Gambling in the USA
UNITE HERE Warns About Potential Gaming Tax Revenue Declines, Job Cuts, and Other Problems of Proposed Merger of Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment
Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment jointly announced a proposed transaction to combine the two corporations, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. The deal is to be based on $7.2 billion of new debt financing and $500 million of cuts and other “synergies.” UNITE HERE, the hospitality workers union, represents approximately 25,000 workers at Caesars and Eldorado properties.
UNITE HERE-represented union casinos accounted for approximately 68% of the pro forma $30 billion combined Caesars-Eldorado EBITDAR in 2018. These 22 UNITE HERE union casinos altogether include over 50% of the combined company’s total hotel rooms, over 30% of its total slots, and nearly 40% of its total table games. UNITE HERE locals are currently in contract negotiations with Eldorado at Circus Circus Reno and Isle Pompano Beach. Contracts at six additional UNITE HERE union casinos in the combined Caesars and Eldorado portfolio will expire in 2020, including four properties in Atlantic City.
UNITE HERE issued the following statement from President D. Taylor:
“UNITE HERE has had a positive relationship with Caesars Entertainment over the years, and 25,000 union members have been excited to help the company reinvest and rebuild as it recovers from the disastrous leveraged buyout led by Apollo and TPG. It is in this context that we approach the proposed sale of the company with great concern.
Yesterday, Eldorado announced cost-savings of $500 million in the first year of the combined company. Where are they going to cut? We will not stand by idly if the proposed Caesars-Eldorado transaction will lead to significant job losses, worse wages and benefits for our members, and lower state gaming tax receipts in the many communities where members we represent work and live. Casinos operating under privileged licenses are meant to create significant benefits for host communities, including family-sustaining jobs and local government funding based on gaming taxes.
We will support changes at Caesars that preserve the company’s long-term financial health and provide a sustainable path to good jobs in vibrant gaming markets across the country.”
2018, 7,700 UNITE HERE members went on a multi-city strike at Marriott hotels across the United States and won historic settlements in Boston, Detroit, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, and Hawaii.
UNITE HERE represents over 300,000 hospitality workers in gaming, hotel, and food service industries in North America and provides analysis from the perspective of those who work in these industries.
Source: UNITE HERE
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe has announced that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board has made the decision to suspend operations at Mechoopda Casino. The final day of operations will be Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Mechoopda Casino says this decision comes after months of deliberation and efforts to address the various challenges affecting the casinoâs operations.
Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, said: âSuspending operations at the Casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community. While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the Casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.â
The Tribe is taking steps to support both its employees and community partners during this transition period:
Employee Support: The Tribe is committed to offering resources and guidance to assist team members through this difficult time.
Remaining Open Until January 31: The Casino will remain open through its final day of operation, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the remaining days of service.
Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $791 million on sports in October of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 22% increase when compared to October of 2023.
The state collected approximately $2.35 million in privilege fees in the month.
Gambling in the USA
Neosurf & Betting Hero to reveal results of their in-depth study into US online gambling and payment habits in exclusive two-part webinar series
Neosurf, the globally trusted provider of swift and secure cash-to-digital payment solutions, has announced it will be sharing the findings of a recent study into the online betting habits, preferences and frustrations of US players in an exclusive two-part webinar series beginning on January 14th.
Neosurf commissioned the research via Betting Hero â a leading US-based iGaming portal with expertise in casino, sports betting and DFS. The webinars will see Neosurf CEO Americas, Sue Page, Betting Heroâs Co-Founder and President, Jai Maw, and Senior Director of Product and Research, Ernie Ropas, dive into the reportâs key findings and discuss what some of the more surprising results could mean for operators.
The survey, which featured respondents from New Jersey, Colorado and North Carolina, aimed to help operators and regulators within the gambling industry better understand the typical US bettor â how and why they bet, what tools they use to manage their budget and what Responsible Gaming means to them. The findings will be revealed in the webinars and used to identify areas where Neosurfâs products can help operators provide a better user experience.
The research highlighted several aspects of payments and responsible gaming that bettors felt could be improved. Problems with payments remain an issue â 52% of respondents said that theyâd experienced payment issues in the past year, and with over 50% depositing and withdrawing multiple times each month, there is a significant cost impact to the operators.
Additionally, respondents indicated theyâd be in favour of using a service that could share pre-verified ID information with operators, with ease of use for new payment methods and seamless integration across multiple platforms identified as important factors in their choosing and remaining loyal to a single sports betting platform.
Sue Page, Neosurf CEO Americas, said: âIt was important to us to gain a more detailed insight into the US sports bettor. We wanted to talk to the players and ask questions that no one else is asking, and through our collaboration with Betting Hero Iâm delighted that we now have a comprehensive piece of research.
âOffering valuable insights into player habits â how and why they bet, the ongoing pain points theyâre experiencing with payments and their thoughts on Responsible Gamingâweâll be taking a deep dive into the results of the survey in our two-part webinar series starting at 10:00 ET on January 14th, and we encourage all US-focused operators and regulators to join us.â
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