The Casino Outlook for the Summer 2021

The wait is over. Casinos have been  given the green light to increase the number of guests they can  accommodate to pre Covid 19 levels. This is welcoming news for the gaming and entertainment industry.The gaming operators have been forced to be resilient over the past 14 months. Most have found challenges with employee retention and acqusition. While that was eased because of the reduction of gaming space,the effort to attract employees must now intensify. Casinos on each coast are offering job referral incentives to current workers and propective hires. One consideration could be to reach out to former employees to gauge their interest in returning in a flexible or part time capacity.

There will be several revenue streams that will recieve a spike in the next 3 months. The Food and Beverage departments along with  hotel  occupancy will approach the historical month to month numbers of 2019. Entertainment will also be a draw to customers looking to go out to shows and concerts. The professional teams are going to full capacity for indoor events so the casinos should be looking to follow suit. Looking at local talent would be a win - win as a gate attraction. 

FYI for those looking for the two hottest concerts in Las Vegas. First is Usher at Caesars Palace. Here is a glimpse of what to expect from the IHeart Radio Awards 2021 and his residency . 

Performance: Usher Sings "Confessions/Love In This Club/My Boo/Yeah" | iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021 - YouTube 

Sports is the vertical that the casinos are betting on. Partnerships with professional teams will boost the use of mobile gaming and sports betting apps.  The marketing opportunities are not just related to wagering on the pre match odds. Extended options involving futures and in game betting should be explored. 

Atlantic City's  revival will be peak during the summer season. Las Vegas will see an increase in their mid week business. The covenience markets like Philly,Washington and Baltimore will have to become creative because they will be competing with other comericial venues for the entertainment spend in those respective cities. 

The leader in all of the aforementioned markets must find their niche and promote themselves effectively. Determine who your customer is and keep that person connected to you. I could expand and give concepts but it would behoove me to share those thoughts in a conversation. For now, you can follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

I will have some exciting news to provide to all you very shortly. Enjoy your summer.

The second performance is Bruno Mars who will be performing at the Park MGM in July. 

Performance: Silk Sonic Sings “Leave The Door Open” | iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021

Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insiders and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

  

 

Back to Sporting Events and Casino Entertainment

Last week,I went to my first sporting event in over a year. I attended the Sixers and Phoenix Suns game at the Well Fargo Center.   I was not sure what to expect but I was prepare to execise all precautions that the venue has in place. Since there was a capacity on attendance the traffic going to the game was non existent. What would normally take about 20 -24 minutes took about 15. 

Parking was easily accessible with only certain lots being utilize. Entering the facilty was similar to any other time attending a game. Everyone was wearing a mask. There is a mandatory tempature check.There were no programs that highlight the team and the opponent's game information. Seating was set up to conform with social distancing. There was no one on the row with us.  

If you plan to purchase something from the concession stands or gift shops, prepare to wait in line. There is no social distancing regarding the line. You must have a credit or debit card because all transactions are cashless. I did not see any vendors bring food or drinks to the patrons at their seats. I imagine if you were in a suite that amenity would be available. Time to avoid the restroom is during halftime and a break between quarters. 

I was told that the Phillies have a unique way of enforcing the mask on policy. They have an usher on patrol that will hold up a sign requesting that you keep your mask up if you forget or neglect to do so. While the capacity at the baseball games are larger, the precautions are still in place for you to have an enjoyable and safe expierience.

If you are planning to attend a casino for the first time since the pandemic shut hotels and gaming operations down over a year ago, expect a reduction in gaming spots. Table games that would have accomodated 6 people are now set for 4 patrons.  Casino shows are about to return soon with Dave Chappelle at Foxwood Resort in Connecticutt on June 25th. Usher will begin his residency in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace on July 16.  I would look into booking a flight now to save money. As the summer approaches, airlines will raise prices to meet the demand of more people flying domestically.

