STATESIDE


Further south and southwest, the usage percentages are


less, but still significant. Tucson, Arizona (82%) and San Diego (66%) join Los Angeles, Phoenix and Denver in consuming large portions of the Colorado River’s water supply. Several of gaming’s largest companies operate their


properties in areas with millions of people. When the temperature exceeds 100, water access is crucial. What will casinos throughout southern Nevada, Arizona and southern California – and elsewhere – do to mitigate the damage? Will they be forced to limit hotel rooms sold, ration the water in those rooms, initiate rolling water shutdowns of leisure amenities like pools, spas and golf courses? Will they ration water throughout their gaming floors and restaurants as a last resort? As the situation has worsened, there are now reports of


water theft via illegal pipes and other means. It is somewhat reminiscent of the 1970s gas shortages and rationing, but with more dire consequences. Droughts are common across desert regions and


estimating rain or snowball is often an inaccurate science. As more people move relocate since the pandemic, the situation could spiral downward. Smart people must evaluate the total package of where they live and work. Most government and corporate bureaucracies have been ineffective in planning when the politics interfere. Why? Is it legitimate climate change, poor projection or both? I don’t know, but Las Vegas was hit last month with two flash flood rainfalls. Water roared through the city’s Strip and


10 SEPTEMBER 2022


elsewhere, filling casino garages and other building areas. Several casinos sustained significant damage and 17,000 customers lost power. Despite this weather anomaly, consumers and visitors should understand the crisis and take action. Condemn those hypocritical celebrities and politicians who scream the loudest, but fly on private jets and use water for their lavish landscaping and mansions. These use hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of gallons of water and fuel each year. Frankly, who cares about their comfort and convenience?


If you and I must stand in security lines and endure delays and packed planes, so should they. I hope that some G2E panelists speak about these and


other reality issues. Casino executives should not disregard these problems and delay intelligent, effective responses. They do so at their own business peril and could ultimately lose billions going forward. Another solution is to vote out those politicians who say


everything, do nothing and conveniently rationalize doing exactly what they tell us not to. Our national election in November puts all 435 Congressional members and dozens of senators up for re-election. With quality-of-life issues facing Americans


nationwide, it is long overdue to put reality over politics. Become an issues voter, like me, and forget partisanship. It is refreshing to reject party line voting. Select quality candidates who will work to improve their constituents’ lives.


Liliya/Adobe Stock


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