UK Poker Tournament at Aspers
8th December 2006
Aspers Casino, at The Gate in Newcastle, had a “full house” last weekend (2-3 December) when it hosted a sell-out 210 players for a top national poker tournament.
The Amateur Poker Association and Tour’s (APAT’s) UK Amateur Championship tournament was hosted by Aspers’ card room, with the winner scooping £3,750 and a place at The World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
The winner, taking the title of UK Amateur Poker Champion 2006, was Max Ward, 27, from Manchester. Max, who is an accountant, was thrilled to have won the tournament, he said: “I’m over the moon - Aspers was my first live tournament. I can’t praise high enough the efforts made by Aspers in helping to stage such a unique and entertaining event. I look forward to my next visit!”
Paul Sculpher, Aspers general manager, said: “We were delighted to have been chosen to host such a prestigious tournament - it’s a real testament to our dedicated team of card room staff. It’s also a great event for the whole city and region to have been chosen to host.”
Tony Kendall, APAT’s chairman, said: “The tournament was a resounding success. Aspers was the obvious choice for us – it’s a fantastic venue! We were very impressed with the card room staff who made sure that the weekend ran smoothly.”
Aspers Sponors Metro's Mystery Man
8th December 2006
Aspers Casino is sponsoring Metro Radio’s Mystery Man competition – with thousands of pounds up for grabs.
Metro Radio listeners across the North East have been taking a gamble on the Mystery Man since the competition began on Monday (4 December), by listening to the clues about his location given throughout the day on-air and then approaching the person they think could be him. The person that guesses correctly each day wins £500.
So far, the Mystery Man – who goes to a different place across the region each day - has been spotted in Ashington, Chester le Street, St James’ Park and Prudhoe.
Paul Sculpher, Aspers general manager, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this promotion – it’s a lot of fun and offers everyone a chance to win, if they keep their eyes and ears open! I wish all Metro listeners the best of luck with spotting the Mystery Man.”
Winner of the Aspers Putting Competition
30th November 2006
Paul Hiscock was the winner of the Aspers Casino putting competition last night (29 November) - taking away a brand new Smart Car.
Paul, 25, from Jarrow, was one of 41 members to make it through the first stage of the competition. They were then whittled down to five lucky finalists who putted on a special synthetic green in the casino. Paul was the closest to the hole and went on to take one final shot, which he narrowly missed, but did not go home empty handed taking away a brand new Smart Car.
Paul, an IT consultant, was thrilled with his prize, he said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to win the Smart Car! I've never played golf before in my life - but I thought I'd give it a go - so I'm delighted to win anything at all!"
Paul Sculpher, Aspers general manager, said: "It's been a fantastic night - a great end to a very exciting competition, which was the first of its kind for a casino in the UK."
Aspers Million Dollar Golf Putt Final This Week
27th November 2006
The final of Aspers Casino Million Dollar Golf Putt takes place on Wednesday 29 November in Newcastle.
Excitement is running high as the 41 qualifiers get set for their next challenge – calculating the new number of stress balls in the Smart Car which is part of the final prize – to determine the five finalists.
The qualifiers include the winner of an on-air competition hosted by Aspers’ media partner Metro Radio.
The five lucky finalists will then test their skill and tee-off on a special synthetic green – the length and design is a closely guarded secret - in the casino.
Whoever putts the ball closest or into the hole goes on to take a final putt, with the chance to hole in one and take away the grand prize of $1,000,000 and the Smart Car. If the lucky finalist does not hole in one they will take home the Smart Car. Damian Aspinall, Aspers chief executive and his partner Donna Air launched the competition at the end of October.
Since then over 12,000 members have tried their hand at calculating the number of stress balls in the Smart Car, on display in the casino.
Damian said: “Aspers is the first casino in the UK to host such an exciting competition. The final will certainly be a night to re member, and we wish all the contestants the best of luck!”
Ex-Bannatyne Staff Hit Job Jackpot with Aspers
20th November 2006
Eleven lucky ex-Bannatyne Casino staff have hit the job jackpot with new roles at Aspers Casino at The Gate, Newcastle.
