Excelsior Casino, a land-based casino in Aruba, has launched a virtual casino offering real-money play, becoming the self-proclaimed first land-based casino from the Western Hemisphere to offer Internet gaming. Excelsior joins the likes of Lasseters and Federal Hotels by adding virtual gaming to its land-based facility. The new site is licensed in Belize and offers players cash, prizes and trips.
"It's a natural progression for us," explained Walter Posner, Excelsior's owner. "We're going to bring 30 years of experience and credibility from our land-based operation to the Web."
The site, www.excelsiorcasino.com, uses Java-based software developed by GamblingSoftware.com and offers roulette, slots, video poker, craps, blackjack and Caribbean poker. Customers must open an account using Visa or MasterCard and deposit at least $5 to play. Online play began in May.
GamblingSoftware.com provides land-based casinos with the tools necessary to build mailing lists, run online tournaments, award comps, and notify prospective guest about upcoming entertainment events. To entice prospective guests, they can also build a virtual tour of the land-based facility
"Although a corporate Web site is crucial in attracting new customers to your land-based casino, it doesn't even come close to harnessing the full potential of what the Web has to offer," said Mark Waters, business development VP for GamblingSoftware.com.
Excelsior Casino is located in the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba.