Take a shot at a new Career

 

This is a unique opportunity for anyone that lives or works in Philadelphia. If you are looking for a new career or one of the many Americans that are open to getting a coronavirus vaccine but have not manage to do so, keep reading.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia is opening the gateway to both scenarios. It is no secret that Rivers is one of the best places in the region to work. The commitment to the staff and patrons is to provide a safe work environment. Hence, the coronavirus clinic.

So where do you fit in?

Rivers is hiring in several departments.

Bryan Meloy,the Food and Beverage Director, has been with Rivers for 10 years. Bryan's career has several highlights that include opening the Wild Wild West in Atlantic City and opening the Rivers Casino Sports Book. He is looking for culinary employees. He would be a great mentor to a food and beverage worker.

Sheri McQueen is a “Day One Leader” joining the Rivers Family in 2010. Sheri was chosen from a group of stellar applicants to be the Table Games Instructor for new dealer candidates. She has taught hundreds of dealers that have went on to supervisory positions with Rivers. The classes are on going and are available on the weekends. A dealer starting hourly rate is approximately 20-23 dollars an hour including tips. This may be a come up for somebody. I forgot to mention the classes are free.

Mike Mastrangelo is our H/R specialist that specializes in matching you up with the position that matches your skill set. If your background involves banking or cashiering, Mike can direct you to a casino cage position. If you have other interest,Mike will find a fit. Rivers wants you to maximize your area of expertise.

So, on Wednesday, May 26 between 2PM and 6PM, Rivers Philadelphia will have a recruiting area at our COVID vaccine clinics “Take a shot at a new Career”.  A Shot, A Career or both. Click this link to see what positions are available.

If you are 12 years old or older (between 12 -17) and are accompanied by a parent or guardian, you can be vaccinated. Free parking is available.

Here is the scheduling link for the vaccine. I look forward to seeing you!

 

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

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.

Friends of Gaming Guy M

This is the video that I wanted to share with you. This is part of my new marketing and promotion strategy on Instagram. I am targeting the age demographic of 22-65. The cities include in the strategy include Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Washington DC, New York and Las Vegas.

                              Mims Video

Follow me here for my blog posts. You can read my articles on Bettors Insider about casino,esports and sports betting.

If you want me in real time you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!

Super Bowl 52 - Eagles vs.Patriots

Super Bowl 52 is 2 days away. Pats and Eagles. Belichick and Pederson.

Coaching advantage. Belichick.

Brady and Foles.

Quarterback edge. Brady easily.

Offensive weapons. Eagles win this especially if Gronk not 100%.

Defensively: Eagles have advantage with front seven. Pats have edge in secondary. 

Special teams. Pats get slight edge here.

Line is 4.5. Pats are favored 

Over /Under is 48.

Momentum is with Eagles.

Jags control the game against the Pats. They took the foot off of the gas.

Eagles will run same game plan with a balance attack and more weapons.

Eagles win and cover.

Money line is also a play for this game.

Justin Timberlake performs this at halftime. Watch it now.
We also include a preview of  #Pepsi Halftime Performance.

                   Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com

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.

                                                #SmartResponsibleGaming
                   Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

SixersTalk

We decided to look at the Sixers and the last 20 games of this season. This team has went from a low level of expectations to start the season and progress to a unit that was within striking distance of the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They are now spending the last 20 odd games developing players and brought in a player from the D League.

At the All Star break, the Sixers were looking at moving Jahlil Okafor. They have a quality player in him that does not fit for them defensively.They did not play him at the end of games last year and that did not change this season. He is offensively sound and will average 16-20 points with 8 boards every night.

They instead decided to move Nerlens Noel, who did fit defensively and could have played a back up role. They also moved their best outside shooter, Ersen Ilyasova and did not receive anything close in value for either player.

We left ourselves with question mark at the 5 position because of the injury to Joel Embiid. 31 games over 3 years is the reality of Joel. Is that what we want to hang our future on? While he is exceptional and likable can we count on him?

More of this!

Less of this!

Is Holmes the back up that you want to go to war with every night? He does give his all but is a center in a forward's body.

Brett Brown does have the team playing at a high level that will compete and share the ball. They press and make strong defensive rotations. The Sixers should build their team by establishing a bench that they can count on. They has that with Noel and Ilya. Now they have to develop it again. Just look at the Spurs for the blueprint of how to compose a roster. When the Sixers were winning the people were supporting the team and coming to the games. We need to get back to that! 