I''m looking forward to this fall when the G2E will return Oct 4th thru the 7th. I plan to arrive early and take in a show while I am in town. I will let you know who is headlining as the conference approaches. As more people are vaccinated the level of normalcy will return and the interactions will resume. Keep adhering to the CDC guildlines and we will prevail against COVID- 19.

Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insider and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

The Key Takeaways from the Bet on Sports America Conference

I was so impressed with the Bet on Sports America Conference that I wanted to follow up with 5 key takeaways for anyone that is working or interested in gaming, media and sports betting.

The advent of sports betting is in it's infancy. Sports betting has been legal in states outside of Nevada for just under 3 years. So many states have yet to legalize it. More over so many people are not aware that you can do it legally. Most sports books are populated by men. Hmm!!  Educate and Advertise. 

The pandemic has prompted an increase in online gaming and mobile sports betting. In October, Nevada books set a monthly record for betting handle at 659.6 million. 376.9 million was wager via mobile. Since we can't gather due to COVID the way to stay engaged with your players is remotely. Use all mediums available to you. Be consistent with your content and attempt to respond as close to real time as possible.

The partnerships between the media outlets and professional sports teams now have sports betting operators as a common denominator. Imagine if Google or Facebook enter the equation. They have the followers and could generate liquidity. Yahoo is involved and has it's own Sports division. Yahoo's sports betting platform is powered by BetMGM. 

Some of the professional teams that participated in the conference were the Sixers, Eagles, Flyers and New Jersey Devils.

The time is perfect for entrepreneurs and developers. If you can come up with an app or program that is easy to navigate and appeals to a gaming centric audience,  major corporations will find you. If someone comes up with a way to monetize Esports on a betting platform that makes gaming legislators and operators comfortable, they will be rich!  Nearly half a billion people play Esports or watch others play by streaming.

Don't be afraid to fail. If you're not taking risk on new technology and concepts now, when will you? I'll give you one concept. Meet with other industries that you can partner with. Make sure the partner aligns with your mission statement and core values. Don't sleep on small local businesses as a way of helping generate interest in what you are doing.  

This is the 4th conference that I have attended this year. 3 of them were after the pandemic shutdown in March. Add that to my expertise about casino operations along with my education regarding sports betting and you get a composite view of gaming  If you want more information or insight, we need to talk. In closing I want to quote Ben Franklin. "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

If you want a recap of the entire conference click here.

My website is  smartresponsiblegaming.com.  Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for conversations & Instagram for photos/videos.

What's Next?

 

I am starting to look at universities and colleges this fall. Hold up. I am not thinking about taking a course or getting my Masters. I plan to offer my presentations virtually. I have visited several schools in this immediate region. They include Saint Joseph University, Temple University, Drexel University, Penn State, Delaware State University and Stockton University. Since the COVID pandemic makes going to the schools a risky venture even for a gaming professional like myself, I decided to use technology and make things easier. 

I am looking at schools not only in the mid Atlantic region but any state that is considering  adding  sports wagering to it's gaming statues. This includes Virginia, Washington DC, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida and Georgia. The states of Illinois, Indiana and Colorado have recently legalized sports betting so I would anticipate ther would be some interest there as well.

So many educators will be curious why sports betting is a topic that their student would want to learn about. I will share two reasons. One is it is a revenue generator that is part of every professional sports pre game telecast.  Second are the business partnerships that are associated with sports wagering include the professional sports leagues, casinos, hotels and major restaurant chains. Each of these organizations will be employers for many of your students that are majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, Marketing, Business Management and Graphic Design. 

I have found that the interest in the gaming industry has never been higher. Within the past 3 years the taboo of "What is the line and did they cover ",has disappeared. The average age and demographic of a sports bettor is between 23 -34 and predominately male. In an American Gaming  Association survey found that 45% of the core bettors are in this group. The technological evolution and the use of mobile devices lend to the expansion of gaming and the opportunities to be a part of it. 

If you think your students would like to learn about how gaming and sports betting in particular is changing how we view a professional games and interact with each other then we should have a conversation.

