Philly Casino is raising the ante

It's a rare occurrence to talk about a local casino actually expanding and not about ones facing closure. SugarHouse Casino recently broke ground on a $164M expansion plan that includes a poker room with approximately 24 tables, an attached seven-story parking garage and more non-gaming related amenities. 

 

SugarHouse is planning for new restaurant spaces and a ballroom/event space that overlooks the Delaware River. Public riverfront trail access will be expanded by 250 feet.

SugarHouse is preparing for the opening of the poker room with a training class that consist of dealers and employees from security, food and beverage and player services. They are currently learning Texas Hold' Em and Omaha.

I was able to speak with several members of the class about what the experience of embarking on a new career. Here are some of their responses.

What is the most challenging aspect of learning a new game?

Anna Chen - "My biggest challenge right now is reading the hands. Telling the difference. between a high or low."

Gilberto Mercado - "I am working hard trying to get the mechanics down from the dealer's perspective. I enjoy poker so my transition to the gaming side is enjoyable to me."

Unique Wilson - "I am the only left handed person in the class. I 'm doing things in reverse and retaining information differently."

Tell me some of the things that make a good poker dealer?

Emmitt Whitefield - "Two things that make a good poker dealer are knowledge of the rules and calling a good game. I want to make my poker players have a memorable experience on my game."

Unique Wilson -  We're in the hospitality and entertainment business so being personal and engaging is important. I love guest interaction and I'm looking forward to displaying that."

What made you want to be part of this class?

Anna - "I wanted to acquire a skill that would lead to a better job. I have been part of the SugarHouse Family for 3 years and looking forward to meeting different people everyday."

Who in the class has been with the company the longest? 

Unique and Emmitt have been with SugarHouse since day one! SugarHouse just celebrated it's 4 year anniversary.

What is your ultimate goal once you complete this class?

Unique -  "I dream big. One day, I want to  deal in the WSOP tournament."

From left, Unique, Danny R, Anna Lee, Anna Chen, Emmitt (standing) and Gilberto.
 

Minh Truong after passing his audition.

All of the members of the class are looking forward to the expansion and the growth opportunities that SugarHouse will offer. I want to thank each of the participants from the class that consented to answer my questions. I also want to acknowledge the instructors of the class, Magdalena Gonzalez and Raye Ramsey.

Get more information about the events and promotions at SugarHouse Casino by following:
                                     
                                            http://www.sugarhousecasino.com/
                                            https://www.facebook.com/sugarhousecasino
                                            https://twitter.com/winatsugarhouse

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