Noel returns with his new team, the Dallas Mavericks on 3/17. #Sixerstalk

Nerlens Noel

                                                  
                                                            #SmartResponsibleGaming 

                          Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                          Check out our app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com

NBA Style on Instagram: Philly

This week NBA Style looks at Philly. Enjoy the view! Join me on #GTLivechat  during the primetime games on #ESPN and #TNT. Photos of NBA players and fans. Get info here.

This fan is chilling with the hat and getting ready for the game.

Nerlen Noel in a three piece suit.

Ben Simmons rocking a nice sweater

MINAJ

Nikki and Meek courtside

Night Life in Philly

                         Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                         Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com

Best Things to do in Philly during the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is coming to Philly.The next 5 days will have at least 40,000 out of town guests in Philadelphia.This includes delegates, media and lobbyists. They will be looking for places to go and eat. They will also want to enjoy the city.  So I'll share some of the top places they will have memorable experiences that they will savor.

I 'll suggest South Street. This is our answer to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Not quite as festive or risqué but multiple places to eat and drink. Parking is expensive so take a taxi or public transportation.

The next place on the to do list is Chinatown. You will be in the heart of center city. Public transportation is the best means of access.

If you are looking for the best deals and places that are catering to the DNC, look no further. I would tend to stay in center city and in group of two of more. While most of your encounters will be civil and friendly, every major city has an element that preys on the naïve. Don't be naïve.

Philadelphia Magazine

The Reading Terminal Market is a can't miss stop on your to do list. This is a reflection of Philadelphia with it's diversity and assortment of food under one roof. It is located in the heart of center city across from the convention center.

If you want the best that Philadelphia has to offer, I will share the best of Philly from Philadelphia Magazine. This is the list of winners from 2016 that covers everything. This includes where to get the best cheesesteak to water ice. It's going to be hot everyday so you may want to keep that thought in mind.

If you want gaming and convenient, you can have both at SugarHouse Casino. The recent expansion  and the breathtaking view of the river are the lasting memories that you can take back home.  If you win that will be the icing on the cake.

                                                      Enjoy your self and enjoy Philadelphia!

The links for Chinatown and the best deals are courtesy of Philly.com. Read the Inquirer and the Daily News for things related to Philadelphia while in our city.

                   Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion could lift off at Philadelphia International Airport

When you arrive in Las Vegas, you know as soon as you depart the plane that you are in a gaming town. The sounds of the slot machines greet you through out McCarron International Airport. That same sound could vibrate in Philadelphia International Airport within the next 18 months.

If a gaming expansion bill in Pennsylvania includes slots in airports, this would generate a pipeline of revenue for the state. It would consist of jobs and gambling revenue. It would require oversight by the PGCB.No one under 21 would be allowed to play. The rules involving any jackpot that exceed $1200 would be applicable.

Philadelphia International Airport

The logistics that make this a winning proposition are the amount of daily flights to and from Philly.

Ironically, that number is approximately 1200. Philadelphia is also the 20th busiest airport in the nation and serve more than 30.4 million people a year. The airport is within an hour drive time of the brick and mortar facilities. A boost for the City and the Commonwealth. 

                   Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!
                   Check out my app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com/

                                                        65 days until #G2E2016.

Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in SugarHouse Casino

SugarHouse Casino is having it's ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 9th.This will mark the completion of the 164 million dollar expansion and renovation reported by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This  is a prelude to the unveiling of a fine dining restaurant located by the riverfront. Hugo Frog's Bar and Chop House is renowned in Chicago and will become part of the Philly restaurant scene this month.

I was able to have a private,pre opening tour and dinner earlier this month.
“We are excited to bring an unmatched level of beef quality to a city that is steeped in steak history, from cheesesteaks to porterhouse,” said Hugo’s General Manager Jeff Cybulski.
“We know the city will be sweet on our new SugarHouse Philly Cut 12-ounce steak, as well as the quality, service and atmosphere that are central to the Hugo’s experience.”

The friendly atmosphere of Hugo Frog was on full display when I met Restaurant Manager Raju Jamil. He made it a point to greet every table and patron.Raju was associated with several fine dining establishments, notably the Palm Restaurant that is located in center city.

