Sports Betting: The Business of Risk

 

The business of Sports Betting is at an all-time high. Just 5 years ago, you could only make wagers on single games in Nevada. Now you can bet on a single game in over 30 states. Last year over 57 billion was bet legally by Americans on sports. I am not counting the illegal market that is still available to a segment of the gaming patrons.

So why is the stock market not reflecting this renaissance period? A review of the leading sports betting companies and gaming operators stock prices show dismal results over the past 6 months. While the amount of money wagered is staggering, the investors in the companies are seeing red digits on their portfolios.

While the slide could be due to global inflation, there are long term profitability concerns for the industry. Look for a merger or acquisition as a way for one or two operators to turn things around. CNBC Jim Cramer stated “But as we see what the reality looks like, there’s tons of competition for market share and little in the way of profits. Too bad because profits are what this market wants right now. That is why every single one of these stocks has been obliterated,”

According to Yahoo Finance, MGM Resorts International announced an offer to acquire the global gaming company Leovegas. MGM is attempting to build on the success of BetMGM in the United States with this acquisition allowing them to expand globally with an omnichannel strategy. I also found that MGM, as part of the Maryland Education Summit for Sports Betting, will offer a mentorship program to a qualified applicant that is pursuing a Class C sport betting license. This week, MGM was approved for a takeover of the Cosmopolitan amid questions about a monopoly on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM International is making progressive moves and has a stock price of 36.56.A year ago it was $51.17.

Any organization that has an established following on social media, does a high volume of sales and is known internationally may want to purchase a gaming company as a caveat to provide entertainment value to their customers. Imagine if Google or Facebook decided to offer sports betting to their followers. They would have to gain the trust of the public in a manner comparable to Uber and Disney. The patrons would have to be comfortable sharing their banking information and be guaranteed an enjoyable experience that is not based solely on winning.

Since gaining market share is the driver for the more renown operators, the winner of the Sports Betting race will be the operator with a brick-and-mortar venue in cities with a large population along with online gaming presence. The operator that provides visual content of the event to coincide with in game wagering will corner the market.

Check out my articles about sports betting in IGaming Player & Bettors Insider. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

The sports betting coverage of the New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC markets will have the thousand of viewers looking for an edge. I would normally just focus on Las Vegas, Philly and Atlantic City.I expect this to be the most action ever wagered on professional sports over the next calendar year. So I will expand with my Gaming Guy News minutes into the 3 top cities on the East Coast.

The New York Giants play the Washington Football Team on Thursday Night Football. The Giants are getting 3 and the total is 41. The Giants lost to the Denver Broncos and were not able to establish a running game. Giants only gained 60 yards on 20 carries. I am not expecting a great deal of production from Saquon Barkley. This will be two games in 5days after a major injury. Daniel Jones must eliminate the turnovers, Washington lost QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for several games due to a hip injury.

                                                   Eagles +3.5 vs the Niners- Total 50

                                                   Jets +5.5 vs the Patriots - Total 43

The surprise of the week was he play of the Eagles. I thought the Birds could win but I was not thinking domination. I am not as confident with the Niners coming in. It is the 2nd straight road game for San Francisco.

Jets must protect  QB Zach Wilson better in Game 2 against the Pats. The Panther's sacked Wilson 6 times. New York did close with 5 with under 2 minutes to play. Jet have lost 10 straight to the Patriots,

                                                       In The NBA

The Brooklyn Nets improved their team by adding several free agents. Patty Mills, James Johnson and DeAndre Bembry will add depth to the star studded lineup.They will be better defensively. Grade B-.

The Sixers signed Andre Drummond and George Niang to replace Dwight Howard and Mike Scott. While Howard brought energy,Drummond will be more level headed.  Niang is a better shooter than Scott. Grade B+.

The New York Knicks made the biggest impact in free agency with the signing of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. The resigning of Derrick Rose means the guard play will improve dramactically. Grade: A.