The new Aspers employees were amongst 70 staff made redundant by the closure Bannatyne’s on the Newcastle quayside last month.
Paul Sculpher, Aspers general manager said: “The casino industry is quite a close knit community and we were keen to take on some of the former Bannatyne people if we could.
“Their new roles range from dealers to inspectors and they have all settled into the team very well.
“We employ more than 225 people at Aspers, in roles from gaming to hospitality, and the vast majority of them are local people.”
Susan Dick and Philip Hood are two of the lucky recruits and are delighted with their new jobs.
Susan, 45, from Whitley Bay, said: “Although it’s a lot busier here than it was at Bannatyne’s, there’s a nice relaxed atmosphere. I already know a lot of the staff here, as I’ve worked in the casino industry for 27 years.”
Philip, 33, from High Heaton has fitted in very well. He said: ”I’m really enjoying working at Aspers, everyone has been very welcoming. It’s a stressful time when you’re made redundant. I think I’ve hit the jackpot here!”
Aspers has been open for just over a year and has well over 55,000 members, with average attendance now exceeding 1,200 visitors per day, seven days a week.
A Royale Night at Bond Premiere
16th November 2006
Bond fans were “shaken and stirred” this week (Wednesday 15 November) at the glitzy North East charity premiere of the new 007 film, Casino Royale, hosted by Aspers Casino and Empire Cinema at The Gate in Newcastle.
350 007 enthusiasts took up the chance to be amongst the first in the country to see the new spy flick, whilst raising £6,000 for The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF).
They also got a taste of the Bond lifestyle with a vodka Martini reception at Aspers Casino before the film, as well as a four course dinner at Aspers’ Freya’s Restaurant afterwards.
Colin Stewart, Aspers marketing manager, said: “We were delighted to host such an exciting event and it was a very special occasion. Everyone had a wonderful evening, plus we have raised a lot of money for a great cause.”
Duncan Scott, Empire Cinema’s general manager, said: “Casino Royale is actor Daniel Craig's first outing as Bond and so there has been a real buzz surrounding its release – and it certainly wasn’t a disappointment! It’s packed full of the usual thrills, spills and chases that we expect from 007. It’s fantastic that Empire and Aspers were able to offer this opportunity to be amongst the first to see the film.”
Aspers Casino Sponsors ABA Boxing Finals
31st October 2006
Aspers Casino at The Gate in Newcastle is “pleased as punch” to be the main sponsor of the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) North East finals this Wednesday (1 November).
The ABA regional finals, being held at Eldon Square Recreation Centre, are being staged with the help of North East boxing legend Glenn McCrory and his boxing academy in Newbiggin Hall.
Colin Stewart, Aspers marketing manager said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this event. This is a fantastic way of promoting and supporting the boxing talent that’s here in the North East. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck.”
Glenn McCrory, who officially opened his International School of Boxing earlier in the month, said: “We are very proud to be bringing such a prestigious competition to Newcastle city centre. I would like to thank Aspers for their support – it’s fantastic that we are attracting such high profile sponsors.
“Our long term aim is to nurture the boxing talent that we have here in the North East and for some of our local boxers to go on to become Olympic gold medallists in 2012. To help us achieve this dream, I have brought over two of Cuba’s best trainers. But without the help of sponsors, such as Aspers, it is an uphill struggle to stage fantastic events such as the ABAs.”
A Bond Premiere for your Eyes Only
30th October 2006
James Bond fans will be “shaken and stirred” when they catch an undercover look at his latest blockbuster at a glitzy preview screening to be hosted by Aspers Casino and Empire Cinema at The Gate in Newcastle.
Movie-goers have spied the chance to watch the much-awaited Bond film, Casino Royale, at this regional premiere on Wednesday 15 November.
007 enthusiasts attending the red-carpet premiere at Empire will get a taste of the Bond lifestyle with a drinks reception at Aspers Casino before the film, as well as a four course dinner at Freya’s Restaurant afterwards.
The gala night is in aid of The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF).
