Casino Style Magazine 2021

HAVE A SEAT | ESPORTS & CASINOS | BUILDING EXCITEMENT | GAMING AND HOT SPRINGS CASINOStyle2021 Non-Gaming Amenities for Integrated Resorts • $10 A GGB publication The Next Generation IR Amenities Aweigh Resorts World Las Vegas breaks new ground on design The latest and greatest and technology non-gaming attractions Casinos After Covid How the pandemic has changed the way casinos are designed and operated Official Publication of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers

inspire.designed to architecture • interiors • planning www.sosharch.com

CASINOStyle2021 Ga GB publication CONTENTS 20 Cover Story COLUMN: A Whole New World 44 Purchasing The Great Comeback It’s grand, groundbreaking, and the first By Carl Long new integrated resort on the Strip in 10 years: Resorts World Las Vegas. The DEPARTMENTS: timing of the development, completed amid Covid-19 shutdowns, informed its 4 Publisher’s Letter technological strides and service protocols, and may be a guidepost for 6 Building Excitement future IRs. A roundup of the year’s most innovative By Roger Gros casino design projects FEATURES: Style Spotlight 38 HBG 16 Design After Covid 40 Bergman, Walls & Associates In the gaming industry, 2020 will be 40 Gary Platt Manufacturing remembered as a year of unique 42 Cuningham challenges—and often radical change. 42 PMI Here’s how the pandemic affected 43 SOSH Architects resort design. 43 TBE Architects By Dave Bontempo 46 Classic Hotels 26 Esports: The Next Big Thing? The Way It Was Esports—is it gaming? Is it Hot Springs History entertainment? Is it even sports? By Patrick Roberts The verdict is still out, but there’s no denying the appeal of esports for its passionate fans. By Bill Sokolic 30 New World of Non-Gaming Business as usual is history. The industry today faces all-new consumer expectations and economic realities, particularly in the non-gaming space. By Kit Szybala 34 Here’s Your Seat Before it was a buzzword, Gary Platt Manufacturing made a practice of sustainability. In the 21st century, the standard matters even more. By Marjorie Preston 2021 CASINO STYLE 3

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Silver Lining A GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PUBLICATION 2021 Roger Gros, Publisher Roger Gros, Publisher | [email protected] twitter: @GlobalGamingBiz When the world shut down in 2020, the Where once slots were jammed together and gaming industry was just one of many players seemingly sat on top of each other, Frank Legato, Editor | [email protected] to be severely impacted. As an in-per- there are now smaller carousels of three or twitter: @FranklySpeakn son entertainment option, casinos were hit hard four machines, with seating at least 90 degrees and long by the disaster that was the pandemic. away from the next gaming position. The Marjorie Preston, Managing Editor Revenue completely disappeared. Plans went up machines are larger and more spectacular, [email protected] in smoke. And no one knew how long, deep or with screens that seem to touch the ceilings. devastating the shutdown would be. Monica Cooley, Art Director Spots at blackjack and baccarat tables [email protected] Even when casinos began to slowly reopen, have largely been reduced, so a seven-spot many people hesitated to return, and rightfully table now has a maximum of five. The Terri Brady, Sales & Marketing Director so. The amount of information and misinfor- Plexiglas that went up as casinos reopened [email protected] mation was extraordinarily confusing. Some hasn’t completely disappeared, and still gives countries shut down completely and were hard- players a sense of security. Becky Kingman-Gros, Chief Operating Officer hit. Others stayed open and didn’t suffer any [email protected] worse. U.S. casinos started to come back in Are buffets a thing of the past? Not neces- three or four months, while Canadian and sarily. But guests handling service spoons or Lisa Johnson, Communications Advisor Australian casinos were shuttered for more than hovering over a salad bar may be gone. Most [email protected] 18 months. It’s understandable that people were casinos are now opting for food courts, with confused and remain skeptical about any future the same variety but at an increased cost. Are twitter: @LisaJohnsonPR predictions about the Covid bug. casino executives sorry to see the buffets dis- appear? Most believe these loss leaders will be Columnists But a few things we learned during the pan- changed forever. Carl Long demic have already been beneficial to gaming. You may think it’s an anomaly that the Contributing Editors Let’s start with online gaming and sports last two covers of Casino Style featured brand- Dave Bontempo twitter: @bontempomedia betting. Jurisdictions where remote betting was new Las Vegas resorts where the pools are Patrick Roberts | Bill Sokolic twitter: @downbeachfilm legal did not suffer as badly as those limited to front and center and spectacular. But you may bricks-and-mortar casinos. Tax money contin- be missing the boat. Pools and spas are grow- Kit Szybala ued to flow, albeit at a lower level, and didn’t ing in importance, and need to be a part of __________________ completely disappear in those states. States with any new project, no matter where it’s located. no legalized online gaming or sports betting will EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD now seriously consider these options, knowing And of course, the trend toward cashless Rino Armeni, President, Armeni Enterprises if another pandemic occurs, the revenue stream transactions accelerated during the pandemic. will not dry up completely. Who wants to handle money that just left • someone else’s hands, and changed hands Mark A. Birtha, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Communications with guests once was hit many times before that? Casino execs are or miss for most gaming companies. Yes, they encouraging the move to cashless. A recent Hard Rock International still send out direct mail. Yes, there’s an email study showed that it costs a casino $15 to • list that goes to their massive databases. But process every $100 of cash. But cashless trans- casino executives have learned that players need actions reduce that cost to less than a dollar. Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, President, Lifescapes International a more personal experience—more targeted and How soon will players adopt cashless? Let’s • familiar. They’re starting to consider programs ask the millennials, who rarely carry cash and that utilize artificial intelligence, which mines use their phones to make any and all transac- Nicholas Casiello Jr., Shareholder, Fox Rothschild individual customer data to learn players’ needs tions. • and desires—even if the players themselves don’t realize it yet. So yes, the pandemic was painful, to be Jeffrey Compton, Publisher, CDC E-Reports sure. But in the very near future, maybe that twitter: @CDCNewswire Casino design, as you’ll see from the feature pain will lead to pleasure, as the casino experi- • story in this magazine, has changed dramatically. ence becomes more efficient and transparent. Dean Macomber, President, Macomber International, Inc. • Stephen Martino, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International, twitter: @stephenmartino • Jim Rafferty, President, Rafferty & Associates • Thomas Reilly, Vice President Systems Sales, Scientific Games • Michael Soll, President, The Innovation Group • Katherine Spilde, Executive Director, Sycuan Gaming Institute, San Diego State University, twitter: @kspilde • Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association twitter: @NIGA1985 • Roy Student, President, Applied Management Strategies • David D. Waddell, Partner Regulatory Management Counselors PC Casino Connection International LLC. 1000 Nevada Way • Suite 204 • Boulder City, NV 89005 702-248-1565 • 702-248-1567 (fax) www.ggbmagazine.com The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. Copyright 2021 Global Gaming Business LLC. Boulder City, NV 89005 GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Casino Connection International, LLC. Printed in Nevada, USA. Postmaster: Send Change of Address forms to: 1000 Nevada Way, Suite 204, Boulder City, NV 89005 Official Publication 4 CASINO STYLE 2021

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Hot Springs, Arkansas DESIGNING EXPERIENCES THAT ARE T R A N S F O R M AT I V E

BUILDING Winners’ Circle and pattern to create a sense of movement around the floor. The subtle eques- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort • Hot Springs, Arkansas trian theme continues in the sophisticated guest rooms and suites, for an aligned guest experience from end to end. The racetrack name may be as revered as the resort city it occupies: Oak- lawn Racing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In 1904, Oaklawn opened as a The use of glass fosters indoor/outdoor connection. To reinforce racing as 1,500-seat grandstand, hosting high-stakes thoroughbred races. In the past the main attraction, the new hotel and amenity structures wrap around the track. 100-plus years, it has become the No. 1 tourist attraction in the state, and is now known as Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. All design references in the expansion subtly hint at the rich horse racing her- itage at Oaklawn, using abstract design themes as the catalyst for discovery. As In 2009, HBG Design was instrumental in the addition of a casino to the Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith noted at the opening of the newly ex- jockey club, and then oversaw a casino expansion and renovation in 2015. panded space, “You’ll find throughout the whole facility that racing is in some Most recently, Oaklawn turned to HBG to lead the architecture and interior way, shape or form involved in the design. What we want people to recognize is design for the newest large-scale racing and gaming resort expansion. we are a racetrack first, and then we are a hotel and casino next.” It includes an eight-story, 198-room hotel with thrilling views of the horse Smith said Oaklawn offers guests a “new level of luxury“ in the historic re- track, a 15,000-square-foot event center, an expanded gaming floor and new sort city. high-limit area, a world-class spa and pool, and multiple upscale food and bever- age venues including a food court, the First Turn Bar and the Bugler restaurant. OWNERS: The Cella Family ARCHITECTURAL & INTERIOR DESIGN: HBG Design The Cella family, owners and operators of Oaklawn for generations, TOTAL INVESTMENT: $100 million-plus looked for a design that emphasized the resort’s roots in racing. HBG’s “tai- OPENED: April 2021 lored equestrian” concept more than fulfills that vision. The expansion took many design cues from Hot Springs’ heyday as America’s First Spa Resort, renowned for its thermal springs and iconic Victorian bathhouses. Designers followed the strong horizontal silhouettes of the original grand- stand to inform much of the aesthetic, introducing linear, interlocking vol- umes and building shapes to tie the elements together aesthetically. A new video wall builds anticipation as guests arrive. Visual notes in the building’s architecture bring to mind thoroughbreds galloping to the finish line, adding a sense of movement to the iconic hotel mass. Color and texture add visual interest, with metal panels in shades of red, orange, tan and blue-gray contrasting with a lighter-hued stone base and columns to continue the contemporary aesthetic. Corrugated materials on the exterior recall the grooves left on the racetrack turf after it is smoothed by chain harrows. Bold architectural gestures highlight the two-story lobby and soaring pre- function space. The grand staircase and escalators are striking features of the tall entry lobby, and lead patrons to the new food court, main gaming floor and hotel guest rooms. The lobby combines a refined modern aesthetic with historical undercur- rents, using a restrained gray-blue, navy and tan color palette, natural wood- plank ceiling, traditional patterned tile, marble finishes, and a breathtaking circular gold metallic chandelier. The theme continues underfoot, in the carpet pattern, with overlapping planes that bring to mind galloping horses. They work together with lighting 6 CASINO STYLE 2021

Creek Rising CLIENT: Tulalip Tribes of Washington ARCHITECT: TBE Architects (Thalden Boyd Emery) Quil Ceda Creek Casino • Tulalip, Washington CONTRACTOR: Andersen Construction OWNERS’ REPRESENTATIVE: Eric Guion & Associates, LLC Over the last year, in the midst of a global pandemic, TBE Ar- OPENED: February 2021 chitects was able to complete and open a number of beauti- ful new projects. Among them was the Family FunPlex 2021 CASINO STYLE 7 expansion at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, Oregon, owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reser- vation. That project was followed by the brand-new We-Ko-Pa Casino, near Phoenix, Arizona, developed for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. TBE’s most recent project is the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino, located in Tulalip, Washington, which marked its grand opening in February 2021. This completely new casino sits on 15 acres, adjacent to the former Quil Ceda Creek Casino. It in- cludes a 126,000-square-foot casino with a six-level parking structure designed to accommodate 1,000 vehicles. There is room to grow, as a new hotel tower is planned as part of a future phase. This property more than doubles the size of the casino it re- placed, and offers guests many new amenities. They include a live entertainment venue called The Stage, along with more F&B variety, including the Keg Bar, the Landing and the Kitchen. The Landing is a full-service dining venue that features clas- sic favorites. Its setting pays tribute to the heritage of the Tulalip Tribes and their connection to the water, utilizing decorative canoe paddles and design elements that are reminiscent of water in motion. But what really sets this casino property apart is The Kitchen, a new food-hall dining experience. The Kitchen features a variety of fresh items that are made-to-order in a “green kitchen,” utiliz- ing windspeed and induction-cooking technologies. The food-hall concept allows guests to order from a variety of food stations. Selections are recorded on a single card as they go, and guests pay a single bill for all orders when they are fin- ished, as opposed to the “food court” model, in which patrons pay at each and every station or restaurant they visit. Since 1971, TBE Architects has specialized in architectural and interior de- sign for the hotel, casino and resort industries. Its clients include national brands such as Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs and Marriott, along with 116 Native American tribes and First Nations.

