Shangri La continues to support “Bakuriani-2023”

Storm International has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Gaming Awards in the category Great Place to Work. With more than one thousand nominations submitted this year, making the finals represents a meaningful recognition of the Storm’s ongoing commitment to its people, its culture and the values that have guided it for more than three decades. This acknowledgement adds to a long history of achievements, including the company’s place among the finalists for Best Land Based Operator in 2022 and the Outstanding Contribution to the Gaming Industry award received by the founder, Michael Boettcher, in 2008.

Reflecting on the nomination, the founder Michael Boettcher noted that the company’s achievements are the result of many years of dedication: “To be included in this year’s shortlist is a remarkable honour. The success of Storm International has always come from our people. Our managers have grown with us from their earliest days and our staff represent a truly multicultural and open minded community where everyone is respected for their contribution. The company has built its reputation on consistent service standards and a philosophy that values every guest and every team member. These principles are deeply connected to the company’s internal culture, which prioritises professionalism, mutual respect and a shared belief in the importance of delivering exceptional hospitality. I am very proud of what we have achieved together and I believe this recognition reflects the strength of our entire team.

Throughout the past year, Storm International has focused heavily on strengthening internal communication and collaboration between locations. Cross location initiatives have become an important part of the company’s identity, allowing employees from different countries to learn from one another, to exchange ideas and to feel part of a wider international family. The HR and marketing teams have played a central role in creating new activities, company wide competitions and shared experiences that reach beyond individual properties 

Each year Storm International dedicates its internal development to a specific theme. The previous year focused on “Health and Balance”. The theme for the present year was “Year of Values”. To deepen the understanding of these principles the company introduced special training sessions and created an internal interactive game that allows employees to learn and experience the company’s values in a playful and engaging way. The result has been stronger cohesion, better communication and a clearer sense of identity across all locations.

This year also brought a number of cross location initiatives. In June the company held its Professional Dealer Championship in Yerevan, where the best dealers from each location competed and demonstrated an impressive level of skill and professionalism. In September teams travelled to Georgia for the company football tournament, which for the first time included a women’s team. The event concluded with an evening celebration and created a sense of unity that extended well beyond the pitch. These activities reflect the company’s belief that internal events strengthen motivation, build loyalty and foster a deeper connection between colleagues.

The company’s values have long been established and remain one of the foundations of its operational philosophy. They guide everyday decisions and define the way employees treat guests and colleagues. Storm International is proud of its exceptionally low attrition rate (less than 2.5% on avg), which is remarkable both for the hospitality sector and for the gaming industry in particular. The majority of managers across all regions grew within the company from their earliest positions. Many have spent years developing their careers alongside the growth of the organisation itself. This continuity brings a profound sense of shared history and ensures that company values are not only taught but lived every day. The team is genuinely diverse and multicultural, representing many countries, languages and backgrounds. Employees communicate openly and comfortably with one another in an environment that is culturally, religiously and socially inclusive. The company is open minded in the broadest sense, recognising the value of individuals and the importance of shared principles. Many team members choose to build long term careers within the organisation and take pride in being part of a company where personal contribution is recognised and respected.

Internal communication continues to evolve. What was once a printed magazine has now transformed into a digital platform that connects employees across all regions. Through the StormLife channel team members take part in competitions, learn about company history, receive updates and share their own achievements. The channel includes initiatives not only for employees but also for their families. This year’s Children’s Day project invited staff to recognise managerial team members from their childhood photographs and to read personal reflections on what Storm means to each of them.

The International Gaming Awards ceremony will be held in January 2026. For Storm International the nomination serves not only as an honour but also as motivation to continue nurturing a work environment built on respect, collaboration, performance and creativity. As the company looks ahead to its future projects and opportunities, it remains committed to ensuring that every employee feels valued, supported and part of a strong international family.

On September 18, Shangri La Tbilisi Casino celebrated its anniversary with an evening that perfectly combined elegance, music, and entertainment. As one of the most recognized casinos in Tbilisi, Shangri La brought together friends, partners, and international guests for a night filled with unforgettable experiences.