Colin Stewart, Aspers marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the North East premiere of Casino Royale. The actual film doesn’t come out until two days later so it's very special occasion. It should be a really good night and raise a lot of money for the charity because I have no doubt it will sell out.”
Duncan Scott, Empire Cinema’s general manager, said: “Casino Royale is actor Daniel Craig's first outing as Bond and so there’s a real buzz surrounding its release. It’s great that Empire and Aspers can offer this opportunity to be amongst the first to see the film. Also whilst watching all the thrills, spills and chases, all profits from the tickets will go to the CTBF.”
Aspers Bets on a Very Happy Birthday!
25th October 2006
Aspers Casino, at The Gate, can bet on celebrating in style this Friday (27 October) as its first birthday rolls up.
As well as celebrating the opening of Aspers in Newcastle a year ago – with a players buffet from 7pm followed by live entertainment from 9pm - Aspers is launching the Million Dollar Golf Putt this Friday, a first for the UK.
Damian Aspinall, Aspers chief executive said: “I’m delighted that Aspers is hosting such an exciting promotion. When we opened Aspers a year ago this was exactly the sort of fun competition we wanted to bring to the region, and I’m very pleased we’re able to open it to our members on the exact date of our first birthday, 27 October.
“It will give me great pleasure to have the chance to hand over a life changing cheque! And whatever happens in the final putt, the winner will take home either the million dollars or a Smart Car.”
Paul Sculpher, general manager, says Aspers has been a big hit on the Newcastle leisure scene: “We really seem to be on a roll on our first birthday – we have more than 50,000 members and they still keep coming in at a rate of about 1,000 new members a week and 1,200 visits a day.
“Aspers offers something a little different, which is a whole leisure experience – a great night out in one place and I think the people of Newcastle have really responded to that. In fact we have regular visits from members from as far afield as Edinburgh, Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have also been delighted to welcome famous faces such as Abi Titmuss, Liberty X, Sam Taylor-Wood, Tracey Emin and The Match celebrities.”
Ann “Over the Moon ” to be Aspers’ 50,000TH Member
24th October 2006
Ann Campbell, 49, from Longbenton, is the lucky 50,000th member of Aspers Casino at The Gate, Newcastle.
Aspers has been on a roll since it opened last year with thousands of members stacked up before opening, and thousands more members continuing to roll in since.
“I was absolutely over the moon to be told that I am the 50,000th member,” said Ann. “It was such a lovely surprise! My partner, as well as quite a few of our friends, have been members for a while so they thought it was about time that I signed up.
“I’m really looking forward to sampling what Aspers has to offer - there’s a great atmosphere as well as lots to do, so I think I’ll be a regular visitor!”
Ann was presented with vouchers for two beauty treatments at Aspers’ beauty studio, La Chaise, as well as a free Christmas party night with dinner and wine for eight people.
Damian Aspinall, Aspers chief executive, said: “Congratulations to Ann! This is a real milestone for Aspers and we are delighted to invite Ann, her partner and friends to have a Christmas party with us.
“Aspers has been going from strength to strength – we have on average 1,200 people visiting the casino everyday and at the moment we employ more than 230 people.
“It’s not just the gaming that is proving to be a hit with our members, but the whole entertainment experience. People can come along for a meal and a drink, enjoy the live music and even have their nails done at our beauty studio, La Chaise,” he continued.
Donna and Damian “Tee-Off” Million Dollar Golf Putt at Aspers
13th October 2006
Damian Aspinall, Aspers chief executive and his partner, actress and TV celebrity Donna Air, were in the region this week (13 October) to talk about the Aspers’ Million Dollar Golf Putt at Aspers Casino at The Gate, Newcastle.
“I am delighted that we are hosting such an exciting competition in Aspers. It’s the first of its kind for a casino in the UK,” said Damian.
“It will give me great pleasure to have the chance to hand over a life changing cheque! And whatever happens in the final putt, the winner will take home either the million dollars or a Smart Car.
“When we opened Aspers a year ago this was exactly the sort of fun competition we wanted to bring to the region, and I’m very pleased we’re able to open it to our members on the exact date of our first birthday, 27 October.”
