A major gaming company out of Las Vegas has reached an agreement with Atlantis to provide mobile gambling throughout the resort campus by as early as next week.
While the exact terms of the deal are unknown, a statement from Cantor Gaming confirmed the deal, which should revolutionize the gambling experience for tourists. Slots, table games and video poker will be available to Atlantis customers on the mobile gaming platform from Monday, according to the statement.
Therefore, the mega resort on Paradise Island will receive an exemption before the passing of a much-anticipated gaming bill before government.
The proposed Gaming Act would update Bahamian law and facilitate innovations in the industry, many of which are considered critical for The Bahamas to keep up with other gambling destinations.
The deal marks not only a first for Atlantis and The Bahamas, but also the region at large.
Mobile gaming allows tourists to gamble on smartphones, laptops and tablet devices by downloading Cantor Gaming’s application, inputting a password and providing account information.
“We are delighted to bring a new wave of entertainment and innovation to The Bahamas as the first provider of mobile gaming in this region.
We look forward to the launch of a new race and sports book for Atlantis,” said Lee M. Amatis, president and CEO of Cantor Gaming.
“Not only does this agreement mark an exciting new geographic footprint for our business, we are honored to work with Atlantis, the world-renowned luxurious resort known for its style and the highest possible satisfaction.”
In an added twist, Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion mega resort rising on Cable Beach, is also in talks with Cantor to provide mobile gaming services.
Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice president of administration and external relations, confirmed that Baha Mar has met Cantor in both Nassau and Las Vegas to discuss a similar deal.
“It was a very impressive company at the time and the casino committee and gaming board received insight into how the entire process works. The casinos they operate in Las Vegas are first class,” according to Sands.
Cantor is also slated to build a state-of-the-art race and sports betting book at Atlantis.
The attraction is essentially a large, sleek room that is donated exclusively to sporting events, featuring luxurious seating and big-screen televisions.
Back in November, George Markantonis, the president and managing director of Atlantis, exclusively revealed to Guardian Business that the mega resort would undergo a $10 million casino upgrade.
The sports betting facility is located beneath Aura Nightclub and measures 10,000 square feet.
The resort is planning “in-game betting”, whereby players are given an individual screen and can literately bet on every movement in a sports contest.
A separate room has also been sectioned off for poker tournaments.
“We are excited to partner with Cantor Gaming and be exclusive providers of mobile gaming in The Bahamas,” Markantonis said in a statement.
“Reputed for their depth of technological innovation and industrial know-how, Cantor Gaming is a natural choice as we seek to offer our customers an unbeatable experience.”
Cantor Gaming is the first company in Las Vegas to manufacture, distribute and operate mobile gaming systems.
The company now operates race and sports books in eight Las Vegas resorts.
By Jeffrey Todd
Guardian Business Editor
