In May 2021, an elite casino of the famous world brand Shangri La was opened in Kyiv. Visitors have access to 20 tables with card and table games, popular video slots and a separate VIP zone for playing with high bets. And for the junket tours participants, transfers, accommodation in a 5-star hotel and additional services are provided. Darren Keane, Storm International CEO and Michael Boettcher, founder of the brand, ceremoniously cut the ribbon.
In the summer of 2020, gambling business was legalized in Ukraine. Storm International, Darren Keane said, has been waiting for this for about 10 years. During this time, numerous specialized meetings and forums were held in the country, which were invariably attended by the holding leaders. Serious arguments and advantages of the gambling establishments’ legalization were presented. It has been noted that this will result in:
- increasing the country tourist attractiveness;
- stimulating the growth of employment;
- increasing the Ukraine potential and its economic growth;
- greater gambling establishments customers’ protection;
- stimulating the related areas and industries development.
But as Storm International representatives emphasize, the law adoption was delayed. For too long, parliamentarians have been discussing the bill and making amendments. And after the law signing, the gambling operators finally got the opportunity to submit the necessary documents to the Commission for the Gambling Regulation (KRAIL), obtain licenses, and open land-based clubs at hotels.
In addition, the company had to face difficulties associated with the lack of a clear mechanism for issuing special permits, numerous and lengthy documents approvals with all authorities, and, in general, with bureaucratic delays. Initially, there was insufficient information on the criteria for obtaining licenses. Interaction with government and regulatory authorities was complicated due to coronavirus and lockdown. And, of course, quarantine measures have made significant adjustments to the holding’s plans regarding the new casino opening.
We must say that in addition to the casino in the Fairmont hotel, the company was preparing to open a gambling halls chain. However, because of all this, the plans for the full launch of gambling complex had to be moved from the fall of 2020 to the beginning of 2021. Naturally, this negatively affected the payback periods of the projects.
Despite all the difficulties that arose, Storm International managed to create a truly unique gambling place. Shangri La Casino Kyiv is located in a fashionable hotel – Fairmont Grand Hotel. Visitors are allowed here in smart business clothing. For verification, you must provide identity proof. Upon entering, the guest will be asked to purchase $ 100 worth of chips.
The establishment offers table and card games, video slots and electronic roulette terminals. There is a separate hall for the slot machines, where 80 games of famous developers are installed. The organizers cooperate with software providers such as Novomatic, EGT, Scientific games and IGT. For the visitors’ convenience, there are provided online cards. That allows you to instantly pay for spins on slot machines by simply applying a payment card to the reader. This way, players will be able to move around the room without involving staff.
In addition to traditional machines, users will see an unprecedented selection of the latest games. As for a roulette, here is the most popular variation of this game – American Roulette, for which there are three tables with different limits on the amounts per bet. Poker is offered in four variations: Texas Hold’em, Russian and Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker. There are wide bet ranges for each variety. Of course there is Blackjack, as well as Punto Banco – a fascinating variety of Baccarat.
For gambling travel lovers, the operator has developed profitable junket tours. Players can order the program according to their budget. The hotel provides from 2 to 3 nights in a room corresponding to the purchased tour level. The guest will be transferred to the casino from the airport in a business class car.
As the location for Shangri La Casino Kyiv was chosen an iconic place
Kyiv is a city with a thousand-year history. It is here that in 2012 the international operator Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opened its next luxury hotel. And in a short time after its opening, Fairmont Grand Hotel was able to become one of the most fashionable in Ukraine.
It is located in the very center of the city, on the Dnipro River right bank, next to the Kyiv River port and surrounded by the main attractions of the capital of Ukraine. Boryspil International Airport is 30 minutes away and the central railway station is 10 minutes away.
Fairmont Grand Hotel is a 12-storey building made in a strict classical style. Its architectural feature is one of the largest atrium in the CIS countries. It offers 258 rooms designed in Art Deco style, as well as presidential and royal apartments. When staying here, do not forget to pamper yourself with rejuvenating and wellness treatments in the unique SPA center. Also on the hotel territory there is a business center, banquet and conference rooms, a gym and many other premium services.
About Shangri La brand
The brand’s history began back in 1992. It was then that Storm International was founded, which today is one of the largest operators in the gambling industry. Now the Shangri La network has gambling complexes in several CIS countries, as well as slot machine halls in Germany and Ukraine.
In 2016, the operator received the Curacao eGaming license, which allowed the creation of online gambling platforms. More than 2 000 games are collected here: online slots, table games, scratchcards, Live Online Casino. There is also a wide variety of sports betting options. The company is constantly evolving. This applies both to the games and services provided and to entering new markets. The holdings nearest plans are to expand its presence in Ukraine and to launch units in Myanmar.