The Washington Wizards signed Spencer Dinwiddie. If he return to his 2019 numbers of 20.6 points and 6,8 assists,the Wizards are getting a steal of a player.Grade B.

                                                       And now, A Sports Betting Tip

Follow me for more in depth coverage on NFL and NBA on Twitter and Bettors Insider My website  is Smart Responsible Gaming.

The Metro Report: Sports Betting in Philly, Washington DC & New York

The sports betting coverage of the New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC markets are essential to prognosticators. I would normally just focus on Las Vegas, Philly and Atlantic City but times have changed. So I will expand with my Gaming Guy News minutes into the 3 top cities on the East Coast.

The wins totals projected for the NFL season is a very popular wager. These are the projections for the Eagles,Washington Football,Giants & Jets.

                                               Eagles 6.5 Over -150 /Under +120

                                               Washington Football 8.5 Over -120 / Under +100

                                               Giants 7 Over -130 /Under +110

                                               Jets 6 Over +100 / Under -120

I have the Eagles over the 6.5. I project them to beat the Jets,Carolina,Denver, Dallas, Washington,Atlanta and Detroit. 2 possibles with Las Vegas and Giants at home. If the offensive line can stay healthy, the Birds will improve their win total by at least 3. Philly record last year was 4-11-1.

I have Washington under the 8.5. Their schedule is extremely difficult. They play each of last's year playoffs semifinalists, Those 4 games are losses. I have the Giants beating them twice and Eagles & Dallas taking them once. Possible losses to Seattle & Denver on the road.

I have the Giants over 7.  Giants were 4-2 in the division last year. I expect the same record this season.If Saquon Barkley returns to 2019 form, the offense will improve.  I project them to win against Carolina, Miami,Chicago and Atlanta.

I have the Jets under 6. They were 2-14 last year.A new coach and  starting a rookie QB is not the recipe for a 5 win improvement over last year. Jets have won under 5 games in 4 of the last 5 seasons.They go 0-6 in the division again. Jets go 1-3 against the NFC South. Losses to Eagles,Denver,Colts and Tennessee give them 13 L's. Book it!

                                                             Surprise Cuts

                                             Eagles - Jordan Howard RB, Travis Fulgham WR

                                             Washington Football - Peyton Barber RB

                                             Giants - Corey Clement RB, David Sills WR

                                             Jets - Ronnie Blair DL, Josh Adams RB

 

Looking at the NBA matchups in 2021, I am excited about attending the Sixers and Nets on October 22nd at the Wells Fargo Center. I will preview the game on Bettors Insider. These teams are projected to be two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.  My question to you. Will Ben Simmons still be on the team?

My gaming video tip of the week is about the NBA and In Game Betting.

Follow me for more in depth coverage on NFL and NBA on Twitter and Bettors Insider My website is Smart Responsible Gaming.

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. 

Sweet Sixteen

The Sweet Sixteen is set. Not exactly how I envisioned it. But that is the beauty of the tournament. Let's look ar the matchups and try to get an Elite Eight.

Gonzaga beats Creighton: Gonzaga is the most explosive team and have scored over 80 points in both of their games. Creighton does not have enough firepower and must play exceptional just to hang around. Bulldogs -13.5 and 158.

Oregon over USC: Oregon controled Iowa and never let them in the game. I expect the same again when they play the Trojans. Should be a high scoring game. Ducks -2.5 and 139.

Alabama destroys UCLA: Alabama is the 2nd best team in the tournament right now. They will shoot exceptional from distance. Bruins run out of the gym. Bama -6 and 145.5

Michigan defeats Florida State: Michigan is deeper and more talented. They wear State down in a close game early and pull away late. Wolverines -3 and 143.5.

Houston over Syracuse: Houston will solve the Cuse zone and dominate the glass. Defensively sound enoughto hold Buddy Bonheim under 20 points. He has to get 25 or more for Orangeman to stay in it. Cougars -6 and 140.5.