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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                  Here is my latest sports betting  & sports business article in Bettors Insider.

PIVOT (2)

Lebron about to pivot

This is the second part of my PIVOT post on Smart Responsible Gaming.  The use of the term pivot in basketball is to help a player avoid a defender and find an opening on the court to take a shot, make a pass or drive to the basket. It opens up the court to you. You are that player and the world is your court.

The next letter in the acronym is O.

O is for optimistic about what you are trying to do. Don't expect the road to be easy. But never

become downtrodden or thinking you should give up. If not today then tomorrow. If not this week

then the next.

T is for tenacity in your pursuits. You refuse to be easily dispelled. Denzel Washington gave a motivational speech and stated "Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship."  "Without commitment you will never start and without consistently you will never finish." He ended by saying, "see you at work."

                                       
                                                         SEE YOU AT WORK!

                                              Part one of PIVOT can be read here.

PIVOT

This is my latest series of post that will be a part of Smart Responsible Gaming.

As a percentage of the gaming, casino and hotel industry returns to work, many 

co-workers are still on furlough or in between job opportunities. Since we 

are all in this together, this series is to help make this transition a successful one.

That is why I have chosen the acronym PIVOT in the form of initialism. I will 

share the 1st three letters today. 

The P is for planning what your next move will be. First, find out when the next 

wave of call backs to your current employer are projected for. Then you can 

determine how long you may have to wait. You can gauge the length of your 

unemployment benefits and and take advantage of any training module that may 

be available to you.

The I is for intelligently mapping out your strategize. Reach out to other members of 

your professional network and let them know that you are looking for opportunities. 

Update your resume. Have 2 copies available. One is for the type of job that you had

previously. The second will be tailored to industries that are hiring your skill set. 

Highlight the characteristics that make you appealing to a recruiter. Be prepared to have 

a phone interview or a virtual meeting via Zoom.

The V is for value you place on your self worth. You must decide how much you should be 

compensated for what you can do. Then negotiate with yourself and determine what percentage

 you could accept from any employer. Keep in mind this is a competitive job market.

I will complete the PIVOT acronym in my next blog post.

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Smart Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming never felt so good!

I want to announce the unveiling of our website, Smart Responsible Gaming.com. From the end of March, I have had time to think about what would be useful to people during a pandemic and serve an audience that actively consumes gaming and sports.

I wanted to include some of the popular aspects that sports aficionados could appreciate. They include Esports, Sports Betting and Casinos. There are sections that give nutritional and fitness information.Videos are included.

There is a Twitter section that highlights GTLHottopics. This is a segment that covers the trending topics in the sports betting and sports business world. You can see all of the tweets that come from Smart Responsible Gaming. The social media links to Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are prominently featured as well. 

There is a blog series that is devoted to helping anyone navigate a return to work after Covid-19.If you are looking for specialist advice on a subject related to sports and gaming, you can use the email, info@smartresponsiblegaming.com. This is in the event that your question is not covered by the information on the website.

I am proud of what we were able to accomplish during this pandemic. It has heighten my creativity. I hope you like it and check back periodically for updates. The next step on the journey is...

                                                               Can you say Webinar!😊😊

Monday Motivation: Build A Better You

If you read last week's post, you are ready now to navigate back into the workforce. If you need to catch up with us  read here. In order to prepare effectively you must think about what you bring to the table. Oprah Winfrey is quoted as saying "When you bring excellence to a room. they will find you a seat." I will share two points we can add that will make us appealing to a new opportunity or invaluable to the employer that furlough you.

If you are looking for a new job situation, be prepared to practice "The Power of Nunchi”. This is a book written by Euny Hong. The word "nunchi translates into eye measure and listening skills. This can be incorporated into a job interview. It enables you to make assessments about a business or social situation quickly. Your chances of success increase when you can read a room, make connections, and come across as well informed.

