STATESIDE BMM qp strip CI
Feb25.indd 1
13/2/25 10:48
Florida and North Carolina, the casino industry escaped pretty much unscathed. In California, tribal casinos in the San Diego region are two hours south of Los Angeles. Gaming properties to the north also remain open and operational. Forty million residents make California the most populated state. Its economy is ranked fifth worldwide, but I expect some long-term negative repercussions.
First, fewer people mean fewer customers. California was already confronting a significant resident and business exodus due to soaring prices and commercial costs.
Second, tourism will probably suffer as thousands will have less discretionary money to spend as they focus on rebuilding their lives. Is dining out, enjoying a show or gaming experience a top priority when money is so tight? Third, those in “safe” zones will probably have to shoulder some of the reconstruction and community revival costs. They can anticipate rising prices over the next few years.
Sharon Harris reflects on the turbulent times surrounding Donald Trump’s return to power in the U.S.A.
Day One W
12 FEBRUARY 2025
hile everyone - even the naysayers - expected January 20 to be transformational once Donald Trump returned to the presidency, who could predict that so many events would impact the nation from Day One?
Before Trump even took the oath of office for the second time, the U.S. - and a horrified world - watched wildfires burning, scorching and destroying tens of thousands of acres, homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. In an instant, billions in commercial and residential real estate disappeared, ravaged beyond recognition. As thousands watched their properties burn,
they evacuated to save their lives. My own friends relocated for six days, but their home and neighborhood were spared. The landscape and economic viability of the storied region will be affected for decades.
Weeks later, questions arise about where the evacuees will go for the long haul or if they will return. Many insurmountable challenges will determine their futures. How easy will it be to rebuild? Who will bear the financial costs? Will people even want to live in a state with exorbitant taxes, onerous regulations and skyrocketing real estate prices?
Like last fall, during the hurricane disasters in
In his usual energetic fashion, Trump went full steam ahead. Within four days of his inauguration, Trump traveled to the North Carolina and California hurricane and fire areas to view the damage and meet with displaced residents and government officials.
Next, Trump held a thank-you rally at the Circa Resort & Casino hotel in downtown Las Vegas. Before thousands of cheering supporters, he renewed his promise to work towards abolishing federal taxes on tips for service workers. That move would have positive results for millions nationwide. Employees who work in the nation’s hotel, casino, resort and restaurant industries may actually be one step closer to coming home with more money each week. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) fully supports the plan for more than two million tipped servers and bartenders. NRA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy said, “Eliminating taxes on tips would put cash back in the pocket of a significant number of workers in the restaurant and foodservice industry and could help restaurant operators recruit industry workforce.” Trump later strolled among surprised, enthusiastic customers on the casino floor. Wow… have things changed. Trump is as flamboyant as
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