My server was Meagan. She admitted to being nervous but I could not tell. She delivered flawless service and paid attention to detail through out. Mind you, this was the 1st day that the staff actually serve food to someone other than each other.

 

My most memorable moment during my meal was the presentation that displayed the meat and the different cuts that you could order. I never witness that! This was a superb idea that had me salivating what to order. I decided not to let my eyes rule my stomach and ordered the scallops with shrimp cocktails as an appetizer. My dinner companion decided on the sea bass with crabmeat avocado as her appetizer.We enjoyed our meal and would recommend either of these selections if you desire.

 

 

 

Several other friends that were seated near me order steak ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse. After their food arrived. there was minimal conversation within an earshot of me as everyone was concentrating on eating. I expect them to come again.

 

 

 

My dessert recommendation would be the chocolate mousse. It has oreo shavings at the bottom.

 

Delectable!

Several points of note. Hugo's gives healthy portions so you should come hungry and leave full.

They also encourage sharing so you will get a chance to experience things together. The combined seating in the bar and dining rooms will accommodate more than 300 guests. Add this to a breath taking view and you'll tell everyone you know about Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in Philadelphia. The only location is at SugarHouse Casino. Where Philly loves a Winner!

Hugo's Frog is now open.

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates!

                                                    

Gaming in 2025

My G2E question for 2015 is "What will Gaming look like in 2025?"  In the words of the late Yogi Berra, "The future ain't what it use to be." I asked several top gaming executives and decided to weigh in myself. My vision is at the end of the post. Share your comments if you choose as you share this post with your friends.

                                                                  Ladies first.

“Gaming in 2025 will likely be an enhanced, high-tech hybrid of what we see today.  The bricks-and-mortar casinos will continue evolving to stay on trend with design and architecture, while the games themselves will seamlessly blend on-property experience with on-demand, online options.   The hybrid model will require even more strategic marketing and operational creativity — yet another reason gaming is such a fast-paced and dynamic industry.  That’s why we love it.” 

                                        Wendy Hamilton - General Manager of SugarHouse Casino



 

“Ten years from now, regional casinos will be part of the entertainment infrastructure of every major metropolitan area. There will likely be robust online complements to nearly every casino brand and even more sophisticated technology driving the overall business forward.  That will create steady opportunities to reach new people and continue growing the industry.”

“We can be certain that gaming in 2025 will include online slots and table games as standard fare for all casinos. We also anticipate that sports betting will become a more common and integrated part of the overall gaming picture. Those changes will introduce a younger demographic to the industry overall, whose increasing importance will reshape all operations.”

 

 

Greg Carlin - CEO of Rush Street Gaming

“Ten years from now, regional casinos will be part of the entertainment infrastructure of every major metropolitan area. There will likely be robust online complements to nearly every casino brand and even more sophisticated technology driving the overall business forward.  That will create steady opportunities to reach new people and continue growing the industry.”

                          Craig Clark - General Manager of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

 

"That’s an exciting opportunity! Ten years from now I think you’ll continue to see casinos and integrated casino resorts providing great entertainment to players. Casinos are not going away, and they are going to offer more entertainment than ever. The games and experiences will continue to evolve, bringing in interactivity, skill, social and new gesture technology. We have an advanced development team working on a lot of exciting concepts right now. I think you’ll see regulators working in closer partnership with operators and suppliers to bring new technology to market more quickly."

 "If I had a crystal ball, I would say that you’ll see online gaming integrated more closely with bricks-and-mortar casinos; mobile payments will be commonplace; multi-platform content and interstate casino progressives will be prevalent; and the effects of player and technology convergence will be quite evident. The year 2025 will be here before you know, and we have innovation teams across the globe already working on inventions for the next decade and beyond."

                       "And Greg Carlin is hailed as the new Steve Wynn!!!"

 

                                                  Gavin Issacs - CEO of Scientific Games

 

I think Gaming in 2025 is going to be a lot different then what I see now. The patrons will be much younger.They will come in groups and have night for socialization that will include dining, shows and gambling. In that order. Our floor will be reconfigured with more stadium style play.

