Managing a Casino floor during Covid-19

Here is a glimpse of what the  responsibilities are now during a pandemic. This is a dramatic change from March 12th. The parameters are in place to insure a safe gaming environment.

The protocols for wearing a mask, sanitizing your hands and temperature checks before entering the

venue are adhered to. There is an occasional  reminder to be given regarding the mask covering the 

nose but the guests and employees are compliant when ask to do so.

The challenges that present themselves are in the areas of social distancing. The players that come

with a group or companion still stay together in close alignment while near the games or slot machines. While they are doing what  seems natural, they are not exercising social distancing. This requires that 

the management team must politely request that some degree of separation must be maintain, especially around the table games. This provides a level of comfort for the staff that is dealing to the patrons.

The limitation on occupancy makes scheduling games and deploying staff a creative process. You are now going with the demand for play as oppose to offering a full compliment of all the games. If three  people are requesting a baccarat game and one person is requesting Three Card Poker, I can tell you without hesitation the game I am opening first. Certain slot machines are not operable to make social distancing a mandate.

There is more area to cover during the work day because the gaming floor is more spread out. Pre Covid configurations were based on games being adjacent to each other. Plexiglass shields and visors are available at each game. This is for the safety of the employees and guests. 

How should you manage a casino floor during a pandemic?  You should follow all of the things I mentioned above. In addition, look to be innovative in how you connect with your guest. Use social media to let them know that you appreciate their business and that you want them to know that. Maintain a staffing level that allows for flexibility and gives you the ability to react to the unforeseen.

                   

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Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion: Is more actually better?

As 2018 comes in, the gaming expansion in Pennsylvania will accompany it. We see that slot growth is not part of the equation. Online Gaming will not stem this trend due to the high tax rate.

Table Games is showing incremental growth every year. The tax rate online is favorable to operators so expect most sites to offer more core games that you find in brick and mortar facilities. These games include poker, blackjack and baccarat.

An area of concern is Philadelphia and the addition of  a second casino less than 15 miles from the present gaming operation. This will undoubtedly lead to battle over the patrons that are presently playing in Philly. Market share will diminish. How much remains to be seen.

The possible addition of 10 satellite casinos that can not be located near a currently operating site will bring jobs and some new operators but little growth.  Any rise in revenue will come from the most innovative online operators. Who will they be?

If you want to be ahead of your competition as an operator or a player, you can reach out to us.

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Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino

The Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino opened in December 2016. They are already talking about expansion. They are unique because they have indicated what their niche is and plan to stick to it. They will cater to an Asian clientele from Las Vegas, California and the Far East. The Lucky Dragon will not have a sports book or a poker room. They will not have a entertainment line up.

This is a novel approach. It does cover a segment of players that do have a propensity to gamble and the resources to indulge. They will use their marketing budget to fly in players from China and Korea.The casino has also implemented a rolling-chip VIP customer reward program, a method for rewarding VIP play that’s popular in Macau but hasn’t caught on in Las Vegas.

VIP programs often give high-rollers a certain percentage, or commission of their overall betting back to them, regardless of whether they win or lose. With a rolling-chip program they’re given that commission in the form of chips that can only be played, not cashed in for money.

The restaurants will be themed with Asian delicacies.  We imagine most of the staff being bi-lingual with English being the second language. This has success written all over it.

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