The things to focus on in 2025

 

As we approach the end of 2024,it is time to get ready to formulate an action plan for 2025. I will share my people, places and things to focus on that will grow your brand.These concepts are applicable to the following indutries. Tourism,Gaming amd Sports Betting are the primay areas that will be impacted. If you are able to incorporate any of these,you will see an improvement in your field of expertise.

Women- This is the audience that is getting the most attention.BetMGM cited an increase of 108% over year to year in wagers on the WNBA. The 2024 Womens NCAA Basketball Tournament  drew a larger viewing audience than the Mens Yournament for the first time. The USA Womens Olympic Team led by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier won the Gold Medal. Those players have combined to start the Unrivaled Basketball League that will debut in January,2025 on TNT. The Caitlin Clark phenomenon has added more interest by women and men to professuonal basketball. There is conversation that the NBA All Star Game Weekend may feature a 3 point compeition between Steph Curry and Klay Thompson vs Sabrina Ionescu and Clark.The Taylor Swift effect has increased the amount of women that are watching the NFL and in particular,the Kansas City Chiefs.Beyonce will perform at halftime on Christmas Day during the NFL Game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. 

Expect to see more wagers that are designed for women. 2025 will have more glam cam as the women will get attention for pre game walk in outfits. NIL deals will be offered to women at record numbers.The viewership,merchandise and the sports betting are direct corelations to the women athletes. Use the trends mentioned above to determine if your strategy has a female component so you are in tune to the audience. 

I Gaming- The fact that 38 states have sports betting while only 4 have I Gaming is obviously a growth opportunity. When you factor the revenue generated by those 38 states is equivalent to the amount produced by the 4 states, you have a golden opportunity to make money.I do understand some of trepidation that states may have in advancing igaming legislation. There is a thought that this will destroy or at least cannibalize brick and mortar casino business. This is not the case in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.Business is still robust jn retail or onsite gaming.Most of the Sports Betting wagers are made on line. If more states were to offer IGaming, that trend will continue with some modifications. The patrons that play in the casino will continue and be the VIP style of player. The IGaming world will not be as appealing to that player.

Expect a breakthrough of IGaming legislation quth a neighboring state to follow. The trend toward convenience and tax revenue are too much to resist. I concepts that would enhance the spending wallet available to the operators of the IGaming space.

Mexico City and Brazil.- I highlighted both of these places because the interest the NBA and NFL have shown in Latin America. The expansion of Gaming and Sports Betting in those markets is a growth opportunity. While both places are known for tourism,festivaks and excellent cuisine. The introduction of two of themore popular sports leagues will add a new allegiance of fans that will buy merchanduse and bet on the games.Some residents of these places may be looking for business collaborations within the continental United States.

How does your brand connect with the cLatin American Culture? Are any of your managerial team bilingual? I would look at the SBC Summit Americas that will be held in Fort Lauderdale,Florida in 2025. That event could serve as an introduction to the market and some of the constituents. 

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Temple University Sports Analytics Competition

 

On Thursday evening,I was honored to judge the 2nd Annual Sports Analytics Competition at Temple University.The even lasted for approximately 2 and a half hours and had two divisions.There was an undergrate and graduate section.

Each group was given a subset of NFL data from 1980 - 2023.The information consisted of the winners and losers of each game,the total points scored and how the information translated to the outcomes against the spread.The contestants were given the task of scraping the data and looking for trends that would be appealing to an investment firm.

The groups cited,temperature,wind,home field advantage as important variables.They went further and examine the ATS by divisions and individual months during the season. Temple University is one of the few schools in the country that has several courses of studies that address Sports Gaming. While UNLV is the leader in offering gaming and sports related classes,Temple has carve out a niche that introduces the sports betting industry to this region. 

If you are interested in sports gaming and how it relates to business, analytics,tourism and hospitality,please contact Yang Yang or George Diemer ,two professors at Temple University School of Hospiality and Tourism.

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#Temple University #sports #Analytics #SportsBetting #Casinos #Gaming 

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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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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The effect of legalizing Sports Betting on Atlantic City and Las Vegas

After the monumental decision to legalize sports betting this week, Las Vegas and Atlantic City captured the spotlight. While most pundits shared opinions on ways to enjoy this practice legally in their own states, these two cities have the major ramifications. We will share  two of them.

Las Vegas will capture the attention of organizations that are adding sports betting to their gaming venues. This will include casinos and racetracks. They will emulate Vegas and attempt to do it on the same level but with a higher tax structure. Imitation is good but the results will not suffice. Look at the profit margin for most sports books. Casinos and Racetracks should lobby their state legislatures to come up with a tax rate that will allow them to make a profit and grow the market simultaneously.

Atlantic City will change the tourism paradigm of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions. During March Madness and the Super Bowl weekends, thousands of gamblers fly to Nevada to bet on the aforementioned events. They don't have to anymore. This effects air travel and hotel occupancy. Nevada goes down slightly while New Jersey goes up, The airport in Atlantic City gets a facelift. More flights into Philly and New York from the South and Mid West because of the reduction in travel time. Gamblers despise traveling across country when they have other options available. Gas

prices will inch up in the months of January thru March. Expect an increase in tolls that lead to AC in the next 12-18 months.

We will share more in the weeks leading to the #ECGC22. Look forward to seeing you then.
Here is the link to the top gaming conference this year. East Coast Gaming Congress


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