Harrah’s Philadelphia, a prominent casino, has been issued a penalty of $35,000 for permitting underaged individuals to gain access to their property and partake in betting activities. This contravenes state directives that categorically prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from setting foot on casino grounds, let alone engage in any form of gambling.
Carrying the Burden of Responsibility Despite No Explicit Wrongdoing
The indictment is linked back to an incident that occurred on March 19 of 2021. It is claimed that Harrah’s Philadelphia granted entrance to a trio of individuals below the legalized gambling age into their gaming area. The casino was unaware of this as the individuals deftly evaded all checks and controls by scaling a wall to enter the premises.
Regardless of the fact that Harrah’s Philadelphia was not complicit in this violation, the burden falls on the property to take pre-emptive measures to prevent such occurrences. Eventually, four culprits were apprehended, with two of them involved in bet placing activities on blackjack and slot machines before the transgression was detected and reported to the regulatory body by the casino.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) imposes a duty on every license holder to report violations immediately due to licensing agreements, under the threat of revoking the license if an attempt is made to conceal any wrongdoings. The penalty was meted out during a convention convened to discuss the potential for Harrah’s Philadelphia to reduce the quantity of their slot machines and table games. This isn’t the first instance of a penalty being levied at a casino even without it being directly culpable.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, several establishments within Pennsylvania and further afield are reassessing the ideal size for a gaming floor, recognizing potential benefits of downsizing specific areas to ensure optimal operation.
Harrah Aims to Bolster Its Sportsbook, Contemplates Removing Outdated Slots
Harrah’s Philadelphia is reflecting more on what is most attractive to patrons. The casino is contemplating scaling back on some of its aging slots and tables, proposing to remove 145, subject to PGCB approval. They are also requesting to eliminate five of their table games.
The PGCB and state administrations are predictably hesitant to endorse excessive scaling back due to potential revenue impacts. However, Zara Alayan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Philadelphia, has reassured that the freed-up space will be optimized and will lead to a more strategically positioned sportsbook. The PGCB has also been notably cautious in this sector, resulting in pursuit against individual licenses and instances of revokations.
