STATESIDESTATESIDE
Sharon Harris is mad as hell and she’s not gonna take it any more I
consultants to formulate a security plan
didn’t expect to write a second sports betting installment after last month’s column, but the scope of betting billions warranted another go at it. In this two-month season of football playoffs and Super Bowl time frame, events and the righting of
Wynn called Las Vegas a “target rich” environment in November 2015 and recruited top law enforcement and military
wrongs seemed like a productive topic. Last month, I discussed how inaccurate and inconsistent football coverage could ultimately harm potential economic stability. Nothing has changed in these crucial playoffs with so much at stake. If anything, it has worsened. Sadly, no surprise that my Philadelphia Eagles lost in the first round. This inequity was on full display, particularly during
Stateside I Stateside
Sharon Harris asks what can be learned from recent events in Las Vegas
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
New York crisis management public relations firm. The lawsuits against them are just beginning to determine possible negligence by security personnel.
one playoff game. For several competitions, the prolonged excitement kept the adrenaline pumping big time. A few contests came down to the last few seconds with a winning three-point kick. Remember, these few teams have all played for 18 regular season weeks and then these additional games. It is a tough, physical sport. However, the recent Buffalo Bills/Kansas City Chiefs tie game sparked a national outcry. The ridiculous, unfair overtime rules give both teams the chance to have the ball and make a three-point field goal attempt. However, the first team to score a touchdown wins no matter what.
It is long overdue for casinos to incorporate
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.
8 FEBRUARY 2022
Raphael Daniaud/Adobe
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