STATESIDE STATESIDE


Stateside


Sharon Harris asks what can be learned from recent events in Las Vegas


The United States is seeing a significant migration from its major cities; Sharon Harris discusses


ateside WI


Wynn called Las Vegas a “target rich” environment in November 2015 and recruited top law enforcement and military


consultants to formulate a security plan


ho knew where a person lives could significantly impact gaming? America’s surging regional real estate market means a boon for some and a bust for others. Smart gaming operators in


several states have some real opportunities this year. Operators in other states will face additional challenges. As millions nationwide have effectively worked remotely


or rented smaller office space nearby, there is little need for the daily commute. Working virtually has its disadvantages, but I think they are outweighed by the ability to work anywhere. I’m the perfect example. I joined EUROSLOT, Casino


International’s predecessor, in late 1993, working in Pennsylvania and then New Jersey. Technology was


t was unimaginable that on the very week our global gaming industry converged on Las Vegas for G2E, the unthinkable could happen. As many had already arrived, or were arriving, a madman shattered the Las Vegas allure on October 1.


While 22,000 were enjoying an outdoor concert


at the chic Mandalay Bay, shots peppered the crowd from the 32nd floor. Within minutes, dozens lay dead and hundreds were wounded, some with lifetime injuries.


With tens of thousands of G2E attendees in town, a


large group probably stayed at the Mandalay Bay. How does one react or prepare for this type of nightmare?


Over time, we have learned this mass shooter, who


killed himself rather than be caught, methodically planned every detail of the carnage. A rich, heavy gambler, he did not fit any “standard“ profile.


Ironically, my


Casino International article in September‘s G2E issue specifically focused on casino crimes. Ex-FBI agent Tom Raftery, one quoted source, warned that many within the gaming industry have not adequately addressed possible onsite terrorism.


Tragically, the


Mandalay Bay learned otherwise and has now hired a


Image: Fannyes/Adobe Stock 8 OCTOBER 2017 10 APRIL 2021


limited and emailing or faxing a story seemed so advanced. Greater options now mean the moving vans are


It is long overdue for casinos to incorporate


rolling into numerous states while rolling out of others. New US Census Bureau data through July 1, 2020 reveals that western states like Idaho, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, which bans gaming, are among those growing the fastest. The Northeast and Midwest have experienced decreases. Conditions will change even more with


New York crisis management public relations firm. The lawsuits against them are just beginning to determine possible negligence by security personnel.


established population patterns and work habits. Of the 16 states with population decreases, New


York was first, followed by Illinois, California, Connecticut and Hawaii. Despite different geography and demographics, their common threads are high


terrorism preparedness into employee training. This killer brought guns into his hotel suite and installed cameras that monitored his room and the hallway. He then used heavy-duty hammers to smash the windows and take aim. Not that guests’ luggage or drawers be searched, but dozens of weapons take up a lot of space.


Many question the relative ease in getting such an


arsenal to his suite. Conditions will certainly change since the bar altering our very behavior keeps shifting. So far, gaming has pretty much escaped these events, which is amazing considering these 24- hour businesses have dozens of open doors and entry points that never close.


Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock


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