“Casino Diabolique serves as a metaphor for the New York City experience and lifestyle. Many people come here to chase a dream – they enter the arena to win – and every day make educated or instinctual decisions in order to progress.”
With a Creative Director credit for Madonna’s MDNA tour, visual and performance artist Desi Santiago knows a thing or two about putting on a show, and this week he unveils his latest project – a pop-up casino at the W New York. A man of considerable mystery, we’re also digging this ‘Sagicorn’s (“I’m on the cusp of Sagittarius and Capricorn”) witchy spin on the classic games of chance.
Try your hand at his Zodiac Wheel roulette or take a swing of The Pendulum to bag Bliss spa treatments, free upgrades and even a stay at the soon to open W Verbier in Switzerland. In it to win it? Just use your intuition, he says.
IF NYC IS ONE BIG GAME OF CHANCE, WHAT TRICKS DO YOU USE TO STAY AHEAD OF THE DEALER?
My charm is what I use to seduce the dealer. I’m also equipped with strong instinct and intuition.
ONE OF THE GAMES IN THE CASINO IS CALLED ‘ZODIAC ROULETTE’ – WHERE DOES ASTROLOGY COME IN?
I’ve used the zodiac signs in relation to numbers as I feel being faced with these symbols will make players shuffle through their mind to find serendipitous reasons to play a certain sign. These thoughts and impressions can be flipped through in an instant, but they will help construct solid choices of what your key to winning may be.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGN, AND HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING IN LIFE?
I’m a ‘Sagicorn,’ on the cusp of both Sagittarius and Capricorn, but I have always aligned myself more with my Capricorn goat. We are able to climb mountains because we are goal–oriented and develop tunnel vision until we reach our destination. I think that intensity of intention helps in achieving success because it’s in us to win.
THERE’S ALSO A GAME CALLED PENDULUM…WHICH IS?
You begin by asking the dealer a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question in order to get to the next level. The dealer then uses a Pendulum to give you a response. Once the Pendulum responds, you are allowed to approach the table and choose one opening from a multitude of holes on the table’s surface. The dealer will lower the magnetic Pendulum into the hole and if a steel ball emerges, then you have won a prize. You only get one chance.
WE’RE DIGGING THE MYSTICAL AURA AROUND THIS EVENT. ARE YOU A SECRET SORCERER?
It’s not much of a secret! I am a strong visualizer and accomplished manifester as an arts practitioner.
IN WHICH CASE, TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE SPELL?
Magicians never reveal their tricks.
Entry to Casino Diabolique is optional and complimentary, though limited. To check availability and book the experience, please visit www.wnewyork.com/wcasino. For more details, please follow @WHOTELSNYC #WCASINO.