Loyala Chicago beats Oregon State: Loyala control the tempo and wins this game. I can't go against Sister Jean after she prdicted the win over Illinois. Pac 10 have been impressive but styles dictate a Ramblers win. Ramblers -6.5 and 125.

Oral Roberts upsets Arkansas: The high powered Golden Eagles continue their impressive run and defeat the Razorbacks. Oral Roberts +11 and 159.

Baylor over Villanova. Nova is tournament ready and surprise me to get this far without Collin Gillespie. Baylor is too strong and will wear the Wildcats out. Bears -6.5 and 140.5.

My bracket that I selected prior to the tournament needs wins from Baylor, Houston,Gonzaga, Alabama and Arkansas to stay in the hunt. In making my selections, I looked at how the teams are playing now. If you view the entire remaining teams as a reseed then it is easier to evaluate the field. When you get to the Elite Eight I would look at the higher seeded team winning in each game. So they will be one or wo more upsets left before the Final Four.  To quote Jay Z, "Choose One".

Hopefully your teams will be on to the next one and meet in the Elite Eight. 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. 

5 Gaming Predictions for 2021

The New Year is all of 4 days old. I decided to look into my crystal ball and make 5 bold predictions for gaming in 2021. Check back on December 31th and we can talk about how I did.

New York will authorize mobile betting. The amount of money New York is watching go from New York City into the Meadowlands is absurd. If you could bet on mobile device that would eliminate trips into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There is a legislative push to approve mobile wagering. It will bring tax revenue. but not at the rate that will fix up the state deficit.  

The Media Blitz of Sports Betting Ads will exceed 2015   In 2015,FanDuel and DraftKings were trying to convince everybody that playing Daily Fantasy Football was not gambling. The opening week of football season those operators spent 27 million for 8,000 television spots. Fast forward to this year when every game will have references to wagering pre game and at the end of the each quarter or inning. Major market teams will emulate the Wizards and NBC Sports with sports wagering centric telecasts.

The rebirth of Las Vegas and Atlantic City will start on the 4th of July. That weekend will be a coming out party for all of the high rollers that have stayed away from the action since March 2020. This month will coincide with 26 weeks of vaccinations across the country. People that have not traveled or been to concerts and gambled, will be thrilled to have a get a way! The emphasis on a having the cleanest rooms, along with a social distance and mask required environment, will solidify the reservation. A lack of planning will stifle responses.

The 2021 Olympics will be the most watched event in history. It will be streamed, on cable, part of social media apps and part of NBC Sports Prime Time Evening coverage.  NBC & Twitter will collaborate on several live events. The global ramifications will have all of the major advertisers paying 1.25 Billion for sponsorships for the 2021 Tokyo Games. Watch out for several brands that you may not have heard of.

There will be a resurgent in radio listenership The satellite radio stations like Sirius and I Heart Radio will provide information and music to a new younger audience that wants to experience both. The amount of I Heart listeners grew to 8% of Americans with a global audience of 168 million people in 2019. Look for the number to push slightly over 10%. A partnership between I Heart and VSIN Sports was just announced. I see an alliance with epic growth opportunities. 

Regional shows will push local content to engage their audiences during morning drive times and evening commutes. The shows that will have the most success are ones that have entertaining guests and interactive audience engagement. Think 97.5 The Fanatic and you will have the recipe.

                             Follow me for more insights on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Christmas Gifts that a Gambler or Gaming Executive would love

With Christmas just a little more than a week away ,the scramble is on to pick out the perfect gift for the gambler or gaming executive in your life. There is a commonality in those two people. Not only do they share the same environment such as a casino, racetrack or sports book  but they are knowledgeable about the world of risk. They like the excitement and the fanfare of participating or watching games. So any of these gifts that I mention now are stocking stuffers.

The 1st is a scratch off or lottery ticket. The chance of a $1.00 ticket turning into a 6 or 7 figure payout is extremely low. But the recipient will feel like a million dollars until the drawing takes place or the result is revealed.

