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Greenbrier gambling off to quiet start; resort netted $121,000 in first month
Nov 05, 2009 (The Charleston Gazette - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
CHARLESTON, W.Va.-- The Greenbrier's bookings may be up, but guests don't appear to be making a beeline to the hotel's Tavern Casino just yet.
The resort netted $121,933 in table game and video slot machine revenues last month, according to state Lottery Commission data released Wednesday.
"It's right about what we thought," said Todd Fishon, the resort's vice president of casino operations. "It was a very soft opening for us. We haven't done any casino advertising."
The Greenbrier started offering table games -- poker, roulette and blackjack -- at its new Tavern Casino on Oct. 1. Forty-four video slot terminals were added on Oct. 14.
The resort gets to keep 65 percent of its table game revenues of $95,473, and 47 percent of its slot machine revenues, which totaled $26,520 after payouts.
"We are pleased with their operation and revenues, given this is a small, temporary facility," said Nancy Bulla, Lottery Commission spokeswoman.
Construction has already started on a $25 million underground casino at the resort. The 82,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in April. The full-scale casino will include 320 video lottery machines and 40 table games.
"The construction is amazing," Fishon said. "They're moving right along. Every day, there's significant improvement."
In the meantime, The Greenbrier has started an advertising campaign -- mostly direct mail -- to alert potential guests about the opportunity to gamble at the resort.
"We're starting to do more marketing for that activity," Fishon said. "We expect to see considerable growth in the next couple of months. A lot of people don't know [gambling] is here."
Fishon acknowledged that Tavern Casino revenues would likely increase significantly in the wake of a recent $59-a-night "Tribute to the Virginias" promotion. The Greenbrier is sold out on 13 selected dates, starting Nov. 15 and running through February.
Standard rooms at the luxury resort normally cost $275 a night.
The resort also has been notifying guests about the Tavern Casino, which has 10 tables.
"After dinner, we get a big crowd," Fishon said.
The Tavern Casino will remain open after the full-scale underground casino is licensed.
Fishon said The Tavern Casino would remain casual, while the larger facility will have the "most upscale, elegant atmosphere in the country."
"They are going to be two totally different environments for gamblers," he said.
The resort's casino patrons are limited to guests and members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club's luxury home development. People registered for events at the resort also are allowed to gamble -- provided 400 rooms are occupied at the time.
Greenbrier owner Jim Justice has said gambling will help restore the resort's profitability and the five-star Mobile Travel Guide rating the hotel lost in 2000.
The state Lottery approved The Greenbrier's gambling license in late September, making it the state's fourth full-service casino.
Reach Eric Eyre at ericeyre@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4869.
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