Second prize winner Xiomara Azevedo and her granddaughter posing in front of the Hyundai i10.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Raymond S. Cuvalay’s Slot-mania casino celebrated their first anniversary on Friday night. To celebrate the milestone, Slot-mania held a raffle with three prizes to be won: a Hyundai Creta and i10, and a 75-inch television.
Slot-mania was the dream-child of the late Raymond and Arlene “Culture” Cuvalay. For many years they worked vigorously to achieve their dream of opening a casino on St. Eustatius. However, Raymond Cuvalay passed away in 2016 before their dream could be realised. Arlene continued to fight on and on May 25, 2017, the doors of Slot-mania were opened to the public.
The atmosphere that night was electrifying. People were all over the building, the grounds and the surrounding area which included F.D. Roosevelt Airport, bars and parking lots. Some even waited in their cars to hear the winning numbers being announced.
Live music and entertainment were provided by DJ Leonicio “Private” Lopes and the Rebels Hi-Definition Band, which kept the crowd entertained into the wee hours of the morning. Drinks and snacks were served to players and invited guests.
Evern Cuvalay, nephew of the late Raymond Cuvalay, spoke to those gathered and reminisced on the first year of the operation. He said his uncle was an avid enthusiast of slot machines and many times he would travel overseas to play. He said that the casino has the most modern machines anyone can imagine.
Owner Arlene Cuvalay-Halbert said she was very pleased with the public support. On behalf of management, she extended their gratitude to the community of Statia.
Edward Duinkerk pulled the tickets for the raffle, with the Samsung LED TV going to Carela “Anna” Cuevas Flordaliza.
The ticket for the Hyundai i10 was bought just before the raffle’s closing bell by Xiomara Azevedo. She selected the correct number and was all smiles, repeatedly uttering: “I just can’t believe it.”
The first prize, a Hyundai Creta was not handed out as no one had the ticket with the winning number 0680.