First and Foremost Betfred Sportsbook, Paragon Casino Resort • Marksville, Louisiana Caesars Entertainment opened two sportsbooks at Harrah’s New Orleans “Our partnership with Betfred Sports marks a new chapter for Paragon, and the Horseshoe in Bossier City, Louisiana in late October with much which has always been a source of pride for Marksville and the people of fanfare, and deservedly so. The legalization of sports betting in the state was an Louisiana,” Paragon General Manager Marshall Sampson, Sr., said. “With this arduous and difficult process. new partnership, I hope visitors from across the region will have the chance to experience it for themselves. Together, we are offering a first-class sports betting But Caesars wasn’t the first sportsbook to open in Louisiana. That honor platform and venue that will make Paragon Casino Resort the place to bet and went to the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville when the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe watch games in Louisiana.” partnered with Betfred Sports and R2Architects + R2Interiors to create the sportsbook at The Draft Room inside the casino almost a full month before The Paragon sportsbook is the fourth U.S. sportsbook for the British-based any other sportsbook in the state opened. Betfred. R2 Architects was retained to provide architectural, interior design, and “Louisiana is an exciting opportunity for Betfred Sports to continue its ex- planning services for this project. pansion in the U.S. after successful launches in Iowa, Colorado and Pennsylva- nia,” said Mark Stebbings, Betfred Group chief operating officer. “We look “We were the first tribe in Louisiana to put a casino up,” says Paragon forward to utilizing our 50 years of bookmaking experience with our fantastic Board Member James Craig III. “Now we’re the first tribe in Louisiana and partner, Paragon Casino Resort, to bring the best sports betting experience to also across the board to have sports betting here in Louisiana. Everyone else is bettors in the state.” enjoying it everywhere else in Vegas and other states, but here in Louisiana, now we can enjoy it.” The sportsbook is powered by Scientific Games’ OpenBet platform featur- ing custom betting counters and self-service kiosks. The sportsbook features over 120 big-screen TVs and 200 seats including recliners, VIP sections, and slot machines. Betfred Sports will operate a tradi- LOCATION: Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville, Louisiana tional sportsbook in the Draft Room—Paragon's newest amenity—comprised OWNER: Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana of traditional theater seating, a custom video wall, betting counters and kiosks. DESIGNER: R2Architects + R2Interiors The Draft Room’s restaurant and bar offers fan favorite foods, cold draft beers, OPERATOR: Betfred Sports and multiple seating options sure to please any sports fan. Online sports betting will be available as well at a later date. “All I want to ask you is who we’re betting on,” laughed Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Nungesser placed the next wager. He and other elected officials are looking forward to the tax revenue this billion-dollar industry can generate for state ed- ucation. “I think it’s the shot in the arm, no pun intended, that we need coming out of Covid,” says Nungesser. “We’ve been thinking outside of the box of things that we can do to draw attention to Louisiana because we’re competing against every state for those tourism dollars.” 8 CASINO STYLE 2021

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | Fort McDowell, AZ We can help you STAND OUT! Any firm can design. Wildhorse Resort & Casino | Pendleton, OR Quil Ceda Creek Casino | Tulalip, WA Designing Hotels | Casinos | Resorts Since 1971 [email protected] TBEarchitects.com

Diamonds Are Forever Diamond VIP Lounge and High-Limit Room Desert Diamond West Valley Casino • Glendale, Arizona The new Diamond VIP Lounge at Desert Diamond West Valley Casino in casino floor, and VIP and public spaces, and will inform future phases of the re- Glendale, Arizona was meant to dazzle—literally. sort’s development, which tentatively include a hotel, spa and convention center. Diamonds are meaningful symbols in the culture of the Tohono O’odham Nation, which owns and operates the gaming property. Inspired by the bril- The VIP lounge is the culmination of a multimillion-dollar resort plan that liance of the stones, the team at HBG Design introduced ambient lighting to was first announced by the Tohono O’odham in 2009. After multiple legal chal- illuminate the new lounge and new high-limit room. lenges, the resort’s first phase was completed in 2015, with the larger project launched in December 2017. According to local media, construction workers Heightened by diamond-like patterns, the light refracts on gleaming up- spent more than 1 million hours building the $400 million facility. scale finishes throughout the space, including marble and decorative glass tiles, vibrant pendant lighting, fractal-patterned screening and carpeting, and jewel- Dr. Ned Norris, Jr., chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said the proj- toned fabrics. ects are “creating a brighter future for the Tohono O’odham, the West Valley and Arizona… We will continue working with our partners to create even greater op- Together, the elements create a truly luminous environment, grounded by a portunity for us all.” sophisticated desert-toned palette that calls to mind the sculptural features of the earth. The high-limit area, adjacent to the lounge, continues the jewel-in- With the design aesthetic developed by HBG Design team, the elegant space spired design scheme. will continue to attract visitors to Desert Diamond West Valley—and to dazzle them all. The aesthetic of the property derives from a concept called “The Dynamic Earth,” inspired by the vibrance and energy of the desert landscape. It is echoed OWNER: The Tohono O’odham Nation in unique design interpretations in multiple food-and-beverage venues, the DESIGNER: HBG Design 10 CASINO STYLE 2021

Designed to Dine, Play & Stay New Vegas Dining Options In what is (optimistically) a post-pandemic world, In 2011, late BWA co-founder and chairman Joel Bergman told Global resort customers are more eager than ever to dine Gaming Business, “We no longer call ourselves gaming architects. All along, out, hang out, and be entertained. we’ve really been in the entertainment business.” His words ring especially true today, as the gaming and entertainment industries continue their comeback. Based on activity along the Las Vegas Strip and at other gaming and entertainment complexes nation- BWA Principal-in-Charge John Hinton could not agree more. “The pause wide, that enthusiasm is especially evident in the caused by the pandemic provided the opportunity to reassess future facility wealth of new restaurants and entertainment venues plans and priorities, and of course, to plan to wow customers when they re- coming online. turned. No longer is food a secondary experience at “BWA is pleased we’ve been able to help our clients deliver on special spaces casino resorts, nor is menu the sole deciding factor. that make patrons excited about going out again, and which symbolize that din- Restaurant design is an increasingly important factor ing and entertainment are back and better than ever.” in attracting patrons and getting them to play, stay and return to do it all again. Additionally, entertainment options that draw in new and diverse guests beyond the game have be- come essential for properties as they assess ways to re- main relevant and financially successful. Bergman Walls & Associates (BWA) has played a critical role in many of these new dining and enter- tainment options. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace (with designer Tetsuo Aoyagi) features deluxe food stations and sleek finishes that are anything but old-school or cafeteria-style. USA Today has called it “one of Las Vegas’ best buffets.” The new Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio (created with the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio) oozes old-school glamour and sophistication in a des- tination where patrons can dine and be seen. And new food courts at TI (Treasure Island) and Circus Circus elevate fast-casual with dining spaces that encourage patrons to linger beyond the grab- and-go. In record numbers, sports fans are heading to sportsbooks to watch and bet on their favorite teams. Two BWA projects, The Book and RE:MATCH sports betting lounges are anything but your dad’s sports bar. They bring new types and generations of customers for camaraderie over a shared love of sports, with stylized betting kiosks, large-screen TVs, virtual reality and interactive gaming, as well as food and drink service. In addition to state-of-the-art sports betting options, The Book, Caesars En- tertainment’s sports lounge at the LINQ Las Vegas, offers non-gaming enter- tainment like a wall of self-serve beer taps, a fast-casual food truck, fan caves and various seating configurations. The family-friendly attraction FlyOver Las Vegas features pre-show areas that set the stage for immersing patrons into the multi-sensory journey ready to unfold before them. FlyOver’s BWA-designed Lost Cactus bar and lounge cap- tures the spirit of the Western U.S. that is central to the experience. 2021 CASINO STYLE 11

Rocking in the Heartland PHOTO CREDIT: © JEFFREY TOTARO, 2021 Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana • Gary, Indiana Crystal Visions Music royalty came out in force last May to mark the grand opening of the Crystal Lobby Attraction • Galaxy Macau new Hard Rock Northern Indiana, owned by Spectacle Entertainment and operated by Hard Rock International. Visitors to Galaxy Macau will likely stop in their tracks on entering the resort lobby. Invariably, all eyes are drawn to the centerpiece of the Members of the legendary Jackson 5 were on hand for the traditional guitar- space, a resplendent new Crystal Lobby Attraction, created by experiential smashing ceremony, after which the doors opened to an all-new state-of-the-art design leader the Hettema Group. entertainment center. Crafted of 360,000 pieces of Bohemian crystal, the animated, kinetic Located in Gary, Indiana, near the South Shore of Lake Michigan, Hard Rock structure features 32 dancing fountains, eight leaping water jets, a vast mov- brings world-class gaming to the Hoosier State, and the first land-based casino to ing ceiling of 24 overlapping crystal-clad petals, and 12 rotating crystal Indiana’s northwest gaming corridor. SOSH Architects, the architect of record and chandeliers, all synchronized to original music. exterior design lead, collaborated with interior designers the Friedmutter Group on a vision for the property, which serves up Hard Rock style at every turn. Galaxy Macau demanded an attraction of this magnitude. The palatial resort, steps from Old Taipa Village on the Cotai Strip, spans 5.9 million Spanning 215,000 square feet, the new property offers a gaming floor with square feet. It is known for luxurious, sometimes over-the-top appoint- 1,600 slot machines and 80 table games. Its five restaurant offerings include the ments, including a Grand Resort Deck with the world’s largest Sky Wave upscale Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, and the signature Hard Rock Café. The Pool, as well as Skytop Adventure Rapids and a white-sand beach. complex also features a Hard Rock-branded retail shop and a 2,000-seat cutting- edge entertainment venue, Hard Rock LIVE. To create the attraction, the California-based Hettema Group used 360,000 pieces of crystal with 720,000 fixing pins, all of which were applied The fun begins at the entryway, where visitors are welcomed by a 37-foot-tall by hand. It took approximately 12,500 hours (about 520 days) to affix the guitar sign, modeled on an instrument owned by Jackson family patriarch Joe individual pieces to the main attraction. The effect is unexpected, stunning, Jackson. Inside, they’re greeted by a spectacular guitar chandelier and some 170 and simply breathtaking. The spectacular attraction is bound to be one of pieces of music memorabilia showcased throughout the casino. Gary natives the the most photographed and shared features of this five-star resort. Jacksons are well represented; guests can view Michael Jackson’s iconic glove and his red leather jacket from the “Beat It” video. Mementoes from other Indiana OPERATOR: Galaxy Entertainment Group artists, including John Mellencamp and Axl Rose, are also on display. DESIGNER: The Hettema Group DEBUTED: December 2021 “Music is inherent in the brand,” said Jeff Clayton, director of entertainment at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, at the grand opening. “The intention is to serve all genres, all types of fans. ‘All Is One’ is part of our motto, and we plan to be very diverse in that context.” Groundbreaking on the property took place in January 2020, and construc- tion continued throughout the pandemic. The site leaves room for future growth, including a hotel and parking garage. Greg Gibson, vice president of Spectacle Entertainment, hailed the facility as “a product of much hard work and those who believed the city of Gary was des- tined for greater things.” OWNER: Spectacle Entertainment OPERATOR: Hard Rock International ARCHITECT OF RECORD, EXTERIOR DESIGN: SOSH Architects INTERIOR DESIGN: Friedmutter Group CONTRACTOR: TN Ward INVESTMENT: $300 million 12 CASINO STYLE 2021

Spokane Tribe Development, AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA CUNINGHAM.COM A Return to Play Architecture Interior Design Urban Design Landscape Architecture DENVER LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES MINNEAPOLIS PHOENIX SAN DIEGO DOHA

