<br />

1. Property, coincident rights and buildings, including buildings<br />

on third party property, <strong>the</strong>reof property EUR 7,036,803.41<br />

(31.12.2007; TEUR 2,322)<br />

12,480,678.07 8,010<br />

2. O<strong>the</strong>r equipment, fixtures, furniture and office equipment 37,619,910.29 39,690<br />

3. Advance payments and construction in progress 520,034.50 542<br />

50,620,622.86 48,242<br />

III. Financial assets<br />

1. Investments in affiliated companies 456,722,601.72 492,592<br />

2. Investments in o<strong>the</strong>r companies 255,222.23 211<br />

3. Long-term securities 9,765,242.83 10,911<br />

4. O<strong>the</strong>r loans 581,995.92 680<br />

467,325,062.70 504,394<br />

524,372,520.67 560,320<br />

B. Current Assets<br />

I. Receivables and o<strong>the</strong>r current assets<br />

1. Accounts receivable – trade 795,050.43 2,133<br />

2. Accounts receivable – affiliated companies 7,106,305.13 1,832<br />

3. O<strong>the</strong>r receivables and assets 44,650,598.72 2,680<br />

52,551,954.28 6,645<br />

II. Cash on hand and in banks, checks 22,845,625.56 26,364<br />

75,397,579.84 33,009<br />

C. Prepaid Expenses 2,433,080.14 3,008<br />

602,203,180.65 596,337<br />

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2008<br />

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY EUR EUR<br />

Financial Statements 2008 | report ’08<br />

| 86 | | 87 |<br />

A. Equity<br />

2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

I. Capital s<strong>to</strong>ck<br />

II. Reserves from retained earnings<br />

40,000,000.00 40,000<br />

1. Legal reserves 4,000,000.00 4,000<br />

2. O<strong>the</strong>r reserves (voluntary reserves) 30,600,000.00 23,250<br />

34,600,000.00 27,250<br />

III. Balance sheet profit, <strong>the</strong>reof profit brought forward from previous<br />

year EUR 2,828,825.44 (31.12.2007: TEUR 223)<br />

5,638,402.26 8,429<br />

80,238,402.26 75,679<br />

B. Provisions<br />

1. Provision for severance payments 17,588,002.00 15,325<br />

2. Provision for pensions 16,120,700.00 16,535<br />

3. O<strong>the</strong>r provisions 18,049,475.84 21,707<br />

51,758,177.84 53,567<br />

C. Liabilities<br />

1. Bonds 150,000,000.00 0<br />

2. Bank loans and overdrafts 169,580,052.08 171,980<br />

3. Accounts payable – trade 10,230,942.05 9,064<br />

4. Accounts payable – affiliated companies 60,280,326.15 57,615<br />

5. Accounts payable – associated companies 952,248.35 1,317<br />

6. O<strong>the</strong>r payables, <strong>the</strong>reof taxes EUR 18,144,768.99 (31.12.2007:<br />

TEUR 18,099), <strong>the</strong>reof social security EUR 3,279,389.82<br />

(31.12.2007: TEUR 3,087)<br />

76,064,962.70 223,844<br />

467,108,531.33 463,820<br />

D. Deferred Income 3,098,069.22 3,271<br />

602,203,180.65 596,337<br />

Contingent liabilities 61,836.97 63


eport ’08 | Financial Statements 2008<br />

Income Statement for 2008 - Casinos <strong>Austria</strong> AG<br />

INCOME STATEMENT FOR 2008<br />

EUR EUR<br />

2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

1. Gross gaming revenues 281,100,040.15 277,201<br />

2. Gaming taxes and o<strong>the</strong>r gaming related taxes -108,735,338.56 -107,547<br />

3. Net gaming revenues 172,364,701.59 169,654<br />

4. O<strong>the</strong>r operating income<br />

5. Personnel expenses<br />

10,976,169.98 11,936<br />

a) Wages -7,059,783.39 -6,895<br />

b) Salaries -70,960,763.04 -71,824<br />

c) Expenses for severance payments -3,485,921.99 -2,027<br />

d) Expenses for pensions -12,789,947.63 -10,367<br />

e) Social security costs and payroll-related taxes -20,598,121.74 -19,695<br />

f) O<strong>the</strong>r expenses for employee benefits -1,248,674.25 -1,144<br />

-116,143,212.04 -111,952<br />

6. Depreciation, amortization<br />

7. O<strong>the</strong>r operating expenses<br />

-11,583,843.44 -10,717<br />

a) Taxes not included in items 2 and 18 -201,173.21 -155<br />

b) O<strong>the</strong>r expenses -63,734,806.65 -63,763<br />

-63,935,979.86 -63,918<br />

8. Operating result = sub-<strong>to</strong>tal items 1 <strong>to</strong> 7 -8,322,163.77 -4,997<br />

INCOME STATEMENT FOR 2008<br />

9. Income from investments, <strong>the</strong>reof affiliated companies<br />

EUR 33,099,269.78 (2007: TEUR 22,308)<br />

EUR EUR<br />

Financial Statements 2008 | report ’08<br />

| 88 | | 89 |<br />

2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

33,133,587.79 22,437<br />

10. Interest income of long term investments and loans 703,197.08 751<br />

11. O<strong>the</strong>r interest income and similar income 701,561,41 455<br />

12. Income from <strong>the</strong> disposal and write-up of financial assets 81,303.08 0<br />

13. Expenses from financial assets<br />

a) Depreciation of financial assets EUR 1,146,000.00 (2007: TEUR 484)<br />

b) O<strong>the</strong>r expenses – financial assets and temporary investments<br />