The listening aspect of Nunchi is utilize by hearing what the interviewer wants from you and being able to convey that you can deliver. Be prepared to offer a solution in case you are ask a hypothetical question. Do some research that goes beyond the job posting that got you in the room.

If you are navigating a return to a place or industry of prior employment, bring flexibility back with you. The thought of "I 've been doing this for 5,10 years or longer and I know what I am doing" may have been acceptable in March. Now factor in social distancing, wearing a mask and the other possibilities that await you. Are you ready? A limited capacity is projected initially in hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. The measure of flexibility may extend to you. Ask yourself how flexible you can be if you could return next week. That would give you time to mentally prepare. An NFL coach can motivate an entire 53-man roster to get ready for a game in 6 days. We only have to motivate ourselves.

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Monday Motivation: Plan B

In last week's Monday Motivation, we covered a blueprint for a to return to work with safety, health, and social distancing policies in place. If you missed it here is the link. The next step for most of us will be how we go from being at home all day to working again. This is not a given or an automatic situation. Most operations are opening at less than 60% of pre COVID levels. This poses the thought that we may need a plan "B". This is if we were employed by an operator that is conservatively reopening. 

The plan "B" must start with an evaluation of your skill set and the value you bring to your team. If your self-evaluation does not grade out high, then you must take steps to improve it. You may have to apply at other companies that are in your field or have a demand for your talent. This is the 1st step of Plan B.

Since we are entering the "New Normal", we must become comfortable with the business aspects of virtual interaction. No one will be likely to interview you in person. So, you must be prepared to log into a link or a Zoom panel that will ask questions of you. This may be foreign to most of us, but we have the luxury of time to master it. 

Have the person that you are in quarantine with do a role play with you. You should dress as if you were going to meet an employer in an office setting. Then download the Zoom App. Once you are satisfied with your responses in the role play, have another person contact you on Zoom and conduct a 10-minute interview. The person you are quarantine with can critique it. Make sure you have a well-lit background and optimum camera angle. In order to make it fun as well as productive, everyone can switch roles.

Then you look at who is hiring and what their needs are. If your resume can convey that you are an asset, then send it to their H/R department. Follow up on your letter or email within 7 business days. If there is a mutual interest you can suggest the virtual interaction. Your innovation will make you stand out from your peers. Nothing over the top but allow your personality to come out during the exchange. Warmth always works!

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Monday Motivation: The Return to Work Blueprint

So far, my Monday Motivation posts have been designed to help us stay the course thru COVID-19. Each one,for the past four weeks, has given concepts and suggestions as to what to we should do in the meantime. Now multiple states are planning some form of re-opening. The last phase in each anticipated re-opening are hotels,casinos and entertainment venues. Since that is the majority of my colleagues and followers, this Blueprint was crafted for the gaming. tourism and hotel industries.

We are fortunate that a large percentage of the aforementioned industries have employees that reside in states that are taking the "let the data determine the date" approach. They include Pennsylvania, New Jersey. New York, Nevada and Michigan. If the numbers of people infected does not get to a level  determined by the state as a green stage then there is no choice but to wait until the pandemic subsides.

So when we return to work, the Blueprint requires that the operators and owners of each organization have placed the ultimate value on the safety and well being of the employees that will be returning to the workplace. They will be the most valuable asset the companies have in helping the business return to pre COVID levels. There should be a meeting that informs everyone via phone, email or zoom as to what the strategic plan will be.

That plan must consist of testing of the staff so everyone can feel save interacting with each other. Step two will require a social distancing policy that must be adhered to without exception. It will include the requirement of wearing a mask to protect the staff and the guests from each other. Step 3 will mandate a dedication to having the cleanest work area conceivable. This will gain public confidence that all measures are being taken to insure safety. Step four has a compulsory level of contact tracing. If there is a reported case of a guest or employee being diagnose with Coronavirus, you can have a general idea as to who that person can in contact with. This will be a proactive method to keep the virus from spreading.