Local Legend Many of the finer details of the restaurants, sports bar and other amenities also benefit from intricate woodwork by Quebec, Canada-based Beaubois. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Beaubois woodwork can be seen throughout the signature steakhouse, the Luk Fu Asian restaurant, the distinctive sports bar, and more. The first two new casino properties in Pennsylvania to open amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic are owned by Baltimore-based Cordish Companies. “This includes an extensive range of craftsmanship and materials, from The first was a satellite casino, Live! Pittsburgh, in the Westmoreland Mall in marble countertops in the restaurants and gold-plated Chinese characters inte- Western Pennsylvania. The second, which opened February 11, is the Cordish grated into custom furniture,” Beaubois stated in its project description, “to a flagship in the state, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. remarkable oval-shaped rustic larch bar and leather booths in both restaurants and the back-of-house... In the bars and back-bars, copper, glass and brass ac- Many of the basic design and amenity offerings of the new hotel-casino fol- cents create a dramatic look and feature a range of custom finishes and colors.” low the lead of Cordish’s Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, opened seven years earlier. That includes elements like the R Bar, a sports-oriented electronic table Most dining areas showcase high ceilings with rustic larch beams, which game area, and the Sports & Social brand of sports bar. Beaubois developed in collaboration with engineers to guarantee their struc- tural stability. Other ceilings brought together by Beaubois feature decorative However, Live! Philadelphia is a totally unique project, thanks in large part black steel beams and an acrylic cloudscape. to its dedication to the local market—and more specifically, to Philly sports. The casino is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Stadium District, where the arenas The project incorporated an extensive array of materials, finishes, colors, and stadiums of all the city’s professional sports teams are located within a few and techniques. blocks of each other. OWNER: The Cordish Companies The new casino-hotel reflects this, with references to the city’s sports teams ARCHITECT: BLT Architects throughout, including the Sports & Social brand wrapped around the Cordish WOODWORK: Beaubois FanDuel Sportsbook concept—sports wagering in a best-in-class sports bar, fea- GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Gilbane Building Company turing a 500-foot-long LED screen and different styles of entertainment. There’s PROJECT COST: $700 million even a large foosball table. INTERIOR DESIGN: Klai Juba Architects, Jeffrey Beers International and Hirsch Bedner Associates But Philadelphia-based BLT Architects went beyond the sports connection to reflect the city in every aspect, from the casino entrance that replicates Robert Indiana’s famous “LOVE” sculpture at the Love Park plaza in downtown Philadelphia to killer views of the city from state-of-the-art hotel rooms. The 510,000-square-foot Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia includes a 100,000-square-foot-plus casino featuring 2,200 slot positions, including 74 electronic table games. There are 121 table games with plans to expand to 150, a dedicated 29-table poker room, a six-room Event Center that includes 15,000 square feet of customizable meeting/entertainment event space, and a variety of food and beverage options that include a number of local favorites. BLT Architects created a high-energy casino floor, featuring an undulating metal panel ribbon that wraps the casino and garage facades and a metal and glass hotel tower. “The building design is intended to reflect the high energy of the amenities within, provide a strong presence when viewed from the adjacent highways, and present dynamic architectural forms that complement the adja- cent large-scale stadiums and arena,” according to the firm’s project description. 14 CASINO STYLE 2021

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Post-Pandemic Design For some casino architects and designers, the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in permanent changes BY DAVE BONTEMPO As Covid-19 reaches the rearview mirror of gaming operators, its fu- cations have hit this area, the reason people gamble has not, according to ture impact fits two distinct areas. Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED Green Associate, who also is a principal and de- Some properties have resumed pre-pandemic operations with a sign director at HBG. “The pandemic may have redefined the way we few tweaks. Others consider the post-pandemic world a permanent think about spaces—especially communal spaces,” Peak says, “but the rea- change for casino design. Casinos will incorporate safety-first measures and try son why guests come together to share experiences hasn’t changed. striking a balance between safety, comfort, player cultivation and bottom-line innovations. “The essence of these interactive entertainment spaces hasn’t been lost. Casino resort amenities and especially the casino floor thrive on big As casinos emerge from the pandemic, and resume investing in their oper- spaces teeming with lots of energy and people, and they always will.” ations, the design industry’s biggest players guide them forward, armed with the knowledge of which camp each property fits in. Applying thoughtful, flexible design sensibilities to communal gaming spaces and amenities is more critical than ever before, as these spaces must Making Lemons from Lemonade now be able to easily transform and handle fluid situations, he indicates. Covid produced new realities, which breeds new opportunities in the eyes of “The key,” says Peak, “is reimagining what flexibility looks like. Before HBG Design, a powerful group that has helped its clients get out in front of Covid, flexibility may have meant stackable furniture or retractable event the pandemic. space seating, but the word flexibility has been redefined because of the pandemic. Today, we look at flexibility as shaping spaces that are malleable “If there is such a thing as good news about ‘design after Covid,’ it’s the and can adjust to a host of layout options suitable for individual privacy, emphasis on flexibility and reinvention. Those two words have been a steady groups, and social interaction. part of the gaming vernacular practically since its inception,” says Dike Bacon, principal at HBG Design. “Ultimately, it’s about designing flexible spaces that cater to flexible needs. The ideas of physical space and user experience are more connected “You have to keep your property fresh and in-step with trends in consumer than ever before, as people may still feel wary of sitting close to others, yet behaviors, and while it may sound strange to think of ‘design after Covid’ as don’t want to be in isolation.” an opportunity, it represents one of the biggest shifts in consumer behaviors we’ve seen, possibly ever.” The idea of adaptable and flexible public spaces can be seen through- out HBG Design’s recently completed Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in HBG Design works with operators to re-think and re-invent communal historic Hot Springs, Arkansas. Across the property one sees influence of spaces in their properties—from F&B to guest rooms, entertainment venues “design after Covid,” Peak asserts, noting its soaring hotel lobby space de- and, of course, the casino floor, he indicates. “These spaces will continue to signed with a number of different interaction zones that easily shift from play a vital role in connecting people; the design simply has to adapt and flex quiet personal spaces to socialization hubs for groups to gather before to support all of humanity’s newly redefined needs,” Bacon asserts. heading to the casino floor. Gaming-floor space provides another creative outlet. Although new ramifi- Flexible FF&E accompanies thoughtfully considered layouts that can 16 CASINO STYLE 2021

Tachi Palace Casino/Cuningham be easily changed and reconfigured depending on the needs of operators and terior Design Group. “Many of our clients in the branded hospitality space, as their guests. well as in gaming, have told us they are looking at 30–32-week lead items for most of their FF&E and lighting. That makes a big impact on accommodat- “In the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort lobby, we’ve used bold architec- ing anticipated construction and installation schedules.” tural gestures like the grand staircase and escalators which create dramatic structural elements and strong visual presence that directs casino guests to the One way HBG Design is working around the supply chain situation is by main gaming floor, new food court and the hotel guest rooms on the second using more regional manufacturers who employ skilled tradesmen who build level,” Peak indicates. “Every space needs a moment that pulls you in, and case goods and millwork in a shop, versus working onsite. This not only keeps these central elements draw you in, create interest and also provide a sense of the level of quality high, but also increases efficiency. openness in the space that puts guests in the right frame of mind—that they’ve entered not only a beautiful, glamorous entertainment space, but a “We’re very supportive of this type of FF&E delivery because the crafts- safe space to enjoy.” manship is excellent and there is so much less waste as a result,” adds Marshall. “Like Dike said, if there can be any sort of ‘good’ outcome of the pandemic, The pandemic has also seriously affected regional material sourcing, it’s that our eyes have been opened to looking at everything from design to de- which plays a vital role in the architecture, engineering and construction livery through a different lens, while reimagining the way spaces are used, de- (AEC) industry. signed, and furnished. And that, in the long run, will be better for everyone.” Bacon says a new sensibility about sourcing materials from regional mak- Flexibility is Key ers and manufacturers has come out of the pandemic. “As designers seek to achieve an aesthetic that is of the area and create experiential moments, local The global pandemic touched Cuningham’s clients in varied ways, causing the and regional materials play a vital role in expressing that authenticity. company to “adjust and meet them where they need us most,” says Brett Ewing, principal and executive director of play at Cuningham. “For our proj- “Where the pandemic comes into play is in the material shortages, higher ects that were in design during the Covid shutdown in 2020, we worked with costs, and longer lead times the entire AEC industry is experiencing today,” he the managers and operators in real time to pivot their design solutions. adds. “Covid created significant manufacturing shutdowns, especially over- seas, leading to material shortages and often complete lack of availability, “Our technology tools enabled us to maintain their schedules and meet higher tariffs from international manufacturers shipping domestically and our clients’ goals to deliver their projects. Working closely with the operators, transportation concerns. As an alternative, carefully sourced regional options we increased the physical spacing between the games with aesthetic solutions, can not only circumvent such transportation and tariff issues, but they can avoiding the use of ‘Plexiglass everywhere.’ also promote greater connection to place in meaningful ways.” “Some of our operators see the spread-out games as a permanent layout The effects of Covid extend to another area, the disrupted supply chains. for the future, but we always design for flexibility in the future.” “Supply chain issues will probably go on for another year or so,” says Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ, principal and director of HBG Design’s In- Ewing indicates that the pandemic caused everyone to approach life in dif- ferent ways, including the manner in which people interact with spaces. Cun- 2021 CASINO STYLE 17

High Limits area at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort/HBG Design ingham has woven this into its projects. says. There, Cuningham is working on a 24,000-square-foot “A great example of this is our recent work with the Tachi-Yokut Tribe in expansion and remodel of the existing resort at an estimated $90 million investment. The overall design goal is to modern- Lemoore, California,” he says. “They immediately implemented spacing ize the entire gaming floor and give the property a fresh look. changes to their slot floor, which we incorporated into our remodel and ex- After completion, it will include an expansive sports bar with pansion design. The customers responded positively to the extra open space the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor dining options, an and dispelled some of the rules of thumb in gaming psychology. expanded food market, and a new high-limit room. “The other fascinating move they made was to go non-smoking and re- The layout will feature a more open plan, and symmetrical moving all alcohol from the casino. Their revenue actually increased after space with a new sculptural porte-cochère that provides a sense these changes, which again went against the norm. These results told them of entry. The renovations also enhance improvements necessi- that the customers want to be in a safe environment and want to ‘be together,’ tated by the pandemic, including new HVAC and air purifica- which was also a reflection of the pent-up demand for entertainment and hav- tion systems, contactless technology, sanitizing stations, and to ing fun.” continue with additional space between gaming machines and tables. The buffet space has been replaced with a high-limit The Tachi Palace Casino also is embracing the post-pandemic world, he room and a grab-and-go market. Ewing considers the company’s work with the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in Funner, California, at the Harrah’s Southern California Resort, another example of moving for- ward post-pandemic. The property is replacing the buffet with a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. “The buffet closed permanently at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, when all California buffet restau- rants were forced to close under Covid safety measures,” he says. “We are seeing most buffets being repurposed, which pro- vides great opportunities for these spaces. The estimated 11,000-square-foot renovation will feature three areas for guests to experience multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. At 332 seats, it’s the largest version of Ramsay’s concept restaurant to date and will include an elevated bar, full-service restaurant, and elegant lounge. Custom design features include a towering wine wall featuring exceptional vintages.” Ewing indicates that new technologies allow Cuningham to change how it approaches recreational space design in the reality. However, it can be cumber- some to operators who have outdated spaces that were not designed to allow for adaptations and movement. The way designers approach projects should incorpo- rate the flexibility needed for life today, he adds. Normal Returns Quickly SOSH Architects experienced the other side of the equation. Many of its clients adapted quickly and didn’t make huge design changes to accommodate Covid re- strictions. They quickly returned to pre-Covid layouts, keeping a few elements that they enjoyed during the height of the pandemic. 18 CASINO STYLE 2021

Lobby area at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort/HBG Design “The initial impact of the shutdown was very cumbersome, having to “We see them returning to a ‘new normal’ that is similar to what was quickly resolve spacing limitations by removing seats and equipment, and previously considered normal,” Sochocky says. “More properties are incor- adding dividers where needed,” says Arley Sochocky, the interior design porating outdoor spaces for dining, lounges and gaming, because people en- studio manager for SOSH Architects. “Fortunately, this is no longer the re- joyed having that experience when it was their only option, not necessarily ality. We see operators moving past this and wanting to create something because it is still a requirement.” similar to what was in place before, but still new and exciting for their clientele. The immediate need to shift gears and accommodate social dis- The pandemic turned many businesses in various industries upside tancing, and other indoor dining and entertainment restrictions, has eased down, he adds. Those who remain successful were those who knew how to up tremendously since 2020.” quickly adapt and remain flexible as guidelines and restrictions evolved over the course of the last two years. Sochocky says SOSH clients were able to make the necessary adjust- ments during the initial shutdown and slowly resume to their previous “A new casino property in Indiana was under construction during the floor layouts in recent months. They have used it as an opportunity to re- pandemic and opened in spring of 2021,” Sochocky indicates. “The client fresh their properties for returning guests, while keeping flexibility to re- and our design team planned for the eventual return to ‘normal.’ Collabo- move or space out seating as an option if they need to adapt again in the rating with the client and design team allowed us to develop creative solu- future. tions for flexible use of spaces. Many clients have also expanded their restaurants to include outdoor “For example, an entertainment venue which couldn’t be used at the dining and lounge areas. Sochocky says casino floors are returning to their time of the grand opening because of indoor restrictions was instead used to pre-pandemic layout. They remain fluid and flexible to adapt as needed. house extra seating and gaming equipment which was removed to allow for The company now sees its clients making the most from their properties, extra space on the casino floor. Foresight and flexibility were key factors in such as expanding and better utilizing outdoor spaces and redesigning rest- our design planning for this project, and we expect those to continue to be rooms to have fewer touchpoints (touchless sinks, soap dispensers, hand important factors in all hospitality design projects moving forward.” dryers, etc.). Across the industry, casinos slowly accept the need to compete again, None of the changes made in response to Covid at SOSH’s client not merely survive. The Covid converts, operators who form a seamless properties were permanent, Sochocky indicates. transition from the pandemic into the next look of their property, will gain a step up. 2021 CASINO STYLE 19