The 2nd is a smart watch from Apple. This serves no many functions other  than telling time. It can track the gaming executive's steps per day and the gambler withdrawals from the ATM. Either of those individuals will call and thank you on that same watch. The cost is approximately 199.00.

The 3rd is a trip to Las Vegas in 2021. No gambler or gaming executive would want to go right now, but if you plan a trip for the beginning of the 3rd quarter, they would take you up on it. A vaccine should be readily available by then. If the tickets and accommodations are booked no, you could get a good rate especially if the trip is planned mid week. Usher begins his Caesars Palace residency on July 16 2021. Tickets start at 150.00. 

Before I share the last two options here is my gift to you.

The 4th is buying a gift card from Draft Kings. This is an sports betting industry first. The recipient would love it if they live in a state that has sports betting. They could use the card to add funds to an already existing account. The account must be with Draft Kings. I am sure other operators will emulate this. The card will be available in $25 and $50 denominations  in convenience stores like Sheetz, 7 Eleven, Dollar General and Speedway. 

The 5th and final gift option is purchasing a stock from a publicly trading casino or gaming company. You may want to look at a sports betting company for the recipient. If you want to start the process you can open an E Trade account or confer with your broker if you already invest on Wall Street. Why not give a gift that gives your friend or family member more? There are several options that I see as definite buy situations. I will expand on that in a future article.

Follow me on Twitter for NBA and NFL conversation. You can see my videos and photos on Instagram. Reach out professional thru Linkedin. My website is smartresponsiblegaming.com I also write articles for Bettors Insider, where you will receive the most comprehensive gaming, casino and sports betting coverage from an outstanding staff of former writers for the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News.

GQ, BOYDS and Me

 

Last week, I was able to have one of the best moments in my life. I was asked to interview for a segment of the Conde Nast and GQ installment, "The Breakdown”. The episode was focusing on Pit Managers.  I was pleasantly surprised when contacted. The surprise did not stem from the being asked questions about gaming and casino operations. I have always been a fan of GQ and patronized the magazine for information and visual inspirations for what to wear.  

My business attire comes from Boyds of Philadelphia. The store is one of the best men stores on the East Coast and has been mentioned several times in GQ.

Some of the questions posed to me by the producers were about my background and some of the places that I have worked. The questions about the relationship between the dealers and the players is what I want to share with you. The dealer is really hoping that the player does well so he will receive a tip or gratuity. The players have the impression that the dealers are their adversaries. The dealer makes most of his money from tips, so it is important to build a synergy with the player.

The best and most popular games are Blackjack and Baccarat.  The odds are player friendly and the availability of a game is generally high. While Covid 19 has changed the amount of people allowed to play at one time, the public demand has not diminished.  The producers seemed pleased with my responses. They laughed when I told them I subscribe to the magazine. That 35 minutes was my WOW moment. It was done on Zoom. I dressed up as if I were going to work. They noticed!

I felt like I has received an Academy Award nomination. 

                                 And the winner is

Just to be considered means all the social media posts, the articles and the blog post are being noticed by people and organizations that I have the utmost respect for. Keep watching and get ready for my next big move. Look for me at the G2E.

Follow me for more insights on LinkedIn,Twitter Facebook and Instagram.

Gaming Forecast for the remainder of 2020

I decided to assess what I see for 3 gaming regions. The regions are Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Everything that I hypothesis is based on COVID 19 levels. The CDC has projected a rise in cases this fall. The cold and flu season is approaching and will impact the public willingness to convene in crowded venues.

I will focus on the major cities in each of the regions. Las Vegas will still be slow to move toward recovery. Airline flights are still under capacity with extremely limited international passengers. All major convention business has been scrapped for this year.  There is talk of some concerts being scheduled in show rooms. Usher is planning a residency performance in 2021 at Caesars Palace. There are tremendous deals on room rates during the week that may tempt you to fly out for a three day - two-night getaway.