From then there will be a qualifying round each week for four weeks in the run up to the final on 29 November. Contestants must calculate the number of stress balls in the Smart Car, on display in the casino. One extra qualifier will come from an on-air competition with Aspers’ media partner Metro Radio, running from 20 to 24 November.
The 41 lucky qualifiers from the preliminary rounds will then go through to the final where they will be whittled down to five who get the chance to putt for $1,000,000.
The person who putts the ball closest or into the hole goes on to take a final putt, with the chance to hole in one and take away the grand prize of $1,000,000 and the Smart Car. If the lucky finalist does not hole in one they will take home the Smart Car.
William Hill Poker Grand Prix II
15th September 2006
Rookie poker player Russ Taylor from Newcastle was in seventh heaven yesterday, having qualified to take on the 'Gods of Poker' in the £500,000 William Hill Grand Prix II tournament, one of the most prestigious events on the poker circuit.
Russ (40) won his direct seat to this exclusive tournament after beating 69 other players in the first land based qualifier at Aspers Casino, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on Tuesday night. He will now take on the 'Gods of Poker' - forty four of the leading poker professionals in the world, gathered together for this unique tournament which will be filmed for broadcast on Sky Sports TV and won last year by American Phil' The Unabomber Laak.
Local businessman Russ 'The Suit' Taylor, whose ever-smart appearance has earned him his moniker, has only been playing poker for 2 years, mainly online and at Aspers Casino but this is undoubtedly his biggest win so far. And although he is excited to soon be facing some of the biggest names in poker in the Grand Prix II, he doesn't think he will be fazed by his mighty opposition. "This is a great thrill, I'm on a roll at the moment, but I'll just go there and play my cards and do my best. I've never even been on TV before so it is a fantastic opportunity and many thanks to Aspers and William Hill."
“HOWAY THE LADS” - ASPERS SIGNS TOP FOOTIE DEAL WITH CENTURY FM
24th August 2006
Aspers Casino at The Gate, Newcastle, has signed an exclusive deal with Century FM to sponsor the radio station’s commentary of all Newcastle United matches for the 2006-2007 season.
The prestigious deal includes the commentary sponsorship of all of Newcastle United ties – both the Premiership and UEFA matches, at home and away.
Newcastle football legend, Bob Moncur, who captained United's only successful European campaign when they won the Fairs Cup in 1969, commentates for Century FM.
Paul Sculpher, Aspers general manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Aspers. We are absolutely delighted with this new relationship with Century and we wish the boys the very best of luck this season!”
ASPERS GROUP TO OPERATE CASINO IN NORTHAMPTON
22nd August 2006
Aspers Group Limited (‘Aspers’) is pleased to announce that the company has entered into a joint venture with Kerzner UK Limited to fit out and operate a newly built casino at Commercial Street, Northampton, England.
The Northampton property is a brand new, high quality unit which is licensed as a casino under the provisions of the UK’s Gaming Act 1968. The construction work on the building has recently been completed. After a fitting out process, the new facility will open during 2007 under the ‘Aspers’ brand. It will be owned through the joint venture framework, but Aspers will be responsible for operating the casino.
Damian Aspinall, Chief Executive of Aspers said: ‘Kerzner have done a great job in building this project and we are confident that, working together, we can jointly realise its potential. This is one step further forward in our plans to create a substantial network of Aspers units, each of which is a leader in its marketplace.’
Tobin Prior, the UK President of Kerzner said: ‘We are pleased to be teaming up with Aspers and are confident that the joint venture will produce the market leading casino that we have always planned for Northampton.’
ASPERS SPONSORS CHINESE GOLF ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT
7th August 2006
Aspers Casino at The Gate in Newcastle has sponsored the Chinese Golf Association’s annual golf tournament this year with a donation of £8,000.
The day long tournament was held at the region’s best known golf resort hotel, De Vere Slaley Hall.
Tournament winner David Chan was presented with the Newcastle Chinese Golf Association Trophy by Paul Sculpher, general manager of Aspers.
Paul said: “We’re very pleased to be able to sponsor community events and delighted to be involved in the CGA Tournament. Congratulations to David who played a great game against a strong field.”
