SHARON HARRIS Steve Wynn, always the innovator, explained his


resorts’ ongoing security program on television. Wynn called Las Vegas a “target rich” environment in November 2015 and recruited top law enforcement and military consultants to formulate a security plan.


After spending tens of millions of dollars, his team


developed and instituted a counterterrorism program in May 2016. Every employee at all levels received retraining. Although nothing is foolproof, Wynn aims to preempt whatever criminal behavior he can.


The Wynn and Encore hotels installed hidden metal


detectors. Security monitors every entrance while discreet staff profilers monitor customers. Any room with a “do not disturb“ sign for more than 12 hours is opened, primarily to ensure the guests’ safety.


For me, our high-tech world is now an


environment of decreasing interpersonal communication. Consider this…fabulous technology displayed at G2E included programs that minimize hotel check-in procedures and take people directly to their rooms. Their keys are often already coded before arrival. Or, pre-arrival check- in may mean just showing an ID and credit card. Check-out can remain anonymous…your zero balance is emailed to you.


Although convenient, it restricts a well-trained


front desk staff from familiarizing themselves with guests. Virtual dealers eliminate a human dealer’s ability to evaluate players at the table.


The tragic irony at G2E was that Thursday’s final tribal educational track included a seminar about active shooters and workplace violence. What was the crowd size, given the late scheduling and that so many attendees had already left?


I’m glad the G2E organizers included that


coursework and maybe next time it will be considered a top priority scheduled earlier. Casino officials must remain vigilant in preventing and responding to catastrophic situations.


I said this after the Baltimore riots months ago, just blocks away from Caesars Horseshoe Casino. If customers feel unsafe, they will not come and the buildings may as well close their doors.


As horrific as this massacre was, we as an industry can learn from it and follow Steve Wynn’s determination to “lower the odds” of another tragedy.


I hope so.


OCTOBER 2017 9


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