2007 was the year that Casinos Austria celebrated its 30th Anniversary and it was certainly a good year for the company. There have been casinos in Austria since 1934 and in 1967 the Österreichische Spielbanken AG (now Casinos Austria AG) took over the casinos in Baden, Salzburg and Kitzbühel. The Casinos Austria Group now operates 12 casinos in Austria and has an unrivalled record in the international gaming industry.

Casinos Austria International (CAI) and Casinos Austria AG now operate 78 casinos in 18 countries and onboard 13 cruise ships. The company's future plans include continued expansion into new and emerging markets, as well as the optimization and strengthening of its existing international presence. In 2007 CAI posted record aggregate revenues of €1,096 million, a 10.7% increase year-on-year.

With 66 casinos in 17 countries CAI employs 11,500 people. It operates 1,000 gaming tables and 11,200 slot machines. Visitor numbers reached 17.5 million in 2007, a 5.4% increase. Europe accounted for 65% of total CAI revenue; Africa and the Middle East 18%; The Americas 12%; Australasia and Pacific 4%; and cruise ship casinos 1%. Staff numbers rose 29.2% with new casinos in Serbia, South Africa, four cruise liners and investment in another casino in Switzerland. CAI in South Africa now employs over 3,800 people.

In November 2007 CAI acquired the 36% BAWAG PSK bank’s stake in Austrian Lotteries GmbH, giving the company a 70% stake in the lottery. Last year three new cruising casinos were launched on board Windstar Cruises exclusive 5-star yachts. In January CAI was voted winner in the Casino Operator Europe category at the Empire Events Gaming Awards 2008 in London.

The 2007 opening of Casino Los Angeles in Bío-Bío, Chile was delayed but the €10 million development is expected to open later this year. Partnering CAI in the project is the Penta Group (banks, hotels and real estate), one of Chile's most important companies. The 4-star spa hotel resort will have conference facilities, top restaurant and bar. The casino will have 12 gaming tables, 200 slot machines and a 40-seat bingo.

"With eight new casinos added to our portfolio, it has been a highly successful year overall for Casinos Austria International," said CEO Paul Herzfeld. "If you add that to the important steps taken in other markets to ensure continued future growth, we are very optimistic about the future." CFO Josef Leutgeb added, "We are delighted with these results. The double-digit increase in revenues and further growth in visitor numbers offer continued proof of the quality and potential of our operations worldwide." (E-04.21.08)

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