The event opened with a warm welcome: guests enjoyed a festive reception with fine drinks and a beautifully presented buffet, followed by live photo and video coverage that captured the vibrant atmosphere from the very start. The celebration continued with creative performances, including immersive street theater and aerial acrobatics, proving once again why Shangri La is a leader in premium entertainment in Georgia.

Helen Keane, General Manager of Shangri La Tbilisi, highlighted the significance of the evening: “It was a wonderful evening, full of energy and joy. Our guests enjoyed a spectacular program — from live performances to unique artistic moments at the entrance. The warm atmosphere and many kind words we received are the best reward for our team.”

One of the highlights of the night was the live ABBA tribute concert made by ABBIA band, which filled the hall with energy and excitement. Combined with a dynamic dance show, it created an atmosphere of international celebration and positioned Shangri La not only as a casino in Georgia, but also as a cultural hub where music, gastronomy, and hospitality come together.

The celebration also reflected a broader trend in the gaming world: casinos are increasingly seen as part of the entertainment and hospitality industry. As Keane explained, guests now view Shangri La in the same way they view concerts, fine dining, or live theater — as a place to enjoy emotions, atmosphere, and memorable experiences.

For Shangri La Tbilisi, the anniversary was not only a milestone, but also a statement of its ongoing commitment to excellence. The evening underlined the brand’s philosophy of balancing luxury with responsibility, offering guests world-class service while ensuring trust, safety, and hospitality.

With its mix of gaming, fine dining, and live shows, Shangri La continues to set the standard for entertainment in Tbilisi and remains one of the city’s most vibrant destinations. Guests left the celebration with unforgettable memories, confirming once again that Shangri La is truly “the biggest game in town.”

For decades, slot machines have remained the heart of the casino experience. They combine entertainment, technology and anticipation into a game where every spin brings a new possibility. From classic three-reel favourites to the latest video slots with immersive graphics and bonus features, slots continue to attract millions of players around the world.

Today, they are also the most popular casino category globally, accounting for more than half of gaming activity on casino floors. The global slot machine market continues to grow as casinos invest in new technologies, innovative game mechanics and an ever-expanding portfolio of titles.

At Shangri La Tbilisi, we believe that great gaming is about much more than winning. It is about the atmosphere, the excitement of every spin and the confidence that every guest is valued throughout their visit. That philosophy is reflected in our updated Lifetime Slot Cashback programme, designed to reward loyal slot players even after the session ends.

Introducing the New Lifetime Slot Cashback

From 1 July, Shangri La Tbilisi is introducing an updated non-cashable Lifetime Slot Cashback programme.

Your cashback will be credited automatically 12 hours after a qualifying loss is recorded, making it available for future slot play.
The programme offers three cashback levels:

The higher your qualifying loss, the higher your cashback percentage.

Why Slots Continue to Lead Casino Entertainment

Few casino games have evolved as dramatically as slots. What began as simple mechanical machines has transformed into sophisticated entertainment featuring cinematic graphics, immersive soundtracks, interactive bonus rounds and progressive jackpots.

Modern players choose slots because every game offers a unique experience. Different themes, volatility levels and bonus mechanics mean that no two sessions are ever quite the same. Whether you prefer timeless classics or the latest releases from the world’s leading game providers, slots offer something for every style of play.

Industry research also shows that casinos worldwide continue to invest heavily in their slot floors, introducing new cabinets, improved displays and innovative gaming technology to meet growing player demand.

Experience Slots at Shangri La Tbilisi

Shangri La Tbilisi offers one of Georgia’s most extensive collections of modern slot machines from leading international manufacturers, alongside a premium casino atmosphere, exceptional service and exciting promotions throughout the year.

With the introduction of the new Lifetime Slot Cashback, every qualifying session becomes even more rewarding.

Visit Shangri La Tbilisi and discover why slots remain the world’s favourite casino game.

Lifetime Slot Cashback. More play. More excitement. More reasons to return.