Steve Calabro, Magna Entertainment Corp.’s Vice President of Gaming, brings to the position a quarter-century’s experience in the industry, with years of concentration in both the operations and the marketing aspects of the business.

The New Jersey native not only exudes confidence, but talent and skill as well. Those qualities were honed on the Shore’s gaming battlefields.

            “I took my first job in Atlantic City in 1980 and I’ve spent the last 25 years in the gaming business,” he said. “Atlantic City was the land of opportunity in the ‘80s, and I had the chance to learn the business from some really sharp guys. I was a sponge the first five years, absorbing everything I could. There weren’t many young kids willing to put in the work … I was, and that led to opportunities for me, which helped me move up quickly.”

Mr. Calabro mixes today’s technology with common sense and finesse.

“While with Trump (for 11 years) my focus was on marketing, while with Harrah’s (about eight years) my focus was on operations,” he said. “Trump encourages entrepreneurialism; Harrah’s taught me about life in a corporate environment. My experience blends old school with new school, which I guess makes me a bit of a hybrid.”

            A hybrid who looks forward to challenges: He doesn’t flinch when asked how he intends to compete with tribal gaming and other South Florida racinos.

“This property is well on its way to becoming a vibrant facility,” he said. “One of the first steps was ‘right-sizing’ the first-floor casino. That room is going to become known far and wide as the finest video-poker room in South Florida. As a mixed-use room, accommodating racefans as well as video-poker players, with bar service, food concessions, … it’s a natural.

“Video poker is the thinking man’s slot machine. Video poker and racing … it’s a good marriage.”

Mr. Calabro has opened five major casino operations: Harrah’s properties in New Orleans and Joliet, Ill., and the Tropicana, Harrah’s at Trump Plaza and Trump Castle in Atlantic City.

There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation in regard to making the move to MEC, not after meeting the Chairman.

“I felt connected with Frank Stronach from our first meeting,” he said. “He gives management the opportunity to manage and he’s an easy guy to communicate with. Those are very important ingredients toward the success of any business.

“Frank is committed to Gulfstream Park and he, Bill (Murphy) and I – all of us here – share the same vision of a time, soon, when our guests rate the guest services and their overall experience here as one of the finest, if not the finest, in the nation.

“We don’t look at this as a sprint: We’re invested in South Florida, committed to the product and we’re in this for the long haul.”