STATESIDE
using public transportation, better start demanding that law enforcement and public officials get this under control. Major companies like Caesars are bidding for licensing
in New York City’s Times Square, the site of several horrific crimes and the epicenter for multiple subway lines. New York’s subway system is flat out dangerous, with almost daily unprovoked attacks by thugs shoving people onto the tracks or committing assaults. The new mayor urges riders to close their devices and watch their backs…a “real” solution. New York State, like some others, has no cash bail, so almost anyone arrested is released right away and often commits another crime. This places unacceptable risk for anyone, anywhere statewide, including casinos. It is ironic that casinos often face heavy fines and
neighborhood seemed smaller and dated. Still, I remember those days, walking or driving to school with three girlfriends for years. Our crowd played pinball at a general store every week and often walked home through a park on dark winter afternoons. We rode the subway or buses into downtown Philadelphia or the neighborhood mall to hang out. Halloween was a late night as we hit so many homes for candy. Our parents never worried about our safety. Today? No sane parents let their kids go almost
anywhere alone, especially after dark. My friends pick up their 15-year-old granddaughter from high school – her walk home would be 15 minutes. Parents accompany their kids on Halloween until they are too old to go out. Once home, each candy bar is carefully inspected. While almost everyone feels challenged by inflation these
days, few anticipated the deterioration of everyday polite society. Many American cities, including Philadelphia, now face a crime crisis. Philadelphia’s two-term District Attorney is currently under impeachment proceedings. His policies that favor suspects and repeat offenders have resulted in more criminals on the streets. The murder rate is up 78% this year.
My friend’s friend was robbed at gunpoint late last month, on his doctor’s office steps in broad daylight, only six blocks from the D.A.’s office. Multiple corporations like Starbucks are closing city outlets and canceling expansions.
This scenario is being repeated in other cities. From New
York to California, random violence, vandalism and drug use shocks the system. Many elected officials talk a good game and do little. While numerous issues confront voters this month, for me, crime/public safety is one of the top two. Without safety and protection, nothing else matters when I leave home.
I’m not a pessimist, so why discuss this? Why does this
matter? Casinos interact with tens of millions every year and must provide a secure experience. Casinos that operate in metropolitan areas, or those that depend on visitors
10 NOVEMBER 2022
punitive action for accidentally allowing an underage person to gamble. That same person, often over 18, will face little punishment for a true crime. Chicago’s Mayor Lightfoot repeatedly prioritized visiting her hair salon during Covid closures and has proposed an annual 5% raise for her and all future mayors. This, despite Chicago’s 37% increase in violent crime and 74% rise in vehicle thefts since 2021. Las Vegas has also not escaped the mayhem. On October 6, during G2E, an alleged illegal immigrant stabbed eight, killing two, in broad daylight near the Wynn on the Strip. This, on the heels of the five-year anniversary week of the deadly Mandalay Bay concert massacre. I could go on, but you get the point. If casinos
nationwide ignore this, fewer customers may come to casinos. While igaming and sports betting states can probably compensate as they did during Covid, their non-gaming amenities cannot. Other jurisdictions may not have those alternatives. After reviewing G2E’s seminar topics last month, I
reported on no scheduled smoking vs. nonsmoking sessions. The advocacy group Americans for Nonsmoker’s Rights (ANR) canvassed four Las Vegas casinos that next G2E and heard the same concerns. Indoor smoking remains critical to employees at almost
every gaming property. Hundreds of corporations and tribes have already banned indoor smoking on their own or by legislative mandate. Eventually, the industry will be forced to resolve this problem and not postpone the discussions. As for crime, polling everywhere reveals that a focus on
personal security is among the top three issues driving voters. Of the nine educational tracks over three days, nothing addressed this at all. I can’t figure out why these two important conversations have been swept under the proverbial rug. Marketing, branding, technology, diversity, etc. are
important, but casinos are 24-hour open public spaces. If customers become fearful of their safety inside and outside in garages or on parking lots, the cumulative effect will be destructive. Believe me, I am trying not to sound like “chicken little,
the sky is falling,” but this is serious. After the pandemic’s damage, the last thing we need are preventable negative consequences because of not ensuring a safe public environment.
Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock
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