The Future of Integrated Resorts Resorts World Las Vegas makes a serious statement on the Strip By Roger Gros The private gaming salon, Starlight on 66 Sky Gaming 20 CASINO STYLE 2021

The official groundbreaking for Resorts World Las Vegas took place almost seven years ago with KT Lim and his son, along with two Nevada governors Ten years in the making, Resorts World Las estate developers who has ever set foot in Las Vegas, and has ever designed Vegas had the luxury of responding to an integrated resort,” says Steelman. “If you know his style, he loves master- trends that emerged during that decade. planning. The property was formerly home of the Stardust, an iconic casino of old Las Vegas. It was owned at the “Consequently, what we did was shrink the overall footprint of the Ech- end by Boyd Gaming, which wanted to take what it elon podium to allow for about 40 acres—that’s twice as large as the learned building the Borgata in Atlantic City and Fontainebleau site, and could in fact be master-planned for future growth. translate it to the Strip. Boyd’s planned Echelon resort Expansion opportunities sit on every side of the property—on the north, to- would capitalize on all the progress made in gaming wards Circus Circus; on the east, towards the Convention Center and Las since the Borgata opened in 2003. It would be state- Vegas Boulevard; on the south, for a series of pools and all sorts of unusual of-the-art, with all the non-gaming amenities that had begun to activities; and on the west, where it can be convention, meetings or any of rule in destination resorts. those sorts of activities.” Then the recession hit, and Boyd’s well-laid plans were scuttled. Con- The first design iterations were heavily Chinese-themed. Plans were an- struction on Echelon was halted after a parking garage and a podium had nounced for a “Great Wall” at the entrance, with a contemporary interior been developed. And there it languished for several years. Along came Genting Berhard. The Malaysian gaming conglomerate, con- trolled by the Lim family, had financed construction of Foxwoods in Con- necticut and the Seneca casinos in upstate New York, and wanted a greater U.S. presence. Genting needed a Strip presence for its Resorts World brand. And what better place to plant a flag than the former Stardust site? Genting hired noted architectural firm Steelman Partners, headed by Paul Steelman, to incorporate what Boyd had already done into a master plan for development. “(Genting Chairman) KT Lim is probably one of the most ingenious real- The casino at Resorts World Las Vegas will accept cashless transactions at all machines and tables 2021 CASINO STYLE 21

The Ayu Dayclub features resident DJs Zedd and Tiesto Just some of the nine pools offered by Resorts World “I absolutely encourage guests to PHOTO BY MEGAN BLAIR walk the property and experience all it has to offer. There’s so much to see at the resort that it’s almost difficult to take everything in during one quick visit.” —Scott Sibella, President and CEO, Resorts World Las Vegas that reflected modern China. The plan even included a panda pavilion. But vanced property in the city,” he says. “The Genting team has brought interna- that plan eventually went away. tional perspective and family-owned culture to Las Vegas, giving guests a truly integrated resort experience, and adding a totally new dynamic to the city. We “Around the beginning of 2019, it was decided to even deemphasize the feel we add something fresh and exciting to the overall Las Vegas experience.” modern Asian interiors except in a few spots, such as the Genting Palace restaurant and bar,” Steelman says. “But we just felt the modern approach was Over that period, there were many design changes, including in retail and the best.” food and beverage. Decade of Change “We’re pretty confident in that architectural design direction today,” Steel- man says. “That led us to create The District, a very tall, large daylit shopping As the first new resort on the Las Vegas Strip in 10 years, Genting understood center. The whole idea was to have a neutral palette to allow tenants to express that it had to create something spectacular. their own architecture, within a reasonable sort of way. One thing that sur- vived our Chinese scheme was the digital sphere, a very unique looking-glass “I don’t want to say ‘raising the bar,’ because it was creating a different ball. Is it a fountain, with a looking glass?” bar,” Steelman says. “So we tried to create something different. We wanted to be sure the casino was energized. It’s wider. It’s brighter. I get a lot of com- The District has been a big success since Resorts World’s opening in June ments. People say to me, ‘Paul, you’ve made a lot of (other properties) look 2021, says Sibella. pretty old on the Strip as we walk through this place.’” “While it’s hard to measure which area of the property is the most popu- Everything coalesced in 2019, when Scott Sibella was appointed president lar, we’re seeing a lot of success in The District, our shopping, retail and enter- and CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas. tainment promenade,” he says. “The District is home to many of our popular retail stores, including Fred Segal, Pepper, Sneaker Garden, Twila True and “I’ve worked on a lot of projects in my life, and this was a nine-year, two- more. Hotel guests and visitors alike are loving the retail options and the vari- month adventure for me,” Steelman says. “Mirage was only four years. So ety of places they can shop. think about it—it was twice as long. Scott came in two and a half years prior to opening, and he managed to pull it together.” “Also within the same area are a few of the resort’s signature restaurants, such as our Mexican restaurant, VIVA by Ray Garcia; Fuhu, an Asian vibe- For Sibella, the long time span in designing the property became a positive. dining restaurant from our partners at Zouk Group; Brezza, serving coastal- “Being the first resort to be built on the Strip in more than a decade, we Italian fare from local chef Nicole Brisson; and more. The District houses had a natural advantage to become the most modern, technologically ad- 22 CASINO STYLE 2021

Zouk Nightclub, which has been a major success could organize everything a lot better than in the old days, where we were since its opening, and Ayu Dayclub, our poolside curving the casino. So we feel that’s a planning advantage of Resorts World. daylife venue.” It’s a very organized orientation that people feel comfortable in. And people look good in it—that’s a big thing, that people look good in the building.” Wayfinding Even without a destination in mind, Resorts World is designed to amaze Resorts World Las Vegas is a big property. With and amuse guests at every turn. more than 3,500 rooms, a 117,000-square-foot casino and dozens of restaurants, shops and clubs, the $4.3 billion facility is mas- “I absolutely encourage guests to walk the property and experience all it sive. Often, it’s difficult to navigate a property of that size. But not so with Resorts has to offer,” says Sibella. “There’s so much to see that it’s almost difficult to World, according to Sibella. take everything in during one quick visit. I think the sheer size and how stun- ning the resort alone is; it’s impressive—with such a wide selection of offerings “Although the resort is large, it was designed to be easily navigated,” he says. and so much to experience, nobody is left out, and everyone can find some- “All hotel lobbies have their own entrances, so there’s no need to walk through the thing to enjoy on our campus and feel welcome. The intimacy, even within casino to get to a guest room. All guest elevators lead directly to the pool, spa and such a massive resort, is a major factor of the property.” meetings and event space, allowing for quick commutes around the various areas of the resort. The three hotel brands are distinctive as well. The main hotel, a Hilton, offers more than 1,700 entry-level rooms. Then it’s a step up to the Conrad, “The property is essentially a large loop, with clear signage directing guests to with almost 1,500 rooms. The luxury brand, Crockfords, has 236 rooms and different venues. To also assist with wayfinding, each hotel brand—Las Vegas suites. Crockfords was acquired by Genting when it bought the historic Lon- Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas—have distinctive design and don casino of the same name more than a decade ago. The name isn’t well color palettes to differentiate from one another, making it extremely clear as you enter a different hotel.” Steelman says he relied on his experience designing other properties to mini- mize the distances. “We’ve found over the years that your visit will be shortened if you don’t see a clear way to leave. Casino gaming needs interaction, whether it be with slot machine, people, tables or whatever. We always felt that a linear casino 2021 CASINO STYLE 23

Each of the three hotels has a different lobby with a different arrival experience, such as the luxury brands Crockfords and Conrad known in the U.S., but Sibella says Resorts World “It seems to me that will change that. (Resorts World) is a very “Crockfords is our top-tier, premium hotel brand, with luxe accommodations and VIP offer- organized orientation ings,” he says. “Those looking to elevate their trip are choosing to stay at Crockfords and enjoy the lavish that people feel feel of the arrival journey, suites and service. Although Crockfords is new to the domestic market, those comfortable in. And searching for high-end accommodations are staying there to experience the city’s newest luxury hotel.” people look good in it. Each hotel has a different arrival experience, and That’s a big thing, that Crockfords needed to stand out. people look good in “The way we master-planned enabled us to create three distinctive lobbies, architecturally,” Steelman that building.” says. “We took a page out of what we’ve been doing in Asia. It’s the right thing to do: three porte-cocheres, three entrance points, three statements. We put —Paul Steelman, president and Crockfords in a strategic location, because it had to relate to VIP gaming, very founder, Steelman Partners close to the high-limit gaming areas and the Asian restaurants.” “I convinced KT to choose Don Brinkerhoff. He was one of the great innova- Spectacular pools and spas are a must in any new Las Vegas property these tors, and of course he’s in the AGA Gaming Hall of Fame—probably the only de- days, and Resorts World doesn’t disappoint. With 5.5 acres at his disposal, sign professional who is. And his team, headed by his daughter Julie, did a Steelman turned the design process over to Lifescapes International, his partner fantastic job on this particular project.” in almost every project since late Lifescapes founder Don Brinkerhoff designed the volcano at the Mirage. The result is nine pools, including the only infinity pools on the Strip with views of the skyline. Reservations are required, and there is an adults-only policy. The 5,000-seat Theater at Resorts World will be home for residencies by such superstars as Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and others One of the pools is the Ayu Dayclub, operated by the Zook Group, headed by Lim Lui, KT’s son. Resident DJs include Zedd and Tiesto. 24 CASINO STYLE 2021 Entertainment also is a focal point of Resorts World Las Vegas, with a state- of-the-art theater built by Scéno Plus, to be operated by AEG Presents. The 5,000-seat Theater at Resorts World will host residencies by such stars as Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Technology Tests A standout feature of Resorts World Las Vegas is the cutting-edge technology built into every element of the property. Again, Sibella says the long design period turned out to be a benefit when it comes to tech. Much of the technology is attached to the Genting Rewards club, where guests can pay for anything on the property with one wallet, including on the casino floor. Partnerships with companies like Konami, Sightline, IGT and others have made the process seamless. Sibella says customers have been appreciative of the technology so far. “Guests who are ready for a new generation of gaming and cashless capabili- ties have been eager to sign up for Genting Rewards,” he says. “The rewards pro- gram was designed to allow guests to earn points, recognition and rewards for all spend across the resort, all easily accessible through the Resorts World app. We’re

encouraging signups through signage across the property, email and website King bedroom at the Conrad marketing efforts, and verbal mentions when guests meet with our team members who can provide more information on the program.” just going to be the wave of the future.” Sibella acknowledges that it may take some time for full adoption, but he’s Steelman utilized new LED technology to create a huge billboard on the main building. The 100,000-square-foot exterior LED screen measures 294 encouraged by the initial response. feet in height and 340 feet in width, and is made of a semi-transparent alu- “While we knew customer adoption of cashless technology would be achieved minum mesh that allows guests to see through the windows, even while it’s operating. over time, more and more guests are utilizing the technology and becoming more familiar with our cashless gaming capabilities and integrating it into their experi- He says the technology will become one of the signatures of the property. ences,” he says. “We feel it will take time for everyone to adapt and fully under- “Scott Sibella and his technology team did a wonderful job of making an stand the capabilities, but so far we’re seeing a positive response.” advanced casino,” he says. “We had to tailor-make some of our tables and slot machine designs to accomplish these goals. These goals are admirable. (Guests He says none of it could have been accomplished without terrific cooperation are) using their Resorts World digital wallet to buy almost everything in the with his vendor partners. place. And I give KT the credit for authorizing Scott to go for it. “Of course, we see the technology in our hotels changing rapidly. Our “When developing our gaming technology for the resort, we only wanted to front desks are getting smaller, there are no room keys; you’re holding out work with the best in the business to make our vision come to life,” Sibella says. your phone. We’re seeing RevPAR trying to be established by holding up your “Working with great technology companies like Konami, Sightline, IGT and more phone to the various activities within the hotel room. We’re limiting the touch has been instrumental to the success and seamless integration of our casino tech- points in all our buildings and maximizing the phone integration. And that’s nology. They have been fantastic partners and the collaboration is going well.” 2021 CASINO STYLE 25

