Growing up in Manila, Alex Suarez was always attracted to the exciting images projected by the surrounding casinos. “The casino industry in the Philippines is huge, and whenever I went in for a drink, I loved to watch all the glamorous people who came in there. Fashion is a real weakness of mine, so I loved to see what people were wearing.  

"I really wanted to work there, but my dad was dead set against it.  He wanted me to be an engineer, so I followed his wishes and did my degree in engineering.”

However, Alex struggled with the desk-bound nature of the job and in 1995 decided to migrate to New Zealand so he could be more independent. Shortly after arriving in Auckland he went to a careers exhibition and found himself drawn to the SKYCITY casino stand. 

“I was taken by surprise. I totally didn’t expect that there would be a big casino right here in Auckland, so I applied straight away for a job. I started shortly afterwards as a dealer, was promoted a year later to supervisor, and 11 years on I’m still here – and loving every minute of it!”

When he started at SKYCITY, Alex had intensive training in the rules of the different games, and in customer services. This foundation has proven to be invaluable for his current position.

“Mostly these days I look after high-level customers in our VIP room, providing them with a high-end executive service. It certainly brings me into contact with people I might not meet otherwise, and I still love to look at what people are wearing, and see their different styles. Sometimes I even get asked for advice! I’ve gotten a name for myself – I’m Alex, ‘the fashion guy’!” 

Despite the fun aspects of the role, Alex stresses the importance of establishing boundaries, both with the customers and with the staff he supervises.

“You need to be careful when you’re dealing with money, to remember your place, to set an example. Sometimes players do throw you tips – big tips, hundred-dollar bills – and in New Zealand it’s illegal to accept them. That’s what comes with the job though – the responsibility to be honest, to be trustworthy, to follow the rules.”