When it comes to world-renowned gambling cities, none has managed to achieve as much as Las Vegas, despite its harsh desert environment. The fact that such a commercial wonder could arise in the dry, barren American West suggests that there's no place in the world where something similar isn't possible.
Hearing Andrei Voldemirka's answer, Simon immediately recognized that both men had clearly given this considerable thought.
Rovno Oblast, located deep in Eastern Europe, lacks any significant cultural or natural tourist attractions. Developing tourism here would require an unconventional approach.
Gambling, in particular, is one of the most reliable paths for such a daring venture.
The high profitability of the gambling industry can provide ample capital to fund a range of entertainment options that will draw tourists in, creating a cycle where these visitors are ultimately led back to the casinos. The most exemplary case remains Las Vegas.
Even today, Las Vegas is a global gambling hub, with casinos still driving the city's economic growth. However, the proportion of income from the gambling industry has been steadily decreasing, while sectors like dining, shopping, and performances have flourished.
This shift signifies a healthy, stable economic structure for the city.
A sustainable model, indeed.
But building a gambling city is no simple task.
Over the decades, numerous cities around the world have pursued ambitions of becoming the next Las Vegas, with few achieving true success.
One of the most notable failures is also in the United States.
Atlantic City.
Located on the coast of New Jersey, south of New York, Atlantic City ambitiously began promoting its gambling industry in the 1970s, aiming to become the Las Vegas of the East Coast.
After a brief boom in the 1980s due to the economic recovery, Atlantic City's popularity faded. Many investors who had put considerable resources into the city ended up trapped in a losing situation. By the early 2000s, more than half of the casinos in Atlantic City had declared bankruptcy, and the surrounding industries that had bolstered Las Vegas never really took root.
As it happens, Simon now controls a few casinos in Atlantic City through a recent merger, including the well-known Taj Mahal Casino.
However, it's a rather unpromising asset.
During the planning phase for the resort, they had drawn on input from teams familiar with Atlantic City.
Inside the theater hall of the resort, Simon pondered for a moment before finally speaking, "Andrei, I appreciate your idea. But bear in mind, building a gambling industry here on any serious scale involves multiple layers of complexity, from Ukraine's policies on industry at the macro level to local approvals. None of this will yield immediate results. In my view, reaching the end goal is a ten-year process at minimum.
"The first challenge in developing a gambling city is money.
"A vast amount of money.
"When Atlantic City was being developed in the 1980s, investors poured in hundreds of millions because only that kind of funding could create the high-end entertainment establishments necessary to attract gamblers.
"Secondly, policy support is equally critical.
"Currently, Ukraine has a scattering of small gambling halls and casinos, popping up like mushrooms after rain. The government generally turns a blind eye, much like how video halls are everywhere in China without any specific regulatory oversight.
"To build a legitimate gambling city, policy support is essential.
"But that's not the only obstacle.
"If Ukraine intends to attract international tourists to its gambling industry, visa policies, currency exchange regulations, and other logistics also become involved.
"These are not things that can be changed overnight.
"Moreover, even if you address the first two core issues, success is not guaranteed.
"Look at Atlantic City.
"Money was available, policies were in place, but it still didn't succeed because of operational challenges.
"In the end, the gambling industry is a business. Like any business, success requires skill and strategy. Some people make a fortune, while others lose everything.
"There's also the matter of profit-sharing and the potential impact of Ukraine's political future on this industry.
"If Ukraine were to plunge into turmoil or even civil war after the turn of the century, even a distant region like Rovno Oblast would feel the effects. International tourists, especially those who prioritize safety, would be far less inclined to visit."
Simon's litany of potential issues prompted Andrei to respond earnestly, "Boss, Alexander and I have been studying the development plans for gambling cities worldwide for some time. We're aware of many of these challenges and don't expect immediate success. Our goal is simply to secure your support."
Simon replied, "For now, I'll say I'm not opposed. As for providing support and to what extent—that will depend on the work you put into it. For example, with the resort expansion, you're free to start planning, but I won't be investing additional funds in the near term. I've already invested significantly here, and unchecked expansion isn't wise."
At this, the two men were initially disappointed, but Alexander quickly followed up, "Boss, when you say you won't be adding new funds, does that mean Andrei and I can use existing revenue for further development?"
Simon nodded with a slight smile. "Yes, though I don't hold 100% ownership of the three projects. You'll need to persuade the other shareholders."
"Boss, may we indicate to the other shareholders that you're open to the idea?"
"Certainly," Simon replied. "Draft a detailed proposal for me soon." He then added a reminder, "And remember to keep Silia updated. I don't want any surprises."
Andrei and Alexander quickly agreed.
As they conversed, a staff member came over to confirm that the show was ready to begin. Simon gave the go-ahead, and the performance officially commenced.
The story of Swan Lake tells of a princess cursed by an evil sorcerer to live as a swan, and the love story between her and a prince. Composed by the renowned Russian composer Tchaikovsky and based on German folklore, it has been adapted many times over the past century, with some versions ending in tragedy, others in joy.
Simon had chosen the third act, where the story reaches its climactic turning point: the black swan, daughter of the sorcerer, seduces the prince, causing him to break his promise to the white swan.
As the lights dimmed and the music began, Simon ceased talking to the men beside him.
Though he didn't have a particular interest in ballet, he could still appreciate it as true art. The Kyiv Ballet, in particular, was a world-class troupe; its members were meticulously chosen and had dedicated their lives to ballet from a young age, with their best years intertwined with the craft.
The story began with the prince's court ball, where he was to select a bride. A variety of characters appeared, including the sorcerer and his daughter—the black swan, who looked identical to the white swan. The most impressive scene was the second half of the act, where the prince and the black swan performed the famous "32 fouetté turns."
When the troupe's lead dancer executed the classic move with flawless poise, even the small audience of Simon's group broke into applause.
The performance lasted about half an hour, after which the dancers returned to the stage to bow. Andrei leaned in and quietly asked Simon, "Boss, would you like to go up and greet them?"
Noticing the subtle expression in Andrei's face, Simon glanced at the stage. Most of the dancers seemed aware of their audience's identity tonight, displaying a mix of hesitation and anticipation during their bows. Simon smiled and nodded, "Sure."
He rose and walked toward the stage.
Face-to-face with the legendary Simon Westeros, the dancers were momentarily unsure how to react. Fortunately, Andrei gave a subtle signal, and the troupe quickly began clapping for him.
Simon patiently shook hands with each dancer, offering compliments in Russian. When he reached the lead dancer who had portrayed both the black and white swan, he paused briefly. Holding her cool, delicate hand, he said, "Your performance was wonderful. May I know your name?"
The dancer, a young woman seemingly in her mid-twenties, met his gaze and nodded gracefully. "Of course, Mr. Westeros. My name is Katya."
"Thank you for your performance tonight, Katya," Simon said before releasing her hand and moving on.
As Simon moved away, Katya kept a smile on her face, though her eyes showed a hint of longing. When he was far enough away, her expression turned to mild disappointment as she recalled the music video she had seen last year.
It seemed she didn't have the same luck as some women.
After greeting the troupe, Simon didn't linger. Following Andrei's suggestion, he headed to the casino within the resort.
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