Casablanca Casino celebrates 120 years of experience

The Casablanca Casino is proud to introduce three extraordinary staff members who combined, enjoy more than 120 years of gaming experience on the island.

How is that possible, you ask!

The answer is quite simple explains Nigel Barrow, the casino’s Managing Director who prides himself for having such veteran experts on his payroll.

The guys in question Eddie, Franklin & Effy all started their successful gaming careers on the 15th of February, 1968, as employees of the Aruba Sheraton Hotel & Casino, where they were first hired as trainee dealers, even before the official opening of the hotel.

On the 15th of March that year when the casino opened, they were already experienced card dealers and were proud to work in that beautiful new place, recently in the wake of major construction converted into the Riu Palace.

Over the years the three enjoyed separate career paths also working at the Hilton in Curacao, at the Americana Aruba, now the Occidental Casino, the Crystal Casino, the Casino at the Radisson, the Excelsior Casino, and the Aruba Grand Casino until they were reunited at the Casablanca Casino, Westin Aruba Resort, a number of years ago.

It was different then, they agree, casinos were only open from 9 am to 3 pm, so they often went out after hours for sport activities or domino games; the industry had few women working for it and most people got dressed elegantly, even wearing gala attire to their evening adventures in the casinos.

Eddie, whose full name is Hilberto Rosindo Wouters, presently belongs to the Surveillance team of the Casablanca Casino. He lives in Cashero, in the heart of the island, and is a father of two who also enjoys five grandchildren.

Through the years Eddie went from trainee to manager, and is now content to be the “eye in the sky.”

Franklin Lacle, who lives in Santa Cruz, is a father of two, and proud of his one grand child. His career took him to the top but presently he serves as a craps croupier, directing the casino’s most exciting game and he appreciates when one of Aruba’s many repeat guests recognizes him and stops by to say hello. 

Effy, Everaldo Lacle of Paradera, is a father of three and a grandfather to a bunch of grandchildren, he says. He joins Eddie on the Surveillance Team and just can’t stop working. Fishing can wait, he jokes.

Barrow reports that the three aces are retired, but opted to come back to work and that the casino is privileged to have them as they inspire respect and admiration from his entire staff.

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