In a recent development, renowned German mentalist Jack Nasher has acquired a classic gambling establishment situated in Bad Gastein.
The renowned Casino Bad Gastein, situated in the Austrian town of Bad Gastein, has reportedly changed hands, as per several media outlets. The alleged buyer is German mentalist and negotiation expert Jack L. Nasher-Awakemian-Doerr, aged 44.
Nasher is said to have had an interest in buying the casino for quite some time. A representative from the previous owner, Casino Austria, has verified the sale. The purchase agreement has been finalized, and the entry into the land register is anticipated within the upcoming weeks. Neither party has disclosed the sale price.
Nasher acquires approximately 1,000 m2 of space
The Casino Bad Gastein has been closed since 2015 and is housed within the Grand Hotel de l'Europe's annex. Prior to this, Casino Austria Aktiengesellschaft allegedly owned around 13.5% of the former hotel. These shares have now been purchased by Nasher as a bundle.
Reports suggest that Nasher has acquired approximately 1,000 m2 of space. This includes the historical dining room of the hotel, where the casino once stood. Additionally, an attached apartment and a doctor's practice are also said to have been acquired by Nasher from Casino Austria Aktiengesellschaft.
“The Grand Hotel de l'Europe is the heart of the town with a rich history. And for me, the former casino rooms are the most spectacular part of the hotel.”– Jack Nasher, Mentalist and Negotiation Expert, Kronen Zeitung**
Nasher is said to have not bought the casino as an investment, but rather for emotional reasons. Nasher stated that he has no plans to reopen the casino, but instead intends to use the rooms for his workshops.
Who is Jack Nasher?
Jack Nasher is reported to be an author, negotiation expert, and mentalist. He was born in 1979 in Korbach and studied law, philosophy, and psychology. Following the completion of his master's degree, he obtained a doctorate and served as a professor at various universities for many years.
Nasher has been fascinated by mentalism since his youth and even wrote a column about it. In 2008, he participated in the mystery show The next Uri Geller. He is also involved in various companies and projects, has written numerous books, and has published articles in academic journals.
After purchasing the casino, Jack Nasher is said to have made introductions to the locals in Bad Gastein. However, according to various media reports, the locals remain skeptical. There have been numerous attempts in the past to sell or revive the casino, all of which have proved unsuccessful.
Casino Bad Gastein: A storied past and tradition
The Casino Bad Gastein was located within the Grand Hotel de l'Europe, which was built in 1909 and remains an impressive grand building today. Upon its opening in 1937, the casino attracted numerous visitors and well-known personalities to Bad Gastein.
Over the years, the casino built an exceptional reputation and became known beyond Austria's borders. For example, Liza Minnelli performed at the casino on New Year's Eve in 1982, and the event was broadcast live on German and Austrian television. Shirley Bassey and Charles Aznavour also visited the traditional casino.
The casino closes with the expiration of the concession
The casino closed on September 12, 2015, after reportedly being unprofitable for many years. With the expiration of the concession in 2015, operations ceased. Casino Austria then relocated its gaming establishment to Zell am See, and the rooms in Bad Gastein have been vacant since then.
In March 2023, the sale to Stefan Tomek, the former hotel manager of the Grand Hotel de l'Europe, was on the verge of completion. The notary contract had already been signed. Regrettably, however, the sale failed to materialize due to Tomek's inability to make the payment.
Many other casinos that were once lively and thriving have faced difficulties in recent years and were unable to sustain their operations. Even the oldest casino in Britain, Crockfords Casino, was forced to close in 2023.
Nasher's interest in acquiring the Casino Bad Gastein extends beyond financial gains, as he stated his emotional attachment to the historical dining room and intends to use the space for his workshops. With the purchase, Nasher has acquired more than just the casino, gaining ownership of the attached apartment and doctor's practice as well.
In essence, online casinos in Germany may not be Nasher's immediate focus, as he has no plans to reopen the Casino Bad Gastein but instead intends to utilize the space for his workshops.
Despite Nasher's local introductions, the skepticism among the locals in Bad Gastein persists, mirroring the unsuccessful attempts to sell or revive the casino in the past.
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