Based in Estonia, Olympic Entertainment Group is one of Europe’s fastest growing casino operators. Its first casino at the Tallinn Olympic Yachting Center opened in 1993. As the international company expands, representations of the underlying themes of that auspicious first effort-the sea and Greek mythology-have evolved and blended with others in the interiors of OEG’s ambitious projects.
After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, OEG was formed as one of many small emerging gaming companies throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Unlike many pioneers, founder Armin Karu wanted to ensure that each OEG casino would be more than just a cash machine.
Karu believes the best way to retain a guest is to reinforce positive emotions during play and create good memories of the visit. To facilitate that goal, design is an important aspect of the OEG entertainment product.
That strategy has succeeded. Today, OEG has 127 gaming venues. Most are stand-alone slot casinos, but the company also operates 20 full service casinos, seven located in hotels, spread out across eight contiguous countries from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Operations will soon open in two more jurisdictions. The public company employs over 4,000 people, and is listed on both the Tallinn and Warsaw stock exchange.
Meelis Press Architects of Estonia oversees the design of the full and slot casinos. Named for lead architect Meelis Press, the firm’s portfolio includes diverse projects from the Radisson SAS Hotel & Business Centre City Plaza in Moldova to the Cartier Jewelry Store in Tallinn to the headquarters of Baltic ferry operator Tallink Group.
Meelis Press was responsible for the interiors of OEG’s Reval Park Hotel & Casino renovation in 2005. Elegant materials like pearl mosaic and matte gold were combined with light beige furniture, walls and ceilings.
“The basic idea behind the interior design of the Reval Park is for the client to feel as if he or she were in a luxurious living room,” said Press.
Press created fanciful interiors for some of the local OEG slot properties, including exotic tropical and pirate themes, and a French cabaret style for the Moulin Rouge casino.
Press handles all the OEG prestige casino designs, regardless of their location. The slot casinos outside Estonia employ the talents of local architects, designers and contractors. In all cases, the OEG management team, coordinated by Chief Development Officer Meelis Pielberg, works closely with the outside firms, setting the parameters for theme, floor plan and exterior elements.
New this year is the Olympic Casino in Bratislava, Slovakia. The casino is designed in a lounge style with abundant wood, mosaics and several large aquariums. The floor plan is similar to OEG’s other large casinos with a mix of tables and slots, and a centrally positioned bar and stage area. The casino holds the first new license issued by the Slovak government in 10 years.
OEG is currently in the hands of three men. Founder Armin Karu has been chairman of the board since 1993. He graduated from Finland’s Haaga Institute with a degree in international management in 1998, and earned his MBA in 2005. Karu is responsible for strategic management and the rapid expansion-oriented development plan of OEG.
Managing Director Mart Relve joined the company in 2007. A 1997 graduate of Tallinn Technical University with a degree in international business management, Relve was the former vice president of Estonian Air before joining OEG. He is in charge of management and day-to-day operations of the company.
Andri Avila has been a member of the management board since 2006. He joined OEG in 2001 as CFO. A 2000 graduate of Concordia International University in Estonia, Avila holds a degree in international business management. He previously worked in real estate and investment firms. Avila manages investor relations and financial and legal issues.
Speaking at a recent shareholders’ meeting, Karu said, “Our current vision-to operate in at least 10 Central and Eastern European countries in 2010-is about to be achieved. Therefore we need more ambitious targets. As a new direction, OEG will start developing hotel and entertainment resorts, and our new vision is to be a global casino and resort operator with a passion for service excellence.”
This goal is just one more element in the grand design of OEG. Learn more at www.olympic-casino.com or contact the company directly.
Olympic Entertainment Group AS, reg. code 10592898
Pronksi 19
10124 Tallinn
Tel: +372 667 1250
Fax: +372 667 1270
E-mail: info@oc.eu
Press inquiries: press@oc.eu
