Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer
Ian Levy of Supreme Ventures (standing right) makes sure his sister, Pamela Murray, and her husband, Robin, are having a good time as they play the slots at the Acropolis Gaming Suites. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE WORD is out - you can win BIG at the Acropolis, and Kingston's finest, are turning out in ever increasing numbers, anxious to do just that - win BIG!
'The Acropolis is an entertainment experience," enthused Sheraine Murray, shift manager of the gaming suites, which was opened about three months ago, at the new Barbican Centre. "We are open every day from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. but, on weekends, we have a full house," she asserts. She says Mondays have also become a crowd puller with the introduction of NFL football viewing a few Mondays ago. There is also a two-for-one drink special on Mondays and until early next year, patrons who visit the Acropolis on Monday nights have a chance of winning two tickets to attend the Super Bowl in the United States.
The Acropolis Gaming Suites is the latest addition to Supreme Ventures Gaming options and while the company's other games allow patrons very little involvement in the gaming process, at Acropolis, clients can do a lot more than purchase a ticket, pray, and hope for the best.
GREEK THEMES
In luxurious surroundings named for the Greek ruins, which is centuries old, 150 gaming machines blink hypnotically; water fountains as well as music droning from speakers, relax even the most anxious wager. The help of either the Asian god Buddha, or Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens and numerous other Greek nymphs can be enlisted to favourably influence the outcome of wagers. And the Ambrosia Restaurant and Bar which is annexed to the Gaming Suites, offer welcomed respite and culinary delights for those occupied with the task of attempting to amass wealth.
Food and Beverage Manager of the Ambrosia, Karen Clarke, explains the concept behind having a restaurant within arms reach of the gaming suites. "Our research showed that there is a lot of demand for food at a number of the gaming lounges which is not being met. With Ambrosia, we thought we could meet and exceed our customers expectations."
With delectable delights such as Tequila Marinated Chicken Wings, Grilled Acropolis Rack of Lamb with a Treasure Chest au jus and Ambrosia Orgasm on the menu, the Ambrosia restaurant is keeping the appetites of even their most discerning patrons sated, while they place their bets for as long as their hearts desire.
And, according to Ms. Murray, the chairs in front of the gaming machines are often occupied way into the wee hours of the mornings. She says while patrons place bets on all the machines, there are clear favourites.
"The Roulette Table, Royal Ascot and the Triple Diamond Slot Machines are crowd favourites, but of the three, the Roulette wins hands down," she disclosed. She says customers prefer the Roulette Wheel as they feel it improves their chances of winning, as they are able to split their bets. And when patrons at Acropolis win, the payout is big! Ms. Murray said the gaming suites pay out up to US$5,000 in cash and any balance is paid by cheque. However, those who have no luck at the machines will not necessarily go away empty handed.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAMME
The Acropolis is working out the logistics of a customer loyalty programme, which will confer VIP membership status on frequent players and they will have the chance of winning movie tickets and other items. The last give-away was a 42" plasma television with surround sound worth about half a million dollars. There are also promotional gift items with the Acropolis logo, which patrons can win in the gaming suites' random cup promotion nightly raffles.
The Acropolis has special Ambassadors to assist patrons who are unfamiliar in the art of wagering. The facility is equipped to facilitate the physically challenged and will admit only persons 18 and older in keeping with its adult only policy.
Three months out of the starters block, the Acropolis has already staked its claim on the local gaming industry. Poised aloft in much the same way the ancient Greek ruins sit on top of a hill, the golden Acropolis beckons all with the promise of endless possibilities. Shift Manager Sheraine Murray entreats, "Come on up to the city, the Acropolis awaits!"