Esports: Betting Opportunity or Niche Entertainment? In industry circles, the integration of esports and casinos is a hotly debated topic. Some analysts believe esports are the next big thing, and will lead to lucrative gaming partnerships. By Bill Sokolic Pre-Covid, the Evo tournament packed the Mandalay Bay Events Center every year. This year’s event went virtual. C ovid-19 put a crimp in the live Evo Championships this year at Man- A Whole New Audience dalay Bay in Las Vegas. Evo held a virtual competition, but there’s something about live action that can’t be matched by the online ver- For the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, that seat was in sion. Hopefully next summer, if the joystick gods are kind, the live an esports lounge that first opened in 2015. For several years—until games will resume, bringing back esports stars and their scores of devoted fans. Covid-19—the casino ran hundreds of cash tournaments in the lounge, and a William Hill sportsbook on property at the time accepted bets, the In the past, the Evo series often sold out at the Mandalay Bay Events Cen- first time in esports history in the U.S., says Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth ter and attracted thousands more to the property, according to Josh Swissman, Street Gaming and chairman of the Downtown Grand. founding partner with The Strategy Group in Las Vegas. Covid had an impact, he adds, but not all of it was negative. “This shows that an esports tournament can be a big enough draw on its “It was very positive that during the lockdown, when traditional own to get people to Las Vegas to watch it in person,” he says. “Now imagine that sports ceased, esports became a popular sport to take action on,” Schorr same event with other add-on experiences to complement the tournament itself. says. The interlude also exposed esports to whole a new audience. Meet-and-greets with famous esports athletes, for example. These would represent A year later, operators are focused on traditional sports, driving to ac- additional ways for the hosting property to monetize this crowd, and better intro- quire new markets and new customers as legal betting expands. As a result, duce the next generation of game players and gamblers to these resorts.” esports have taken a back seat, Schorr says. “However, as we transition from the customer acquisition phase to the The future doesn’t necessarily belong to esports. But these games will have retention phase, I believe esports will be used by many sportsbooks to tap a seat at the table. 26 CASINO STYLE 2021

“Just like traditional `stick-and-ball’sports, esports betting can be a fan betting on the outcome of a professional match.” —Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street Gaming; Chairman, Downtown Grand Las Vegas into a new audience and offer a differentiating product.” ing Commission to take such bets. Most adults understand something about video games, According to the company’s website, “We have been in development which they may have played in bedrooms back in the days since 2016 and are expanding to daily/weekly/monthly tournaments in the of Pong, and which their kids and grandkids have inher- near future. Our aim is to let people bet on themselves in a fun and compli- ited. These days, the games have developed far beyond Pac- ant way.” Look for these bets to hit the U.S. market in 2022. Man and Asteroids in terms of complexity and graphics. But they remain a skill—like football or basketball, but In more mature betting markets like Europe, esports is already a Top 5 with glorified joysticks instead of balls. Esports players sport, Schorr says, and the U.S. lags behind much of the world when it may tackle games like Madden NFL or NBA 2K, but comes to embracing the phenomenon. more often go for shoot-’em-up combat games like Call of Duty. “In Europe and Latin America, esports has been a big vertical in online sports betting for some time,” says Brandon Apter, spokesman for Esports “Just like traditional ‘stick-and-ball’ sports, esports Entertainment Group, founded by former online gaming exec Grant John- betting can be a fan betting on the outcome of a profes- son. “It’s just beginning to be legalized here in the U.S., and we’re very opti- sional match,” Schorr says. mistic about the market potential.” To ensure the esports industry doesn’t become the Wild West with no The Canadian-based group is “fueled by the growth of video gaming and rules, the Nevada legislature approved a law last summer requiring the state the ascendance of esports with new generations,” per its website. Its mission Gaming Control Board to create an Esports Technical Advisory Committee. statement is to “help connect the world at large with the future of sports en- The bill empowered the committee to make recommendations for esports and tertainment in unique and enriching ways that bring fans and gamers to- the board to adopt regulations based on those recommendations. The upshot gether.” will be to determine what kind of esports matches casinos can take bets on. Nowhere to Go But Up Schorr calls the committee a welcome development. “It was a very cum- bersome process for a sportsbook operator to get approval from the regulators Johnson recognized that esports would be a major new vertical for sports bet- to take a wager on esports,” he says. ting, Apter says, with first-person shooter games such as Overwatch and Call of Duty among the most popular titles. Don’t discount the popularity of Nevada currently handles esports betting by requiring sportsbooks to sub- sports simulation games like Madden, FIFA, NBA 2K and iRacing, all of mit applications that are subject to approval by the Gaming Control Board. “This is definitely going to be the wave of the future,” board member Philip Katsaros told CDC Gaming Reports. Esports “has a lot of momentum and it’s going to continue to grow. … I’m glad we’re getting ahead of it as much as we can, since it’s already been a train running down the track for a while.” For Las Vegas, it’s about betting on big tournaments and events. That could mean a League of Legends world final or gaming operators holding their own tournaments, Schorr says. “The Overwatch League is something we should be completely comfortable betting on each game, and not just the winner of the league,” he says. In peer-to-peer esports betting, two people or teams bet against each other in games of skill. This element is still in its infancy from a gambling perspec- tive, but a company called Gamer Wager has been licensed by the U.K. Gam- 2021 CASINO STYLE 27

“There hasn’t been a ton of demand, since many esports enthusiasts are currently under the legal gambling age.” —Josh Swissman, Founding Partner, The Strategy Group The Hyper-X Arena at Luxor in Las Vegas caters specifically to esports enthusiasts which gained big followings during the Covid lockdowns. “You first have to look at the impact it’s already had on “Taken altogether, I think the entire esports space will rank as a Top 5 the general public’s sports consumption habits,” Swiss- man says. sports betting vertical within the next five years,” says Apter. “Over time, it will likely slot in behind football and basketball, but ahead of hockey and Esports has attracted legions of fans, become a baseball.” wildly popular spectator sport around the world, and is increasingly visible in the U.S. To illustrate the potential of esports, just look at the International Dota 2 tournament, which took place in October in Bucharest. According to PC “This trend has existed for years, and I don’t see it Gamer magazine, Team Spirit from Eastern Europe won Dota 2’s Aegis tro- reversing or going anywhere but up, especially in the phy three games to two, and pocketed more than $18 million. The runners- states,” says Swissman. up, China’s PSG.LGD, had to settle for $5.2 million. So why hasn’t esports grabbed hold yet as a betting platform like more tra- ditional sports? That kind of money isn’t chicken scratch. Neither is $69 million. That’s Swissman thinks the disconnect between esports’ popularity as a spectator what the Entain Group plans on investing this year in newly acquired Unikrn, sport and betting owes to the fact that most esports enthusiasts are currently a Seattle-based leader in esports betting. Entain plans to enter the esports mar- under the legal gambling age. “There hasn’t been much demand, but I think ket next year with Justin Dellario, former vice president of original content for you’ll ultimately see full team/tournament/league wagering opportunities, Twitch, serving as managing director of esports. along with more progressive in-game-style wagers.” Like Apter, Swissman believes esports will end up side by side with more “Entain is all about creating exciting and innovative products for our cus- established sports in both the retail and the online space. “I also think casinos tomers,” Dellario said in a statement. “With Unikrn, we’ll now be able to offer will begin to house their own esports tournaments and events,” he says. competitive gamers and esports fans alike rewarding experiences surrounding Imagine a weekend-long esports team tournament or an esports season the games and events they love.” that’s a couple of months long, Swissman says. It works on a fantasy sports level too. Fantasy participants could draft teams, as in football and baseball. Entain has acquired Unikrn’s technology, products, platform and brand The much shorter season could evoke more interest among casual bettors. including U-Mode, which enables gamers to bet on their own ranked matches “This may actually grow the fantasy market,” Swissman says. “Corre- in competitive video game titles. spondingly, casinos could house these tournaments to help generate interest in the wagering component of esports.” As a bonus, these tourneys are relatively In order to understand the impact that esports will have on sports betting, inexpensive when up against traditional sports. However, when casinos housed esports tournaments in the past, profits didn’t follow because the events were “not well aligned and integrated into the rest of the resort experience,” according to Swissman. But that could all change as esports gain in popularity. For all the buzz around the games, they’re just beginning to make inroads in the U.S. As Apter says, “Esports fans are very passionate, and all indications show that they want to bet on their favorite teams just as much as traditional sports fans do.” 28 CASINO STYLE 2021

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ChC-Chh-aCnh-ges Non-gaming amenity trends in the post-pandemic world By Kit Szybala Entertainment venues like Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, are upping their game with big-name performers like Billy Joel As a result of the pandemic, casino operators have had to re- at the bar and restaurant and sometimes visiting the casino floor as well. think their non-gaming amenity strategy, altering their pro- Casinos have realized that while the gaming opportunity associated grams to better suit their consumers and improve their bottom line. In the past year, as the industry reopened, some patrons with sports betting can be minimal, the non-gaming opportunity can be were happy to find a refreshed hotel room product, reconfigured food and substantial. The U.S. is in the thick of professional and collegiate foot- beverage options, new entertainment choices, and other revitalized non-gam- ball season, was recently in the throes of the World Series, and is diving ing products. The pandemic gave operators a chance to redefine the entertain- into the regular seasons of the NHL and NBA. So consumers have ment experience. games to watch every day of the week. Sports Betting and Revitalized Smart operators are figuring out how to further engrain their prop- Casino Food & Beverage erties into this form of entertainment and reap the benefits. By doing so, they have been able to integrate their facilities into their communities Sports betting, while a gaming amenity, has dramatically changed the non- and solidify their properties as their market’s entertainment hub. By pre- gaming offering provided by casinos across the United States. senting a venue for patrons to congregate, enjoy a meal and wager, casi- nos have been able to improve the loyalty of their existing customers as From both a mobile and land-based perspective, sports betting has be- well as expand their customer base overall. come intertwined with casinos’ amenity offerings. In legal markets, one would be hard pressed not to find sports betting applications up and running on Regardless of the way it’s presented in land-based casinos, sports bet- people’s mobile phones in casino bars. In these jurisdictions, casinos have ting has successfully woven itself into the fabric of the overall casino ex- been able to increase length of stay on property as well as spend on gaming perience. and non-gaming items, particularly food and beverage. Rethinking theTraditional Some operators have integrated the sportsbook experience into existing Casino F&B Program food and beverage outlets, adding digital displays of varying sizes to showcase games and odds. While certain operators have taken a more traditional sports- In many markets, the pandemic forced casinos to shut down most of book route, others have completely redefined the experience. Consider the Bet- their food and beverage offerings, presenting an opportunity for opera- MGM Sportsbook at Park MGM in Las Vegas and the Caesars Sportsbook at tors to review the effectiveness of their current outlets. In some cases, the LINQ. These savvy operators have found a new way to entice new and cur- stringent regulations were enforced on specific outlets, like buffets. rent consumers to visit and wager on sporting events while also spending money While some operators were able to maintain buffets by shifting away 30 CASINO STYLE 2021 from “serve-yourself” models, many used the pandemic as an excuse to

