STATESIDE
river cruise for last June. It was canceled and rescheduled for late April 2021. I just learned that it too is canceled, but we can move over
to a July voyage with the same itinerary. I doubt that 80 more days will make a difference, especially since the travel agent said the second wave of Covid-19 has some countries rejecting American passport holders to enter. And, who wants to be in a mask and have limited access to
historic sites? We canceled this time and I’ve received my deposit refund. We all know that the cancellation of G2E this year and the CES electronics show in early 2021 will cost Las Vegas more than 200,000 visitors and hundreds of millions in lost income that can never be recouped.
Combine that with the suffering of Mississippi Gulf Coast
states like Louisiana and Mississippi, devastated by multiple catastrophic hurricanes and tropical storms. Or, look at Atlantic City, where the loss of the annual November state teachers’ union and League of Municipalities expos will also mean millions in lost revenues. The list goes on and on. Thank goodness for sports and online betting. The record
number of bets is a lifeline to dozens of properties nationwide. This wasn’t accidental, but came from decades of hard work weaving gaming into the basic fabric of communities across 44 states.
Whether by constantly reinforcing gaming’s position
as a jobs creator and tax generator, or showing amazing resiliency when confronting challenges, Bill touted gaming’s tenacity and grit to act as a single voice. He said, “We are united. Unity creates strength and it deepens our influence. During past natural or man- made disasters, the federal government explicitly excluded gaming from economic relief… gaming was given the cold shoulder. We made the case that gaming was a pillar of communities all across America…our workers should be entitled to the same compassion as millions of others.” Their efforts paid off. Gaming companies and suppliers received federal funding to help maintain employee pay, access capital, stabilize funds for tribal governments and provide direct economic support to gaming workers’ families. In the mid-1800s, as the American Civil War loomed ahead in 1861, Abraham Lincoln, America’s beloved 16th president, gave a speech in June 1858. He urged the states to remain united in their cause to remain one nation, claiming, “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” Tragically, they didn’t listen. I’m glad the gaming industry understands that lesson and stands together to remain a powerful force.
NOVEMBER 2020 11
ehrlif/Adobe Stock
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