John Cheung, chairman of the Chinese Golf Association said: “This is the main event in our sporting year. We would like to thank Aspers for their generous support which helped to make it such a success. “All the money we raise from this event goes to charity and this year will help elderly people in the Chinese community.”
JOHN IS ASPERS TEXAS HOLD’EM CHAMPION
25th July 2006
 Main Event Winner John Gilbertson (pictured left) with David Parlor, Aspers Card Room Manager.
A regular poker player at Aspers Casino at The Gate in Newcastle has won the main event in the week-long summer Texas Hold’Em poker championship.
The main event - which took place over the last two days of the championship - began with 50 players. On the first day play lasted nine hours, followed by the top 10 players battling it out for the championship title the next day in the final.
John Gilbertson, 59, from Bardon Mill started the final six hour table as the outsider with the lowest number of chips, but went on to win the event and £17,500.
Most of players at the final table are regulars at Aspers. Earlier stages of the championship attracted people from as far afield as Kent.
David Parlor, Aspers card room manager said: “The standard of play was very high and John is a worthy winner.
“Poker is an increasingly popular game and our dedicated poker room is the largest in the North East. As well as regular evening sessions and seasonal championships such as this one, our Summer League is currently underway with the final on 20 August.”
To join the Aspers tournaments and festivals players must register in advance and be members of the casino. Members and their guests must be over 18. Membership is free and requires photo ID – a passport or driving licence. To become a member visit here or the casino reception in The Gate, or call 0191 2550400.
ASPERS CASINO HITS THE JACKPOT WITH TOP AWARD
27th June 2006
Aspers Casino at The Gate, Newcastle, has hit the jackpot and won a top national award.
At a gala evening held at the Natural History Museum and attended by leading figures from the leisure and retail industries Aspers was named as UK Leisure Operator of the Year, beating stiff competition from the two other finalists LA Fitness and X-Leisure.
The award ceremony was organised by Retail & Leisure International magazine (RLI) to recognise the most innovative and imaginative retail and leisure concepts across the globe.
Andrew Climance, RLI editor said: “Aspers Casino is the first of its kind in the UK and boasts a whole array of attractions from top class gambling facilities to live music and fine dining. The judges were impressed by the strong financial performance and proven high standards of customer service, as well as the strong brand that Aspers has created.”
Damian Aspinall, Aspers director, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Aspers has won this prestigious award. Our aim with Aspers was to create a unique leisure venue that offers not only a top of the range gambling experience, but is also the perfect destination for a night out for those that might not want to gamble – with an i-Pod relaxation area, a beauty studio, two bars, a café and restaurant. Aspers has something for everyone.”
Aspers, designed by Sydney based architects Bates Smart and constructed by Cumberland Construction comprises 45,000 sq ft and has a capacity for 1,200. It is the first casino of its kind in the UK with other Aspers Casinos planned for Swansea, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.
Since opening with a star-studded launch in October Aspers has proved popular with people from across the region and now boasts over 35,000 members.
26th June 2006
The Copthorne Hotel Newcastle offers all Aspers members 57% discount on published rates for accommodation.
Please quote 'Aspers' at the time of booking to receive a bed and breakfast rate of £110 per double room.
The Copthorne Hotel Newcastle is ideally situated on the banks of the River Tyne and is only a 5 minute drive from Aspers Casino. With all 156 bedrooms boasting fantastic river views, a leisure club within the complex and complimentary car parking, we are an ideal place to stay while participating in the upcoming Aspers Poker festival (include link to festival)
This offer is based on 1 person in a double room and is subject to availability. A £10 supplement will be charged for two people sharing.
POKER PLAYER WINS TRIP OF A LIFETIME
5th June 2006
A regular poker player at Aspers Casino at The Gate in Newcastle has won the trip of a lifetime to try his luck “down under”.
John Stamatelopoulos, 51, from Newcastle was the lucky winner of Saturday (3 June) night’s Spring League Final at Aspers Casino and has won a trip to The Crown Casino in Melbourne, including a ten night stay at the Crown Towers hotel and a place at the Aussie Millions, a world renowned poker tournament. The prize also includes £1,500 spending money.
