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.

3 Bold Gaming Predictions for 2018

                                      Here are the 3 bold gaming predictions for 2018.

Sports Betting will be legal in some capacity. New Jersey will win the case to have Sports Betting. The Supreme Court will allow states rights to prevail since Nevada and Delaware allow wagering on sports, New Jersey will start with NFL this fall. Other states will follow. The NBA will lobby for a percentage of the action. All of the major professional sport leagues will follow suit. 

Hard Rock Atlantic City will be the market leader in Atlantic City. This will happen by the end of the year. Hard Rock will enter the region with the most visible brand and the newest venue. The entertainment lineup will surpass Borgata and Tropicana. This will bring crowds after the summer season ends. Borgata will counter with property upgrades. Tropicana will work the online space and grow that side of  their business.

Pennsylvania will continue to see an increase in table games and poker revenue while slots will trend down. As the clientele gets younger, the demand for slot play decreases. Even with the current expansion of gaming, expect the online space to reflect the current brick and mortar models.

                        Here are the 3 Bold Gaming Predictions for 2017.  See how we did,

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

MGM Grand National Harbor

The opening of MGM Grand National Harbor is the most anticipated casino in the past 5 years. The hype surrounding this property is only rivaled by Revel Casino in Atlantic City.

This is where the comparison ends. The signature restaurants and cocktail lounges include  Marcus Samuelsson, Fish by Jose Andres, Voltaggio Brothers SteakHouse and Blossom.

The 3,000 event center will feature entertainers that will appeal to all genres. They include Boys to Men, Cher, Bruno Mars, Sting, Ricky Martin and Lionel Richie to name a few.

Bruno Mars

If you are thinking about staying overnight the rates run from $299 for a room to $599 for a suite. Luxury accommodations will cost substantially more. Ask yourself what's in your wallet.

King Accomodations

MGM Grand National Harbor will offer gaming that will include 3,300 slots,table games and poker.

The cost of this magnificent facility is over 1.2 billion. Since MGM is an international brand, they will have a leg up based on name recognition in the region. Their competition includes MaryLand Live and the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.

Resort general manager Bill Boasberg said, "Under one roof, guests will enjoy a sophisticated hotel experience, high-energy casino, celebrity-chef restaurants, world-class entertainment, nightlife, destination spa, upscale retail and curated art, complemented by incredible panoramas of D.C., Maryland and Virginia." 

Maryland is a very lucrative gaming market without MGM. We see MGM Grand National Harbor expanding it. Enjoy this video of MGM.


                         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.

This Week in Gaming Review

This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a preliminary bill to expand gaming.
This expansion will include IGaming, Daily Fantasy Sports and slot machines at airports.

This is what online gaming enthusiast have been waiting for.Pennsylvania need the revenue and the public demand for gambling online is increasing every year. While the projected revenue varies, it will be at least 9 to 12 months before implementation. The next step is the bill moving to the Pennsylvania State Senate. While nothing is guaranteed, I like the chances of this passing.

New York made headlines with a reversal. They authorize Daily Fantasy Sports just months after issuing a ban on FanDuel and DraftKings. The following is an except from Sports Illustrated.
"Indeed, this was the reason for the cease-and-desist orders in 2015. Now, however, amended laws will seek to bring clarity to the matter. The full bill can be found here. Crucially, it alters the state’s gambling laws to include “regulated interactive fantasy sports contests with an entry fee.”

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