The sportsbook at the LINQ includes intimate pods where groups can enjoy the games, grab a bite and enjoy the hang rid themselves of this underperforming asset. In the casino industry, major companies like Wynn Resorts and MGM In almost every circumstance, casino buffets were not profit-producing Resorts rolled out comprehensive health and safety programs to help bring back meetings and tourists to Las Vegas and other regional markets. amenities, but instead were utilized as marketing tools. But these marketing tools were not only losing money, they also encouraged customers to spend Among many other initiatives, Wynn Resorts opened an on-site Covid- too much of their time dining or standing in line to dine (away from the 19 testing center for employees with University Medical Center. As a part of casino floor). its Convene with Confidence program, MGM teamed up with experts to create a health and safety protocols guide, with specific, actionable and prac- By reconfiguring these venues to other outlet types (such as food courts, tical information—everything from cleaning schedules for common areas in three-meal restaurants and sports bars) operators could create stand-alone public and back-of-house spaces to paying special attention to high-contact profit centers while more efficiently and effectively serving their patrons, and areas such as doorknobs and food contact surfaces. giving them more time to spend in the casino. These programs and protocols will likely continue to be important going Hotels, Health and Safety forward in a post-pandemic world. The hotel industry was forever changed by the pandemic. Fortunately for casi- Business and Leisure Lead the Charge nos, their large reliance on the leisure segment and access to database demand segments have generally allowed their hotel properties to survive. As the world opens back up, leisure travel is booming. The U.S. recently re- opened its northern and southern borders to more than just nonessential With reduced occupancy levels, some casinos even made use of the down- travelers. Business travel is also coming back, but at a slower pace as busi- time to perform renovations and expansions, avoiding construction disrup- nesses reconsider what constitutes essential travel. tion that would have been previously unavoidable. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas reinvested approximately $25 million into its Even so, Smith Travel Research, a hotel data and analytics firm, doesn’t property, including new hotel rooms and several other items. And the Bellagio anticipate that the increase in leisure tourism will be enough to bring the renovated its room product in an effort to attract customers and help them hospitality industry back to 2019 demand levels. As a result, casino hotels feel safer, with added health and safety protocols. will need to continue to focus on the potential use of their internal gaming databases to offset lackluster levels of latent demand. Similar protocols have been deployed throughout the hotel industry. Mar- riott International is a prime example of the efforts undertaken to combat the MICE Remains Far from Recovery pandemic through health and safety measures imposed at its facilities. Mar- riott launched a Marriott Cleanliness Council, gathering in-house and outside The MICE industry has also been greatly impacted, and its future is still in experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention and hotel flux. Casino hotels in markets like Atlantic City are still in recovery mode, as operations. This council’s mission is to focus on actively monitoring and they previously relied heavily on meeting and convention business to fill evolving Marriott’s solutions to ensure a continued focus on the health and room inventory during the midweek period. safety of its guests and associates. However, in other markets, there are some promising trends emerging 2021 CASINO STYLE 31

For the foreseeable future, casinos will offered was more intimate (due to capacity restrictions imposed by govern- continue to consider Covid protections ment authorities or by operators to make their venues more comfortable for patrons). More comedy acts and specialty acts were featured instead of for this segment, with companies like Wynn Resorts expecting their Las Vegas grandiose acts that required large visitation to pencil out financially. assets to have the most group bookings in its company’s history in the second half of 2021. Outside the casino industry, entertainment venue concepts like the Mis- sion Ballroom in Denver, Colorado were able to accommodate fluctuating lev- Despite some signs of hope, the meeting and convention industry isn’t els of demand. This venue was designed to adjust in size with a moving stage, close to recovering. Throughout the pandemic, event hosts had to rethink shifting its ability to accommodate crowds from 2,200 to 3,950. The space their approach, switching to web-based platforms and online meetings. This wasn’t designed with the looming pandemic in mind, but its ability to func- portion of the industry will be forever tion properly and maintain the energy in the facility for multiple types of au- changed as a result, with participants and diences and acts allowed it to thrive. hosts seeing the financial value of converting certain in-person events to online events and Going forward, the casino industry can look towards venues like this one pinpointing which events they want to hold to make its entertainment facilities more attractive and adaptable. in person moving forward. Carving a Path Forward Pandemic-related MICE restrictions are still present. While Covid-19 protocols con- Even with refreshed and reinvigorated amenities, casino operators will still face tinue to vary by jurisdiction, some venues several challenges moving forward. and events have employed their own pan- demic-related measures. At the Global Gam- Most notably, labor issues will remain at the forefront of the conversation ing Expo in Las Vegas this year, attendees as the pandemic continues to lead to a massive labor shortage due to issues were required to submit proof of vaccination surrounding unemployment benefits, among other items. According to a re- and adhere to mask protocols. Phone appli- cent survey conducted by Joblist (an employment-search engine), more than cations like Clear Health Pass helped make half of U.S. hospitality workers stated they would not go back to their old this a relatively easy process. There are still varying degrees of mask require- ments across the country. These regulations aren’t expected to disappear any- Meetings and convention facilities like Caesars Forum will take time soon. longer to recover than any other segment of the gaming industry It’s expected that meetings and conventions will continue to deploy a hy- jobs, and more than a third are not considering coming back to the industry at bridized approach with both in-person and digital events post-pandemic. After all. This is due to a number of reasons, including a desire for a different work a completely digital show in 2021, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) setting, higher pay, better benefits, more schedule flexibility and remote work plans to give attendees a hybrid event, with both a virtual experience and a opportunities. suitably regulated in-person experience. Moving forward, casinos with meeting and convention space will need to develop strategies to provide and/or accom- With casinos shorthanded across the industry and hospitality labor short- modate both mediums for their customers, allowing them to more effectively ages expected in the medium term, operators need to improvise and adapt by compete for market share. further reconfiguring non-gaming amenity programs and finding technology solutions that can be helpful in easing the burden on staff. Some of these plat- Flexible Entertainment forms have already been implemented at casinos like Resorts World Las Vegas, with a touchscreen-enabled ordering platform in its food court and kiosks at Large concerts are starting to make a comeback, with music legends like Billy the hotel check-in at Wynn Las Vegas. Joel scheduled to perform at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hol- lywood early next year. Despite these challenges, with the right adjustments to facility program- ming, the implementation of best practices from other areas of the hospitality At the height of the pandemic, large concerts—or any concerts, for that industry, and appropriate uses of technology, the casino industry can reemerge matter—were nonexistent. As pandemic restrictions lifted, casino entertain- from the pandemic with a more complete, robust and successful amenity of- ment acts emerged in various forms. In general, the entertainment experience fering than before. Kit Szybala is partner and executive director of operations at Global Market Advi- sors, the leading consulting firm in gaming, entertainment, sports and hospitality. 32 CASINO STYLE 2021

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The Life Story of a CHAIR In a throwaway society, this chair manufacturer insists on enduring, sustainable, hand-crafted seating products. Its clients like the idea, too. By Marjorie Preston 34 CASINO STYLE 2021

“The most important thing is comfort; it’s the key factor in how we design a chair.” —Ed Abadie, Gary Platt head designer It all starts with a tree, specifically a beech tree, usually harvested from a percent of executives said sustainability increased brand value and customer forest or farm somewhere in Canada or the Eastern U.S. The wood from loyalty. All of which lead to increased revenues. that tree is the cornerstone of a chair that one day will grace a casino floor in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or another far-flung corner of the globe. This theory has proven particularly true in the casino industry. Gary Platt Manufacturing was founded on the premise that a comfortable chair will keep It’s what happens in between that sets this chair apart, ensuring it will last de- players at the slots or tables, increasing time on device and fueling profitability. spite the wear, tear and punishment that comes with day-in, day-out, 24/7 use. The company provides seating for the biggest names in casino games— Lasting Impressions IGT, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Everi, Aruze, Konami—and gaming facili- ties of every size, from tiny slot halls in rural America to elegant European Durability has always been a guiding principle of Reno-based Gary Platt Man- casinos to the imposing Resorts World Las Vegas, which opened in June on ufacturing. In an often disposable age—and especially now, with resources and the Las Vegas Strip. revenues in shorter supply—the firm’s clients also value the philosophy. At Ease “We think it’s important, and our customers are asking for that too,” says CEO Joe Esposito. “A lot of our focus is on long-lasting products that are The chair of our story is strong and durable but also lightweight, thanks in durable and reusable. Though all our chairs start with a 10-year warranty, part to that beech tree, which Esposito calls “the softer of the hardwoods.” they’re really designed to last forever. We’ve had chairs re- Prized for its hardiness, beech has been used for millennia to make furni- turned after 12 to 15 years, then refurbished and given new ture, flooring, watercraft, musical instruments and so on. The logs can also be life to last another 10 or 15 years.” crosscut, debarked, and peeled into ribbons of veneer to make plywood, which forms the core of the Gary Platt chair. The rest of the materials—the propri- For example, when an Atlantic City resort invested in etary cold-cured foam, the steel or aluminum frames, the hardware and uphol- new VIP chairs, it was able to repurpose existing chairs for stery—are also made to last, Esposito says. the main floor. Such an approach reduces costs and con- Comfort isn’t overlooked in the quest for durability. In 2019, a slot player serves resources. It’s an idea that is gaining at Reno’s Tamarack Casino said his Gary Platt chair got “a lot of credit” for traction up and down the supply chain. keeping him in the game. “When you sit in a chair for an hour, two, three hours you tend to have issues with your back,” Mike Czarnick told KOLO- Research shows that support for TV. “So with these chairs—it’s fabulous.” sustainable products and practices is on the rise. According to a 2020 report from “The most important thing is comfort; it’s the key factor in how we de- the Boston Consulting Group, 79 per- sign a chair,” says Gary Platt Head Designer Ed Abadie, who has made a ca- cent of consumers surveyed were willing reer-long study of ergonomic principles and the “three Fs:” form, fit and to change their shopping preferences function. Application of these principles can make the most angular, minimal- based on sustainability, and more than 60 2021 CASINO STYLE 35

All Gary Platt chairs are made in the USA Expert sewing team, Measure Twice, Cut Once doing it old-school While sustainability is undoubtedly a buzzword and a ist casino chair “sit well” for extended periods, ensuring the comfort of the trend, the approach could not be more traditional. Gary player and offering continued support. The foam of each casino chair is Platt’s manufacturing process makes the most of its ma- sculpted to support the users’ activity, alleviating pressure points and al- terials, with every bolt of fabric and piece of wood calcu- lowing for comfort and ease. lated and cut for optimum use and minimum waste. “We do not create a lot of byproducts,” says Esposito. Accidents happen, and if the seat of the chair is damaged on the casino floor, it’s quick work to replace it, says Abadie. “You’ll have a stash in the When an order of finished chairs is ready to ship, in- back of extra seats. You simply unscrew two screws, take the seat off and stead of triple-wrapping the units in plastic or other pre- pop on a new one. It’s a lot less drama and expense that way.” It also en- fab, hard-to-recycle materials, Gary Platt uses blankets. sures that no chair is indefinitely out of commission. At the point of delivery, workers simply unload the chairs, position them on the floor, and throw the blankets back on the truck, to Design concepts often originate with the client, the casino operator, be returned to the factory in Reno. and it’s up to Gary Platt’s design team to take sometimes fanciful visions “It’s great for everybody,” says Esposito. “There’s no waste and no leftover and make them work in real life. packaging materials on the back end.” Blanket-wrapping also allows more units to be stowed onto a delivery truck. “We kind of take a design, tear it down, and rebuild it our way, to That makes for fewer delivery trips, less time on the road, less fuel, and a lower make it functional,” Abadie says. Endurance and comfort are built in, and carbon footprint. so is stability. The latter is important in a casino setting, where people of In a typical year, Gary Platt Manufacturing builds 90,000 chairs for use in re- all sizes recline, sprawl, ride sidesaddle, and occasionally teeter at the edge sorts in North and South America, Europe and Australia (a third of those may be of their seats, awaiting big jackpots. one of the most popular models, called the Monaco). And while it fills massive orders for thousands of chairs, it has also accommodated orders as small as five. The spread of the frame and the design of the base help the products safely withstand them all—the sprawlers, the teeterers and the would-be All for One tippers, says Abadie. For even more efficiency, it’s all produced under one roof, by a team of 80-plus “As you can imagine, casinos are big liability targets, and it’s super-im- U.S. workers, at the Reno home base. Parts of the process, such as the laser-cut- portant to us that chair’s not going to be tippable or cause any other prob- ting of fabrics, are automated. But the sewing and upholstering are done the old- lems for the casino.” fashioned way, on sewing machines and by hand, as well as the final assembly. The design team is also on the same property, says Esposito. “So when Ed’s designing something and wants to make changes or (director of engineering) Dan Waller wants to do something different, they’re able to just take those ideas right out on the production floor. “From start to finish, our chairs are handcrafted and custom-made by expert sewers, upholsterers and assembly workers. These trained, skilled people really make it happen.” Not surprisingly, Covid-19 has brought a few changes to the manufacturing process. Working with a partner, Gary Platt created a new line of anti-fungal, anti-mildew fabrics called Healthy Play. The material doesn’t support microbio- logical growth, contains no anti-bacterial chemicals, and meets stringent emission standards, for better indoor air quality. Live Long & Prosper Decades from now, the chair that began with a beech tree may still be in use at a casino somewhere in the world. That longevity matters to the company and its customers, from coast to coast and around the world. “We believe we have the highest value proposition,” says Esposito. “A Gary Platt chair is going to last a long time. The longer it lasts and stays comfortable, the more money the casino makes. “But at the end of the day, our biggest competitive advantage is that our seats are just more comfortable than everybody else’s.” 36 CASINO STYLE 2021