John, who is taking his brother, Jim to Australia is “on cloud nine”. He said: “I’ve been playing poker for 10 months, but I’ve never won such a big tournament. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet!”
It wasn’t an easy ride for John though, the League lasted 10 weeks and then he had to face the other nine top players in a gruelling final table that lasted three hours. Throughout the 10 weeks John competed against other great players from the North East who have many titles to their name.
David Parlor, Aspers card room manager, who previously worked in The Crown’s card room, oversaw the tournament and said: “Congratulations to John, we all wish him the best of luck in Melbourne. I’m betting he’s going to give the Aussies a bit of a challenge!
“There has been a huge surge of interest in poker recently and this has been reflected in the turnout at the Spring League – the tournament has been really well attended - we’ve had a total of nearly 3,000 entries over the 10 weeks and some real talent too!
“Our dedicated poker room is the largest in the North East and will be seeing lots of action over the coming months, with our Summer League starting this week and running until 20 August.”
See Aspers Spring Poker League finalists below.
Durham University Sponsorship
8th May 2006
IT’S ODDS-ON POKER TEAM AT ASPERS!
Odds are on at Aspers Casino in Newcastle, which sponsored Durham University poker team at the Student Poker Championship in Edinburgh on 1st and 2nd April.
Aspers, which hosts poker tournaments every Monday to Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons, supported the poker team from Durham – providing them with specially branded caps and shirts. They competed against university teams from all over the country in this annual event. Even though they were unable to come away with any of the big prize money, they were satisfied with their top place of 25th from over 300 players.
Mike Cutler, president of the Durham Poker Society, said: “It’s fantastic that Aspers sponsored us – we’re really looking the business in our new shirts!”
Support coaching was on hand for the Durham team, from Aspers’ card room consultant, David Parlor, of the world famous Crown Casino in Melbourne, which boasts one of the best-run card rooms in the world.
BMW Winner
Date: 7 April 2006
CASINO MEMBER HITS BMW JACKPOT
A lucky Aspers Casino member has hit the jackpot today (7 April 2006) and won a brand new BMW 1 Series.
George Olsen, 72, from South Shields was delighted to scoop the brand new car, presented by Aspers deputy general manager Duncan Savage. “I’m absolutely over the moon! I really didn’t think I’d win it.”
George, who is a regular at Aspers, has decided to give the BMW to his son.
Aspers members visiting the casino between 1 March and 5 April have been able to enter and the draw took place at 1am this morning.
Membership of Aspers now stands at more than 27,000. “We’ve had a fantastic response to the competition. We’re delighted that George is the winner, it couldn’t have gone to a nicer guy” said Duncan.
With three floors of gaming as well as an à la carte restaurant, Freya’s, Café Marie, the Air Bar and Lady O’s Bar, a beauty studio and i-Pod relaxation area, there’s something for everyone at Aspers.
Membership of Aspers is free. Members must be over the age of 18 and bring photo ID such as a passport or driving licence with them to sign up.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year was celebrated in the Casino on the 29th - 31st January. Stowell Street reception, Lady O’s Bar and Freya’s Restaurant joined in the celebratory mood with staff donning traditional
Chinese dress. Banners with lucky phrases helped to wish good fortune to all our Members in this the Year of the Dog!
Another happy WINNER here at Aspers Casino. With the introduction of our ‘Cash Cube’ money machine on Monday nights, members have the opportunity to win up to £1000 !
You can also win BIG on Wednesday nights with our special sport quiz.....Come on Down!!
Valentines Night
February 14th saw Aspers offer it’s members a special Valentine’s Evening Menu in Freya’s Restaurant. Bookings were at a premium as the Restaurant was fully booked! Tony Riches and his Kitchen Staff sure gave their best in offering special dishes such as Oysters. Every table received a complimentary box of chocolates and special
‘Cupid’s Cocktail’. Our next themed evening event in the Restaurant is St Patrick’s Day on the 17th March, followed by Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch on the 26th March. Bookings can be made in the Casino or by calling 0191 255 0407.
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