The challenges that the gambling industry in the United States faces are hardly limited to a few truculent lawmakers. It has now surfaced that Massachusetts is facing its very idiosyncratic gambling problems. The casino industry in the state, barely seen the light of day, is already posing a hazard to those involved.
MGM Seeks a Delectable Solution
Potentially poisonous beverages have made their way around casinos. Let’s start with the headlines. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been petitioned to allow MGM Resorts, a flagship player in the casino industry, to serve alcoholic drinks until 4 AM.
The MGC has responded by saying that it would seek the endorsement of the public prior to rendering a final verdict on the MGM’s petition. However, some have seen in MGM’s petition an attempt to encroach on the foods & beverage sector.
A claim that has been refuted by MGM food & beverage Vice President Anthony Caratozzolo who has argued that the casino is only seeking to cater to its own gamers and not try to solicit any third-parties into frequenting the place and making it their main point of purchasing treats. The bar, Mr Caratozzolo said, would be only for those who are actively gambling.
The Massachusetts’ Unsavory Casinos
Now, Massachusetts has been making the headlines with the Penn National Gaming’s Plainridge Park casino which surfaced as a propagator of unsavoury goodies. Two staff members have been arrested for attempting to poison other staff members by putting cleaning detergents in their soda. On top of that, the accused had been charged with assault and battery.
More specifically, the two staffers had complained about the taste of their drinks which prompted an investigation. Security footage later revealed that a pair of casino staff members has poured a yellow substance into the soda.
Massachusetts Just Starting Out
Massachusetts has one of the newest gambling industries. The casinos began operating at the turn of 2018 and further expansion is expected now that the 1992 PASPA act has been defeated in the US Supreme Court.
The let-up in regulations may allow more casinos to enter the state. But beyond the land-based ones, the majority of players is expecting online casinos as well. However, introducing online gaming in the States would require significant legwork, as there are no bodies that yet ordain the proper conduction of business when it comes to the online segment.
Admittedly, states such as New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware have attempted to introduce the online segment, but even their own counties are rather torn between outright endorsement and downright opposition.
The future of gambling – both online and offline – will be largely contingent upon avoiding any bad press in the months that follow. The opinion is that gambling will take root in the states, however, it ill need a strong push on all fronts.
The State of Illinois is shifting into a rather belligerent gear too, making a strong push across the board for sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports, and online gambling in equal measures.