‘How can I help people?’ was a big thing with our company. If people were having a difficult time with something, I would ask, ‘Is there a better way to do it?’ —Gary Platt, innovator, idea man, and the company’s namesake Gary Platt: An Unsurpassed Innovator Sit. Stay. Play. Those three words sum up why Gary Platt is a leg- Now retired, Gary Platt last attended G2E in 2019 endary figure in the gaming industry. More than 60 years ago, as a traveling furniture salesman, he was “People flocked to try the stools, and the drop on that one aisle rose, in Las Vegas when he stopped at a casino to play blackjack. Not only did not 5 or 10 percent, but astronomically.” Soon slot manufacturers were he find the stool rickety and uncomfortable, he was astounded to see slot lining up for stools, including a company called Sircoma, which eventu- players on their feet in the narrow aisles, standing as they fed coins into ally became IGT. “With the amount of stools they bought, it was utterly the machines. fantastic,” says Platt. “We started getting all the manufacturers.” “I thought somebody was missing the boat there,” says Platt, who saw He innovated on the chair designs as needed, devising wider bases, an opportunity to do things better—and sell a few of his company’s adding brackets to attach the stools to the machine, and so on. “I wasn’t barstools in the bargain. a designer, but I found things that were needed and took them back to the factory, where they made things happen.” Platt became so closely as- He pitched the casino operator, who sent him to the chair distributor, sociated with casino chairs that in the late 1990s, when his colleagues who told him all the reasons his idea wouldn’t work. For one thing, a Leonard Einhorn and Bob Yabroff formed a manufacturing company, blackjack stool can’t be swapped for a barstool, because it’s narrower, in they called it Gary Platt Manufacturing, with the tag line: Unsurpassed. order to fit seven people around the table. It also needs a shorter seat, at a height of 27 inches, and a straighter back. “But those were really easy “I didn’t make too many mistakes,” Platt acknowledges. “But just things for our factory to do,” says Platt. Eventually, the distributor, Paul because my name is on the door doesn’t mean I knew everything. The Endy, took on Platt’s line of retooled stools to great success. factory was wonderful with coming up with solutions.” Platt remained convinced casinos were losing money by forcing their At 95, he is now an elder statesman of the gaming industry. And slot players to stand. Again, he took his pitch to the operators, saying, “If though Platt retired 10 years ago, he still keeps an eye on the business they sit down, they’ll stay longer and play longer instead of putting in a that bears his name. “If there’s something I think is useful, I pass it on.” few quarters and moving on.” The operators refused, saying there wasn’t enough room on the slot floor to install seating. Asked the secret of his success, Platt credits inquisitiveness “and knowing things can be better. ‘How can I help people?’ was a big thing Platt persisted. He returned to Endy and said, “There’s got to be with our company. If people were having a difficult time with some- somebody who owes you a favor, or loves you—somebody I can talk to thing, I would ask, ‘Is there a better way to do it?’” who won’t give me the same answer.” Of course, there was a little bit of luck involved, too, he says. Vegas- Endy directed him to a small Vegas casino, where Platt proposed a so- style luck. “My whole future was changed by going to play blackjack lution: he would supply the operator with a comfortable slot stool at no that night.” cost, without obligation. If business didn’t improve, he would remove the stools, and the operator would owe nothing. “He reluctantly said OK,” recalls Platt, “because of Paul.” Platt shipped two dozen chairs to the casino, enough to equip one slot aisle. And bingo. 2021 CASINO STYLE 37

STYLE SPOTLIGHT ST YLEDesigningTransformativeExperiences HBG DESIGN Top 10 U.S. hospitality and entertainment design firm HBG Design has guests, while providing the return on investment and operational flexibility been creating memorable and transformative guest experiences for more owners count on for success. than 42 years. Specializing in gaming-centric resort destinations, the firm has proudly worked with more than 40 sovereign nations across the U.S., as well Current HBG Design projects include the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort as commercial gaming clients including Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The project celebrates the transformation of the 100- Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Caesars Entertainment. plus-year-old historic thoroughbred racing and gaming property into a 272,000-square-foot resort and entertainment destination. New resort ameni- Adding a new level of specialization, HBG Design opened its Luxury Hos- ties enhance the gaming and entertainment options, including an elegant 198- pitality Studio in Dallas, Texas in early 2021. The Dallas location joins the room hotel, restaurant and bar venues with superb track views, a soaring firm’s West Coast office in San Diego, California and its headquarters in event/conference center, and a 19th century bathhouse-inspired luxury spa with Memphis, Tennessee. HBG’s Luxury Studio represents a diverse portfolio of an outdoor pool environment. Throughout the property, crisp, modern tailor- world-class gaming and five-star resort projects across the globe, including in- ing in the design blends with historical references and an abundance of natural terior design for Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai; the MGM-Foxwoods Resort, light. Mashantucket, Connecticut; the St. Regis Macao; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carl- ton Reserve Resort in Puerto Rico; and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hotel In keeping with the F&B brand co-founded by rock icons Gene Simmons in Hollywood, Florida. and Paul Stanley of KISS, HBG Design is designing the first Rock & Brews- branded casino in Braman, Oklahoma. On the West Coast, HBG is designing Spanning three locations, HBG Design’s dynamic 100-person creative the relocation and new brand experience of Eagle Mountain Casino in Porter- team brings a holistic approach to design, integrating architecture and interior ville, California. design to intentionally deliver dynamic experiences that delight and engage For more information, visit hbg.com. Lobby, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort 38 CASINO STYLE 2021

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT Exceeding All Expectations Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace BERGMAN, WALLS & ASSOCIATES tower renovations and dynamic new dining and retail options. Designing for the gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries requires Bergman Walls & Associates is a global architecture and interior design firm specializing in destination in-depth understanding of the functional, operational, economic and aesthetic design for the casino gaming, entertainment and hos- considerations behind each facility and each client’s needs. Along with BWA’s pitality industries. For more than 25 years, BWA’s mis- architecture and interior design services, the firm also offers master planning to sion has been to provide the highest level of help address today’s facility operational and safety protocol needs and accommo- individualized design services while realizing the date future customer tastes and trends—from flexible casino floor designs to owner’s vision and business objectives and delivering sportsbook lounges, interactive gaming spaces and other non-gaming entertain- inviting spaces that delight and engage guests. ment options that attract new patrons and new demographics. BWA’s portfolio includes wide-ranging work for BWA helps turn properties into destinations that exceed client business and commercial and Indian gaming hospitality clients. The patron experience expectations. For more information, visit bwaltd.com. BWA design team has extensive experience conceptual- izing, master-planning and designing entertainment, hospitality, mixed-use and gaming projects, ranging from intimate boutique restaurants to entire mega-resorts. Recent projects include the newly renovated Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, the Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio, and the Book and Re:Match sports betting lounges at The LINQ. BWA also applies its extensive hospitality experience to other entertainment- based projects, raising the bar on business-as-usual. Recently completed projects include FlyOver Las Vegas, a new augmented-reality, family-friendly immersive experience, and ESPN’s studio at the LINQ Hotel + Experience, home to the network’s sports betting show, The Daily Wager. BWA also recently completed projects at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California; the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton, Oklahoma; and the Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Anacortes, Washington, which included adding flexible event and entertainment spaces, casino floor expansions, hotel Comfortable, Durable, Sustainable Seating GARY PLATT MANUFACTURING Casino players everywhere enjoy their play in the unsurpassed comfort of Gary Platt’s Sierra Nevada Hospitality division wasted no time in making its Gary Platt Manufacturing’s legendary casino seating. Now the company is mark, and already has secured flagship agreements, supplying chairs to Caesars bringing that same comfort to hospitality seating in its Sierra Nevada Hospital- Entertainment and Resorts World Las Vegas. ity division, providing leading seating solutions for all hospitality areas including banquet, conference, restaurant, bar and hotel. For more information and to be inspired by an ex- Gary Platt’s Sierra Nevada Hospitality line is revolutionary, and marks the tensive photo gallery, visit first time Gary Platt’s premium and proprietary foam will be a component of garyplatt.com/hospitality. hospitality chairs as a premium upgrade. For far too long, the global hospitality seating industry has been focused on function and style; Gary Platt’s Sierra Ne- vada Hospitality division changes that mindset. The Sierra Nevada Hospitality line features more than 100 different chairs for a wide variety of needs. Beyond function, chairs from Sierra Nevada Hospi- tality are highly customizable, from seat to back shape, leg design and color, fab- rication and materials. The innovative designers and artisans at Gary Platt bring comfort, function and durability to every component of hospitality seating with their signature up- graded foam option. For decades, Gary Platt foam has demonstrated that it does not break down. Now, applying this durability to hospitality brings light to Gary Platt’s commitment to pure sustainability. Anyone anywhere who has ever sat in a traditional conference chair for more than 10 minutes will agree: it’s time for comfortable, durable and sustainable seating. 40 CASINO STYLE 2021

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT The Future Is Today CUNINGHAM Cuningham designs creative, cutting-edge and profitable gaming resorts. The firm’s many in- dustry recognitions include a No. 7 ranking on En- gineering News-Record’s list of “Top Entertain- ment Design Firms in 2021” and a No. 5 ranking among casino design firms on Building Design and Construction’s list of “Top Hospitality Sector Casino Design Firms.” Cuningham is proud of its long-term successful relationships with clients across the globe. The firm’s success comes from flexibility and creativity. It is focused on designing for the future, incorporat- ing measures that allow guests to have fun and memorable experiences, today. Cuningham delights in bringing clients’ visions Spokane Tribe Casino, Phase 2 Expansion, Airway Heights, Washington to reality through the design process. Notable proj- ects in 2021 include designing an overall master plan for the Spokane Tribe in Airway Heights, Washington, as well as expanding Gordon Ramsay’s concept restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen. Construction began this the existing Spokane Casino, currently under construction. fall, with the restaurant planned to open in 2022. Cuningham is also working on the renovation and 24,000-square-foot ex- Cuningham’s portfolio represents a full array of casinos, hotels, event cen- pansion of the Tachi Palace Casino Resort in Lemoore, California to modernize ters, convention facilities, restaurants, retail venues, spas, parking structures features, including the conversion of the buffet into an expanded food market and support facilities that span gaming, entertainment, and leisure destina- and a high-limit room. When complete, Tachi Palace will feature a more open tions. Clients include tribes throughout the nation and notable gaming and plan and a symmetrical space with a sense of entry. It will include an expansive entertainment industry leaders, including MGM Resorts International, the sports bar with indoor and outdoor dining and feature improvements necessi- Las Vegas Sands Corp., Caesars Entertainment, Universal Studios, and Walt tated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Disney Imagineering. Cuningham approaches each project with a cross-mar- Another exciting project is in Funner, California, at the Rincon Band of ket approach that leads to innovative, large-scale, multi-faceted gaming and Luiseño Indians’ Harrah’s Southern California Resort. There, Cuningham is re- hospitality environments that engage, energize, and earn. placing the existing buffet with the largest version of multi-Michelin-starred chef Connect with Cuningham at Cuningham.com. Connect with the Best PMI’s well-trained staff, vendor knowledge and unique system of checks and balances offer clients better project results, more project sav- PURCHASING MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL ings and higher design execution. Connect with Purchasing Management International, the gaming industry’s PMI understands that in the gaming world, every minute matters on premier purchaser of furniture, fixtures and equipment and operating sup- a project. FF&E and OS&E sourcing and procurement are no different. plies and equipment. PMI choreographs thousands of moving parts from international sources to deliver some of the most well-designed and complex projects in the With extensive experience in the gaming industry, PMI works with designers, gaming industry, on time and under budget. architects and owners to offer the accuracy, integrity and buying power needed for demanding gaming resort projects. PMI saves clients time and money. For the best in gaming FF&E and OS&E procurement services, con- nect with the best—connect with Purchasing Management International. The company has purchased and installed more than $3 billion in furnish- ings, operating equipment and systems throughout the gaming industry at prop- Visit pmiconnect.com for more information. erties such as Circa Resort and Casino, Maryland Live!, Rivers Casinos, Churchill Downs, Isle of Capri, San Manuel Yaamava’ Casino, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, the Mirage, Wind Creek, Choctaw, Bellagio, Tropicana, Hard Rock, Station Casinos’ Red Rock Resort and the Four Winds Casinos. 42 CASINO STYLE 2021

