"Yes, there are now Casinos in Cancun." According to Jorge Wasi Curi, General Manager Of the Dubai Palace Casino " The financial problems the US is facing are actually helping the Mexican economy." Americans and Canadians have been challenged with a high cost of living and fuel.
This is forcing many to "stay at home" That puts a halt on the lifestyle many are accustomed to. Mexico offers another option. A close to home vacation can cost more then a trip to the Caribbean. Many are also choosing Cancun as their permanent residence, with low cost housing and living. Many retirees "just cant make it" on their retirement income back at home.
The Mexican government owns Premix which operates all the gas stations in the country. It accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the income that supports the government. However, Mexico has a problem with the dwindling supply of oil. Taxes from the Casinos could help fill that deficit.
The Dubai Casino was one of the first to open in Cancun. The Playboy Club quickly followed by opening a Casino on the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is a white shelled beach peninsular that stretches 22 kilometers from old Cancun centro. Numerous people opposed Casinos being built on the Zone, they wanted to keep development for hotels and condominiums. The city of Cancun responded with a plan to put the casinos close to the downtown district.
James Troy, Director of Marketing at the Dubai Palace said " Many Americans and Canadians are moving to Cancun to take advantage of the inexpensive living and beautiful weather ""We are just a few hours from most major city's in the US. and Canada." He added " Flights are so cheap you can come down for a day at the beach and lunch" He added "We hope the visitors will add a trip to the Casino to their entertainment agenda. Nine out of ten tourist do not even know there are Casinos here."
"A fun, safe vacation is always our propriety. Some people believe all Mexico is dangerous. The opposite is true. Cancun is the safest city in all Mexico.... it is not a boarder town. They safeguard the tourist which is a large part of our economy."
Casinos started opening their doors in 2010 with all electronic games and are slowly changing to Vegas style Casinos. Live gambling is in all their plans with blackjack, craps and poker. Jorge Wasi Curi from the Dubai Palace said "The demand for live gaming is here and we will answer with live games in early 2012. We will be opening our sports book before the end of 2011. This attracts in a new type of customer. We will have horse racing, basketball, football, almost any sporting event. Want to place a bet on the Chicago Bears, we can handle it !"
They are following suit with other Las Vegas marketing techniques to get you in the door. Like an almost free buffet. Dubai is the only 24 hour casino in Cancun and it offers a 150 seat dining room with world renowned known Chefs, open 24 hours. Some of their menu includes New York Strip, Rib Eye and Filet Mignon dinners for about $7.They also offer entertainment and over 450 slot machines.
Jorge Wasi Curi has an interesting background himself. Most of his life he spent in the printing business. He said "I have been going to Las Vegas for years. I went about four times a year and love the excitement. I thought, wow... I would like to be on the other end of this business and the idea was born. I know what gamblers want and that is what we provide!"
They purchased the carpet from the Venetian Casino in Las Vegas which was new carpet they never used. When designing the building, there were no architects in Cancun with Casino design experience, so they drew up their own plans. Using Ideas from different Las Vegas Casinos.
The plan for Cancun is to start a Las Vegas strip of their own running along Tulum Avenue continuing into historic downtown, but so far no name has been chosen.
So on your next trip to Cancun add something different to your beach experience and try your luck at a Casino. Who knows, you might just win enough to pay for your vacation !
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/business/global/09pemex.html?pagewanted=1
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