In order for the Blueprint to work, there will be changes to the Standard Operations Procedures (SOP). A level of flexibility must be inherent because of a natural tendency to do things the way we have previously. Unfortunately, we won't have the ability to do that initially. Every one must buy in! If we are practical and patient, we will be thriving and fiscally successful. Each organization will have to develop partnerships to move the business incrementally. I can go into more detail but that should be part of a formal conversation. I have some time now, as most of us do, to welcome such an exchange.

This is the moment where we see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you have missed some of my earlier posts on Monday Motivation, I have included two that will bring you to the level we are now.

                                           When this is over  and Casino Life after COVID 

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Monday Motivation: Expanding Your Network

This week for Monday Motivation, let's look for ways to go back to the working world. We have to be prepared for when this COVID storm ends. So far, we have used this time off to maintain some semblance of our prior routine. I decided to variate today and suggest two things that I would not do under normal circumstances.

The 1st thing I have on my agenda is to update my resume. This is an ideal time to do it! This is a period that we can reflect on our professional accomplishments and fine tune our work history. If you participated in a team related project that was outside of your daily job description then it should be included. Any volunteered activity that shows what intrinsic value you have can be noted as well.

The 2nd thing is to look for opportunities to expand your network. If there a certain executive that you have longed to connect with this is the time. Look thru some of the business cards you have acquired over the past 3-6 months. Reintroduce yourself!  Then glance at some of the professional organizations that appeal to you. They can be commercial association groups or members of the same industry as you. Request to join them! They should include hotels, tourism, sports, gaming and hospitality.

By taking these steps, you will be on your way back to life after COVID. More people will know who you are and what type of skill set you possess. You will be prepared for the multitude of openings available to you. It all starts with #MondayMotivation.

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Gaming and Wagering: Monday Motivation against COVID-19

We are headed in the right direction with our continued practice of social distancing. But if you are 

like me you can't practice social distancing from the refrigerator. So let's work on that as a two part way to promote Monday Motivation. Step one is to start drinking more water. Not more alcohol! The more water you drink the less food you will want to consume. Health authorities suggest the 8 by 8 rule which is 8 glasses of 8 ounces per day. After 9PM limit or shut down all food in take. You will feel better and become more equip to take on the 2nd phase of motivation.

Next step is think about what you want to improve about yourself. Take a moment to think about it..

Now that you have the one area you want to upgrade, go to Amazon or Barnes & Noble  and order the how to book or motivational author's latest work that you have in mind. If funds are limited then find the book on eBay. Commit yourself to read a chapter every day. Whatever you order can not be purely for entertainment or fiction. We got Ozark, reruns of the Wire and Tiger King for that. 

Where we are headed is a better tomorrow. But we won't be prepared to go next level unless we start now. So watch this video and get ready for when tonight to meet tomorrow. It's never too late to follow your dreams!

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Gaming and Wagering: COVID-19 call to action

Whether you are in Philly. Atlantic City or Las Vegas, if you work in gaming and hospitality, we are all experiencing the unimaginable right now. All of the casinos and hotels are closed. The "non essential" businesses which includes everything that is not related to health care and food distribution are shutdown as well. Which brings me to you.

My question is where is your glass?  In a virtual sense because we can't get together unless we Facetime or Zoom.

My next question is where do you see your glass? If you see your glass as half empty because of the pandemic, the words associated with that perception are void, not filled and desolate. If you see your glass as half filled. the words associated with that view are optimistic, prospective and engaged. All of us are binge watching and wishing this would end tomorrow.

My point is that we all got the same glass. Perhaps not the same situation. But it's not where you're at, it's what you going to do about it. So since we all got to be alone together, let's be creative together and figure out the next move. Not the next 2 months. That may be overwhelming. It is for me! But I can manage this day and the gift that was given to me. We can all do that. This was my last post on LinkedIn. It will tell you how to do it. Fill your glass!

Every Monday, I will share some Monday Motivation as long we are alone together. Share this post if you find it beneficial. Have a phenomenal week!

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