STATESIDESTATESIDE
Stateside
Sharon Harris asks what can be learned from recent events in Las Vegas
Sharon Harris looks at some of the obstacles to full recovery for North American casinos
I I
Wynn called Las Vegas a “target rich” environment in November 2015 and recruited top law enforcement and military
consultants to formulate a security plan
’m a creature of habit who is most comfortable with stability and routine. I never liked change, maybe because I have professionally and personally reinvented myself so many times. I want to know what to expect.
The past 18 months have brought more adjustments than I could have expected. I can “roll with the punches” as well as anyone, but I also understand our new reality has an uncertain end date where we have new definitions of “outbreaks” and “variants.” Well-developed plans can vanish in an instant. True leaders find a way to make “lemonade out of lemons” and that is exactly what the gaming world has done. Executives nationwide have adapted property operations and transformed negative situations into positive outcomes. Since Summer 2020, many casinos have successfully reopened their full roster of amenities.
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
8 OCTOBER 2017 Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock 8 SEPTEMBER 2021
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 ateside Last month, American Gaming Association (AGA)
President Bill Miller hosted a media conference call and described a true phenomenon happening nationwide. I heard real excitement in his voice. At the time of the call, 25 states with commercial
New York crisis management public relations firm. The lawsuits against them are just beginning to determine possible negligence by security personnel.
casinos remain open without capacity limitations. Tribal gaming is counted separately and has its own sovereignty. Despite some mask mandates, closures and health guidelines in multiple states, gaming revenues have beaten the odds and reached $13.6 billion during the second quarter of 2021. These historic revenue numbers exceeded the highest prior record – $11.1 billion – from 2019’s third quarter. The AGA estimates that the US industry is on course to
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.
even surpass the 2019 $43.6 billion record. From January to June 2021, almost $25 billion has been won. If anyone ever doubted the strength of American gaming, they can and should trash their skepticism. One year ago, all segments of commercial gaming were at their lowest levels ever and everyone genuinely feared for its recovery. Miller reported that with a few exceptions, state after
Many question the relative ease in getting such an
state has witnessed its individual spend increase, with some reaching as high as 20 to 46 per cent. That is cause to celebrate after the boredom and confinement of 2020. Not a surprise, online and sports betting numbers
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.
topped retail revenues as millions avoided entering crowded buildings, but still wanted to play. Those statistics are flipping as in-person gambling has stimulated the industry’s recovery. Sports betting revenues declined due to a slower spring sports schedule. Currently, 22 states and Washington D.C. have legal,
operational sports betting. Miller said another 10 are approved and waiting to launch. Can gaming lose? I think not, since the 2021-2022 National Football League (NFL) season starts this month. Four broadcast networks may sell up to six sportsbook commercials per game – one per quarter, one during pre-game and one at halftime. Eligible organizations include DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars, plus second tier operators FoxBet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and WynnBet. All 32 teams will play in their stadiums with a
predetermined fan audience. Fingers crossed my Philadelphia Eagles “fly” to victory. I hate to be a downer, but I only have cautious optimism. This bubble can burst quickly if virus conditions deteriorate. The booming housing and stock markets could crater like several years ago.
Image: Fannyes/Adobe Stock
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