Atlantic City is still one of the top ten trip destinations in the United States according to Trip Adviser.  The casinos just received a boost with the return of dine in restaurant service. Casino restaurants, like every other restaurant, must observe the many restrictions put into place including 25% percent capacity, tables spaced 6 feet apart, patrons required to wear masks while not eating or drinking. This will entice visitors to come to the shore during the months of September thru November. The price of gas is relatively low and will motivate patrons to take a drive to America’s greatest playground. I would strongly suggest having a reservation if you are dining. Atlantic City is allowing the resumption of smoking on the casino floor. This is not in the best interest of the employees and patrons at the casinos. It allows the shore to offer something that will bring in additional revenue. The risk does not appear to be worth it. 

 

 

Philly has also extended the amenities to include food. This is consistent with the casinos that are operating outside of Philadelphia County. 24-hour gaming is going to return on September 18.  The casinos have beefed up their efforts to keep the facilities clean and have maintain temperature check policy that protects the guests and the employees. An increase of deep cleaning and disinfecting the front and back of house areas is already underway. When the capacity levels are increased to accommodate more guests, the challenge the casinos will face will be staffing. If the capacity level were increased to 40-50% by October 31, that would be a treat. Lastly, Poker should be revisited and opened with a limitation on the amount of people allowed at a table. Other modifications should include no smoking, changing cards frequently and online reservations during peak times of play.

My view is this week's Monday Motivation of optimism. The gaming industry will return to profitable levels in convenience and urban markets quicker than the resort areas. All operators must find ways to create the environment that places safety first while providing an exceptional entertainment experience. The opinions expressed are my own. The creativity I shared is to inform you of what can be accomplished during difficult circumstances.

Follow me for more insights on LinkedIn,Twitter Facebook and Instagram.

The Twitter Expansion of GTLivechat and GTLHottopics

Robert M.Mims

I want to share some exciting news about my plan to expand my engagement on Twitter. At the start of the NBA shutdown due to COVID 19, I started a doing a twitter chat 3 nights a week. The conversations included sports, sports business and sports betting. It was expanded to include music from contemporary artists and delve into their music catalogues. The audience grew exponentially over the 4 months and expanded to cover both the east and west coast.  The chat achieved approximately 30,000 impressions during the ESPYS on June 21st.

Since sports have returned the format has changed. The conversation or threads can't last as long in the evening because the games are rightfully taking center stage. A mid day version of the chat was added to engage the audience longer. This addition captured positive results. With the NFL coming in two weeks, it makes sense to expand the coverage, Start on September 1st, the chat will be on 4 nights. Those nights will be Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. A mid day version will happen on each of the aforementioned days of the week with Wednesday included at noon. 

The night chats will start at 7:30 prior to an NFL game. The conversation before any other game(NBA,MLB,NHL,WNBA or Tennis) will start 30 minutes before the contest.  There will still be polls that will gauge your opinions, questions that pertain to your sports betting selections and data that will help you make an informed decisions. We also highlight our followers by sharing their tweets and applaud their creativity when they include a GIF. On Thursday, there is a women in media segment that spotlights the achievements of  female athletes, reporters and business executives. On Fridays, we will still do Shout Outs and #FF. If you follow we follow back. 

Nkeshi Free 

The chat are cohosted by Nkeshi Free. She adds the creative side to the collaboration and is knowledgeable in all sports. Her twitter handle is @KeshisCuties. My twitter handle is @GamingguyM.

Tuesday is the #GTLHottopics day. All other days we use the #GTLivechat.

You can get updated information at smartresponsiblegaming.com

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.

                   

                  Follow me for more insights on LinkedIn,Twitter Facebook and Instagram.

                  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.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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.

        Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and  Instagram.

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!

                                Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and  Instagram.

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 

                                           Follow me on Facebook, Twitter  and  Instagram.