Mobile device will be the method of choice for all players under 30. Our player then is between 15 and 20 now. They will be a section where you can play on your phone. In this area, players can also play games against each other.The casino floor will consist of the sophisticated and affluent player in secluded areas. That should constitute about 30% of our business. The rest will be the young millennial that wants nightlife in a safe environment. More emphasis on security and responsible gaming.

Gaming will have more transactions that are cashless. The amount of  Table games will increase along with skill base games.Games will have more interactive components than ever. They will be sports and fantasy betting kiosks. Television will have in game wagering for all players that have rooms reserved with a credit card. And when the players come in for nightlife, they'll dress like they are vying for the cover of GQ and Vogue on New Years Eve.        

                                                        Here's a glimpse!



Robert Mims aka The Gaming Guy

 

                   You can follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GamingguyM and
                                                             Facebook
                                      at https://www.facebook.com/gaming.guym
                      Instagram photos and videos at http://instagram.com/gamingguym
                            

http://www.thegamingguym.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 



 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

G2E Women in Global Gaming: Interview with Wendy Hamilton - General Manager of SugarHouse Casino

Any conversation about the top Women in Global Gaming has to include Wendy Hamilton.
                                                       

 

Ms.Hamilton serves as the General Manager of SugarHouse HSP Gaming, L.P. (Alternate name, SugarHouse Casino). Prior to SugarHouse, Ms. Hamilton served as General Manager of Philadelphia Park Casino (now Parx Casino) in .Bensalem, PA where she was integral in planning the operational elements of the casino's grand opening and subsequent operations. She served with Harrah's Entertainment, starting as a Hotel Guest Service Representative and Assistant General Manager ... at Caesars Atlantic City. Outside of the casino, Hamilton serves on the board of the Police Athletic League and is an executive committee member for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

I was able to connect with Wendy as SugarHouse was celebrating it's fifth year anniversary. It's only fitting that 5 questions be appropriate  Here's Wendy!

1). 5 years of being one of the top places to work in Philadelphia. This is based on a poll by the Philadelphia Business Journal. What do you attribute this success to?

“We’re honored that our Team Members have voted SugarHouse Casino  a ‘Best Places to Work’ award in Philly each year since opening in 2010.  Creating and maintaining a great workplace has always been a top priority for us.  We want our Team Members to know that they are appreciated each and every day, because they truly are.  We celebrate their success often and provide recognition and rewards to acknowledge their many contributions." 

"It all starts with hiring the best people.”

 

                                                    

2). SugarHouse Casino is about to expand.  The first 5 years have featured a pattern of incremental growth.  What are the challenges in an expansion that will increase the amount of employees by 40%?

“The biggest challenge is that our market is increasingly saturated and highly competitive.  Our strategy is to expand our amenities and enhance guests’ experiences without generating excess gaming supply.  That’s why we’re introducing new restaurants like Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, creating event space catered by the famous Gibsons Restaurant Group, adding a permanent poker room and building a seven-story parking garage.”

3). The association with the local professional sports teams, the Mummers Day Parade and Poker Night in America have provided  dividends to SugarHouse.   Do you see a transition from a regional casino to one with a national profile?

“It’s true that SugarHouse has earned national recognition, but our focus remains on Philadelphia and its surrounding geographic areas.  We are Philly’s casino, and we will continue concentrating on our hometown.”

4). Online Gaming is part of the conversation in Pennsylvania, New York and California.  Would it be on your wish list going forward?

“SugarHouse welcomes the additional opportunities that online gaming represents, and we hope that Pennsylvania will approve online gaming in the near future.”

 

Wendy at the opening of SugarHouse Casino

 

5). What are the 3 most rewarding things that you have experienced in the 1^st five years of your tenure at SugarHouse?

“Job creation, community support and economic impact.  Providing more than one thousand high-quality jobs for people who ‘bring it’ every single day is both an honor and a privilege.  Supporting Fishtown and our surrounding neighborhoods and being able to give back to the community we call home is huge.  And contributing to the economic vitality of Philadelphia and the commonwealth is enormously gratifying for us.”

 

If you liked this interview, you may enjoy reading my post featuring Greg Carlin; CEO of Rush Street Gaming. Rush Street Gaming includes SugarHouse Casino, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.

 

              You can follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GamingguyM and Facebook
                                      at https://www.facebook.com/gaming.guym
                      Instagram photos and videos at http://instagram.com/gamingguym
                            

http://www.thegamingguym.com