Hard Rock, Gary, Indiana The Rewards of Quality Design SOSH ARCHITECTS SOSH Architects was founded in 1979 on the core conviction that quality work with high-profile clients including Hard Rock International, Bally’s design continually rewards the community, the client, and the design team. Corp., Caesars Entertainment and Ocean Casino Resort. The firm has steadily grown from a company of four partners to its current size of 40 design professionals and support staff, all engaged in the execution of While hospitality-based work is a substantial aspect of its business, SOSH master planning, architecture and interior design commissions worldwide. also is engaged in a variety of project types around the globe. SOSH’s philosophy drives a design process that values exploration, visuali- To learn more, visit sosharch.com. zation and the contributions of multiple voices, resulting in the best design so- lutions based on thoughtful collaboration and creative analysis. With offices in Atlantic City and Philadelphia, SOSH has handled every aspect of hotel and casino design—from small, intimate VIP lounges and retail spaces to expansive casino floor renovations and new tower and resort con- struction. Each project has its own unique set of design opportunities and technical requirements, which SOSH addresses to meet client needs and stay ahead of market trends. SOSH has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of several sports betting venues across the country over the last few years. More recently, the team has delivered design solutions for resort renovations and new construc- tions as clients emerge from shutdowns and continue to evolve their businesses during a global pandemic. Current hospitality and gaming projects include All Hospitality, All the Time We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | Fort McDowell, AZ TBE ARCHITECTS Thalden Boyd Architects LLC, dba TBE Architects, is a Native American- Wildhorse Resort & Casino | Pendleton, OR Quil Ceda Creek Casino | Tulalip, WA owned firm best known for its work designing destination casinos, hotels, and resorts in locals markets throughout North America. Throughout the firm, each employee shares a common goal: “To fuse team passion and talents with client needs,” designing architectural destinations that TBE Architects was founded in 1971. That makes 2021 a milestone year for are fresh, exciting, appropriately branded and fully functional. the firm, which celebrates 50 years in business. Principals at TBE attribute its continued prosperity to outstanding client and consultant relationships, and the TBE Architects is proud to be an active associate member of the National ability to rapidly adapt to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry. Indian Gaming Association, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, the Washington Indian Gaming As- Since 1971, the firm has designed more than 400 unique hotel projects and sociation and the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. 300 casino projects, with three opening during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information about the firm’s capabilities, visit TBEarchitects.com, “All Hospitality, All the Time” is much more than a tagline; it’s at the very email [email protected] or call 314-727-7000. foundation of TBE’s client base, and defines the firm’s passion for strengthening tribal sovereignty through economic independence. TBE Architects provides full architectural services, including master plan- ning, architectural design, branding development and interior design. Its highly experienced design teams work tirelessly to deliver bold, high-quality and fully in- tegrated projects on time and on budget. Much of the firm’s work is a direct reflection of the team’s ability to meet the unique demands of its diverse clientele. Hence, no two TBE casinos or hotels are exactly alike. With roots firmly planted in gaming and hospitality, the team has an exceptional understanding of sophisticated entertainment and leisure for adults. TBE has dedicated countless hours to the growth and development of na- tional and internationally recognized commercial brands, such as Caesars Enter- tainment, Churchill Downs, Delaware North, Hilton, Jacob’s Entertainment and more. It has also invested significant amounts of time in research and design for 117 Native American tribes and First Nations. 2021 CASINO STYLE 43

The Great Comeback How the“new normal”is impacting planned or delayed projects By Carl Long When I got back on the road in facturing of casino FF&E has shifted and continues as quickly because they are short-staffed or have earnest as the pandemic to shift locations. China continues to be a major trouble sourcing their raw materials. The more effi- started to wind down, every- source for FF&E, but owners have reduced their ciently a project can move through the design one I talked to in the industry agreed… it was so shipping risk by developing sourcing strategies fo- phase into the purchasing phase, the better any is- good to be back! We all enjoyed connecting in cused on North America and Europe. While this does sues related to the global supply chain can be iden- person again. Projects that had stalled were mov- reduce the delivery risk and typically reduces lead tified quickly. Early in the process, an owner ing forward, new projects were announced, and times, the tradeoff can be increased costs and limita- should partner with an FF&E and OS&E pur- we were all hoping to move past the year of un- tions on finishes and materials. In the early planning, chasing company that is focused on gaming. A certainty. be flexible on the best way to execute a design or a purchasing company with a sound purchasing product. It will increase the options available to your management methodology will help develop a Then news started to emerge of freight ships purchasing company to execute a sourcing strategy. project budget based on current market pricing, stacked up outside the port of L.A., freight costs create an achievable purchasing timeline, recognize flying higher each day, and ongoing projects expe- Building or renovating a project risks, and identify reliable manufacturers. riencing delivery delays and material shortages. casino is different from any other type of project. It requires The conceptual budgeting process is especially When dealing with casino projects, the risks a unique skill set to handle the valuable as we emerge from the last two years of of inexperience, lack of focus on the details or scale, design detail, speed. extreme pricing volatility. We’ve heard from a seat- lack of sound methodology are extremely high ing manufacturer that had 176 price increases over and can be very costly. For some owners, being Expedite effectively. Even with the best strat- 200 days. That type of market data, available to back raises the anxiety level over how they can de- egy, the current manufacturing environment is chal- purchasing companies, will inform the develop- liver their project. lenging. Stops and starts in contract production due ment of a conceptual budget during the design to limited labor or materials demand flexibility in the phase. An owner with recent pricing data can give How do we come back? The current environ- project plan. A purchasing company experienced in designers direction about how they want to allo- ment makes project purchasing and supply chain gaming projects and large purchasing volume can cate design efforts to make the most impact. With management more important than ever. provide insight to owners about how to navigate extended production and shipping times, a pur- those challenges. During a project, the quality of the chasing timeline empowers contractors to plan Here are some tactics owners can employ to purchasing company’s expediting will more effec- their critical path activities better and avoid project help mitigate the risks that the current environ- tively deal with challenges in the supply chain. The slowdowns because of poorly coordinated material ment poses to their projects. earlier a challenge is uncovered, the more options deliveries. there are to creatively solve the issue. From assisting a Trust the professionals. Building or reno- manufacturer in locating a raw material to changing a Most importantly, engaging with a purchasing vating a casino is different from any other type of delivery method or location, flexibility comes by get- agent early helps identify project risks from a ven- project. It requires a unique skill set to handle the ting the information early. In a gaming project, dor and material standpoint. Purchasing agents fo- scale, design detail, speed. There are qualified pro- knowing the project’s priorities and collaborating cused on the gaming industry are constantly fessionals that have met and continue to meet to with ownership, design and manufacturing helps evaluating vendors’ performance over multiple those requirements. Smart owners assemble their everyone succeed. gaming projects. Instead of worrying about what is team quickly, empower each professional to per- unknown or what may have changed over the last form, and hold the team accountable. Coming Start early. In a post-shutdown environment, two years, owners should press forward with a pur- through the pandemic, strong companies have things just take longer. Design coordination takes chasing company to leverage that industry knowl- maintained their teams, servicing their clients and longer, construction takes longer, vendors don’t reply edge and move a project ahead quickly. positioning themselves to emerge from the slow- down stronger. From a purchasing perspective, Carl Long is senior vice president of Purchasing Man- owners should look to purchasing companies that agement International, the gaming industry’s leading have experience working on casinos, deep vendor FF&E and OS&E procurement company. He is also knowledge, and a system of checks and balances president of the International Society of Hospitality built into their method of purchasing. Purchasers, and regularly speaks on topics related to global sourcing and procurement. Embrace flexibility. The pandemic has changed the supply chain in ways that are more pervasive than those portrayed by the news media (those stacked-up container ships). Global manu- 44 CASINO STYLE 2021

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TheWay It Was Hot Springs, Arkansas, was the Las Vegas Hot Springs in 1925 included bathhouses on one side of Central of the early 20th century Avenue and casinos on the other, all By Patrick roBerts leading to the elegant Arlington Hotel at the top of the hill. Back in the day (1920 through the 1940s), pockets of semi-legal gambling existed in towns across the United States. Union Today’s Arlington Hotel (below) is City, New Jersey; Steubenville, Ohio; Covington, Kentucky; faded and frayed. Biloxi, Mississippi; Cripple Creek, Colorado; Deadwood, South Dakota; and Tombstone, Arizona were just a handful of the dozens of towns that looked the other way when gambling took place within their borders. In most cases, local authorities got a cut of the profits, and the industry was very lucrative. Today, lots of these places again host fully legal gambling, which was historically part of their heritage. That’s the case with Hot Springs, Arkansas. Recently, HBG Design completed a five-star hotel at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, home of one of the legal casinos recently approved by the state. It’s a beautiful hotel, with a full selection of non-gaming amenities, situated on the first turn of the famous racetrack, which dates back to Hot Springs’ gambling heyday. 46 CASINO STYLE 2021

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The elegant bathhouses exist today as part of the Hot Springs National Park The Mobster & the Mayor Arkansas casino, supported by the town’s mayor, Leo P. McLaughlin. At the height of early gambling in Hot Springs, there were 10 major casinos and some Tourism was always a part of Hot Springs, from the days when Native Ameri- smaller establishments in the city, along with the Oaklawn Racetrack. The cans visited the valley to enjoy the town’s namesake hot springs. And prior to track’s race meets drew the biggest volume of travel to the resort. Madden is the Civil War, the baths that linked the hot springs were a popular destination credited with making Hot Springs the birthplace of the “wire,” which dissemi- for travelers across the U.S. nated information among racetracks, thus allowing off-track betting. A tourism slump following the Civil War brought the first vestiges of gam- Madden and McLaughlin fended off prosecution and legislative action for bling to town, culminating in an 1899 gunfight between Hot Springs police the next 20 years. Gambling continued to thrive in Hot Springs, until some and county sheriffs. Each side had backed a different gambling faction in town, GIs returning from World War II took on the McLaughlin political machine, and the shootout left three dead. and drove the activity from the city. By the mid-1920s, a mobster named Owney Madden had moved from New York to Hot Springs, and controlled gambling through his Hotel 48 CASINO STYLE 2021

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The buildings that once housed Hot Springs’ casinos are now either abandoned or slowly deteriorating. The Vapors, the last casino to open in Hot Springs, is now a seedy nightclub. In the 1940s, Arkansas seriously considered legalizing gambling in Hot town Hot Springs is fraying around the edges. Bathhouse Row and the sur- Springs, noting the rise of Reno and Las Vegas when gambling became legal rounding mountains are now part of the National Park system, but the stores, in Nevada. But the move failed narrowly in the state Senate. One can only hotels and motels across the street on Central Avenue are hurting. The Vapors, wonder what would have become of Hot Springs had the effort succeeded. the last casino built when gambling was still allowed, is now a sketchy night- club. The formerly grand Arlington Hotel, summer home to mobsters like Al After a short revival of gambling during the administration of Governor Capone in his day, is shabby and worn. Orval Faubus, the industry finally came to an end in 1967. That’s when new Governor Winthrop Rockefeller sent in a phalanx of state troopers to shut Imagine if you will that, instead of just Oaklawn, gambling was revived down the remaining casinos and clubs, and destroy all their gaming equip- along Central Avenue, as in the mountain towns of Colorado and South ment. For the next 50 years, Arkansans could only legally wager at Oaklawn Dakota. Those shuttered casinos could return to their former glory, and Hot and Southland Greyhound Track outside Memphis. Then, in November Springs could become a true destination resort once again, with multiple 2018, Arkansas passed a constitutional amendment to permit casino gaming tourist attractions. The city would truly be revived. at Oaklawn, Southland, and two other locations in the state. We can only dream. Central Revival For a fascinating read about Hot Springs in its glory days, check out The Vapors: A Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Today, Oaklawn is a first-class casino and resort. But unfortunately, down- Springs, America’s Forgotten Capital of Vice by David Hill. 50 CASINO STYLE 2021