STATESIDE
mandritoiu/Adobe Stock However, Matt reported massive crowds and wait times,
even at the casual breakfast restaurants. Early morning table minimums were $25. That’s too rich for me, but apparently every seat was taken. While everything may seem nearly the same, customers will notice key changes. Each property will determine its food service, showroom spacing and separation policies. Will they function on the honor system regarding vaccinations? I expect it to be an evolving trial-and- error scenario. Adequate staffing is another potential minefield. Many gaming properties report shortages and economists cite multiple reasons. First, many laid-off workers moved or took other jobs. Each non-returning employee creates a vacancy.
Second is the extra $300 federal unemployment bonus
through September 6, which many are still collecting. After totaling payouts from various governmental bodies, the unemployment checks often surpass a salary. The US Department of Labor reported more than 9.5 million pandemic-related layoffs, with four million for at least six months. Now, more than half of the states are abandoning this federal unemployment program, citing unfilled positions at local businesses. These governors believe weekly payments discourage workers from taking jobs. As an incentive, some states offer a “back to work
bonus” to take jobs. Others states that remain in the program will also pay residents to take jobs in their jurisdictions. Obviously, some people have justifiable reasons to stay out, but everyone knows someone “milking” the system until the end. Statistically, we’ll know how this plays out soon enough. For the record, no one ever paid me to return to work.
Watch Nevada’s new “Right to Return” law, which sounds fair in theory, but probably won’t be in practice. Promoted by the unions – of course – employers with 30-plus employees must offer laid-off workers their same or similar positions. Employees must accept or reject the offer and be available within five days. Prospects may refuse up to three job offers, with at
least three weeks between each. Employers’ obligations end after three rejections or no employee response by email, mail, phone call or text message following each offer. Within 30 days of not rehiring a specific worker,
employers must explain their decisions in writing, with translations into multiple languages. If dissatisfied, employees may sue in court. So, there could ultimately be a 10-week gap in staffing
certainty per worker. Anyone in management knows that these time intervals create operational challenges. On the bright side for many, smokers and non-smokers
will experience significant changes as anti-smoking advocates gain momentum. Recent data states more than 160 Indian gaming venues have 100% smoke-free policies and 23 states have mandated indoor smoke-free policies at commercial casinos. In Atlantic City, the new “Smoke Free AC Casinos = Good for Business” campaign is gaming steam. Banners on airplanes have even appeared over the beaches. Casino workers have long complained about secondhand smoke at the gaming tables. Research shows guests overwhelmingly prefer smoke-
free indoor casinos. Unlike prior generations, 90 per cent of young adults do not smoke. By now, you must know that G2E 2021 is on for
October. More on that next month since the announcement was just made.
JUNE 2021 9
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