Gambling operator Century Casinos, Inc. announced that it has expanded its reach to the Asian gaming market by launching its first ship-based casino intended particularly for Chinese gambling customers. The company has opened its latest casino on board the Glory Sea of Diamond Cruise International Co., Ltd.
The gambling venue’s launch coincided with the start of the cruise ship’s maiden voyage. It left from Shanghai, China and headed to Shimonoseki, Japan. The ship has a capacity of more than 1,200 and is focused on attracting Chinese customers. These will be offered four-day trips to and fro China, South Korea, and Japan.
Century Casinos opened its latest casino with 40 slot machines and 16 gaming tables, run by live dealers. Table games include blackjack, baccarat, three-card poker, Sic Bo, American Roulette, etc. The gambling venue is to expand its offering in future. It is aimed at catering to both regular passengers and VIP gambling customers from Mainland China, sent by local junket operators.
Commenting on the latest casino to open doors under the Century Casinos brand, Co-CEOs Peter Hoetzinger and Erwin Haitzmann said that they are extremely excited with the opportunity to enter the Asian casino gambling market and to further establish their position as one of the world-leaders in the operation of gaming facilities on board cruise ships.
The executives also pointed out that their partnership with Diamond Cruise International is “a very cost-effective way” for Century Casinos to gain its foothold within the Chinese market, which has long been extremely lucrative for gambling operators from around the world. Both Mr. Hoetzinger and Mr. Haitzmann are optimistic that their latest collaboration with a cruise vessels operator would be really beneficial to their ship-based casino segment and to its future growth.
Century Casinos has been operating gambling venues internationally. It has land-based facilities across Canada, the US, Poland, and Argentina. In addition, the company currently manages thirteen ship-based casinos of Windstar Cruises, TUI Cruises, Thomson Cruises, and Diamond Cruise International. It has pointed out that it is part of its growth strategy to continue expanding its footprint by pursuing other international projects.