EUR 1,748,590.40 (2007: TEUR 2,237)<br />

14. Interest and similar charges, <strong>the</strong>reof affiliated companies<br />

EUR 4,083,435.08 (2007: TEUR 1,518)<br />

-2,894,590.40 -2,722<br />

-18,775,038.37 -1,596<br />

15. Financial result = sub-<strong>to</strong>tal items 9 <strong>to</strong> 14 12,950,020.59 19,325<br />

16. Profit on ordinary activities 4,627,856.82 14,328<br />

17. Extraordinary result 0.00 -9,795<br />

18. Income taxes 5,531,720.00 3,673<br />

19. Net income after taxes 10,159,576.82 8,206<br />

20. Allocation <strong>to</strong> reserves from retained earnings<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r reserves (voluntary reserves) -7,350,000.00 0<br />

21. Annual income 2,809,576.82 8,206<br />

22. Profit brought forward from previous year 2,828,825.44 223<br />

23. Balance sheet profit 5,638,402.26 8,429


eport ’08 | Financial Statements 2008<br />

Consolidated Income Statement for 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2008<br />

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR 2008<br />

2008<br />

in EUR<br />

2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

Sales 2,960,054,734.60 2,642,825<br />

Lottery and sports betting payouts -1,774,207,947.28 -1,511,489<br />

Gross gaming revenues 1,185,846,787.32 1,131,336<br />

Gaming taxes and o<strong>the</strong>r taxes -576,983,254.21 -552,917<br />

Net gaming revenues 608,863,533.11 578,419<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r operating income 69,367,809.25 47,445<br />

Personnel expenses -273,635,479.40 -256,654<br />

Depreciation and amortization -50,880,772.35 -44,043<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r operating expenses -316,178,525.79 -301,621<br />

Income from associated companies 24,172,816.98 33,093<br />

Operating result before restructuring expenses 61,709,381.80 56,639<br />

Restructuring expenses -4,000,000.00 -6,990<br />

Operating result 57,709,381.80 49,649<br />

Financial income 15,591,686.52 14,781<br />

Financial expenses -42,188,806.03 -23,598<br />

Financial result -26,597,119.51 -8,817<br />

Profit before taxes 31,112,262.29 40,832<br />

Income taxes 3,821,895.31 519<br />

Net income 34,934,157.60 41,351<br />

Attributable <strong>to</strong> equity holders of <strong>the</strong> parent 20,260,193.92 26,809<br />

Attributable <strong>to</strong> minority interest 14,673,963.68 14,542<br />

34,934,157.60 41,351<br />

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008<br />

Financial Statements 2008 | report ’08<br />

| 90 | | 91 |<br />

ASSETS<br />

31.12.2008<br />

in EUR<br />

31.12.2007<br />

in TEUR<br />

Cash assets 172,403,533.58 150,628<br />

Financial assets 12,775,726.22 47,460<br />

Receivables and o<strong>the</strong>r assets 120,461,452.10 63,060<br />

Total Current Assets 305,640,711.90 261,148<br />

Tangible assets 282,703,769.30 315,449<br />

Investment property 25,400,000.00 0<br />

Goodwill 283,964,736.12 281,450<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r intangible assets 46,875,529.20 66,767<br />

Investments in associated companies 156,204,974.27 163,614<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r financial assets 184,426,240.25 192,021<br />

Deferred tax assets 16,434,904.21 13,957<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r long-term assets 3,117,009.24 4,992<br />

Total Non-Current Assets 999,127,162.59 1,038,250<br />

Total ASSETS 1,304,767,874.49 1,299,398<br />

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY<br />

Short-term loans 86,560,884.87 53,709<br />

Trade payables 22,189,649.78 22,733<br />

Provisions 68,095,179.85 68,053<br />

Tax liabilities 56,793,832.37 61,004<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r current liabilities 148,921,490.74 276,223<br />

Total Current Liabilities 382,561,037.61 481,722<br />

Long-term loans 611,747,879.51 498,518<br />

Provisions for employee entitlements 58,922,973.00 54,356<br />

Provisions for deferred taxes 10,892,402.03 11,195<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r long-term provisions 3,547,935.80 2,148<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r long-term liabilities 39,916,374.52 41,502<br />

Total Non-Current Liabilities 725,027,564.86 607,719<br />

Share capital 40,000,000.00 40,000<br />

O<strong>the</strong>r reserves and retained earnings 89,943,743.64 73,036<br />

Revaluation reserves 16,853,350.16 0<br />

Unrealized losses on financial instruments -1,276,500.00 0<br />

Foreign currency translation adjustment -27,964,227.32 -8,611<br />

117,556,366.48 104,425<br />

Minority interest 79,622,905.54 105,532<br />

Total Equity 197,179,272.02 209,957<br />

Total LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1,304,767,874.49 1,299,398


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