It took seven months for unionized hospitality and gaming industry workers in Las Vegas to secure new five-year gaming contracts with three of the major casino and entertainment companies. Efforts of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions resulted in the ratification of contracts with Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Some 40,000 unionized workers within the entertainment and gaming sector in Las Vegas were able to secure better working conditions, increased wages and improved job security.

On Monday, 99% of the workers voted in favor of the contract with Caesars Entertainment. Then, on Tuesday, 99% of the unionized workers with MGM Resorts voted to accept and ratify the new five-year contract. Finally, on Wednesday, 99% of the employees with Wynn Resorts approved and accepted the new contract. The voting confirmed the success of the unionized employees and comes after months of intense negotiations and fears over the largest strike of hospitality workers in the history of the United States.

While the new five-year contracts for Caesars, MGM and Wynn employees were voted on and accepted, the Culinary Union continues to negotiate with more operators across Sin City. The debate about better conditions for another 10,000 to 15,000 unionized casino and entertainment industry workers continues through negotiations with some 24 independent and downtown casino operators in Las Vegas.

“The Culinary Union has won the best contracts ever in its 88-year history,“

reads a statement released by the Culinary Union

Entertainment and Casino Industry Workers Secure Better Wages

The latest announcement comes at a time when the Culinary union is celebrating its 88-year anniversary. Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, explained that the total compensation secured for the workers at Wynn, Caesars and MGM for the next five years is a staggering $2 billion. He revealed that thanks to this historic achievement, the money will remain in Las Vegas, benefitting neighborhoods and communities.

“The total compensation won by the Culinary Union for MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts workers is approximately $2 billion over the total five year contract – that’s $2 billion which will stay in Las Vegas and will benefit every community and neighborhood.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union

Pappageorge confirmed that hospitality and gaming industry workers will benefit from a 10% wage increase for the first year of the new contract. The total increase in wages for the full five-year contract would be 32%. He estimated that the average income per hour for unionized workers is $28. This hourly rate will increase significantly, hitting $37 an hour, including benefits, under the new five-year contract. Finally, Pappageorge commended the casino and entertainment companies that agreed to invest in their workers.

The post Unionized LV Casino Workers Agree with New Five-Year Contracts appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) announced that charities will be the biggest winners at the Britannia Stakes race at Royal Ascot. According to the council, its members will donate all profits from tomorrow’s race to a selection of notable charity organizations.

In celebration of the King’s coronation, the biggest bookmakers in the UK will donate their proceeds to organizations such as SportAid, the Holocaust Educational Trust, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, SAS Regimental Association (SASRA), Ascot Racecourse Supports and Together for Looked After Children.

Many major operators, including Flutter, bet365, Entain, 888 William Hill, Kindred, Betway, Rank Group, Virgin Bet, LivescoreBet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot have committed to the initiative. Under the terms, companies will hand over profits from win and each-way bets, after levy and duties are deducted.

In the unlikely case operators fail to make a profit on the race, they agreed to collectively donate $318,000 (converted to USD) to the aforementioned charities.

The Charities Praised the Initiative

BGC’s chief executive officer, Michael Dugher, commented on the initiative, praising Royal Ascot as one of the best horseracing events in Britain. He said that he is delighted that BGC’s largest members will honor the King’s Coronation by donating their profits to “outstanding charities.”

It is also a fitting tribute to the Late Queen Elizabeth II, whose passion for horse racing was known throughout the world, having bred so many successful horses and clocking up 1,800 winners in her time.

Michael Dugher, CEO, BGC

Ascot Racecourse’s CEO, Alastair Warwick, praised the bookmakers for the initiative, saying that it has been extremely well received since its first iteration in 2020.

Representatives of the recipient charities also commented on the matter, lauding the BGC members for their commitment to helping those in need. Their full statements can be read on the BGC’s official website.

British Betting Continues to Flourish

This is not the first time operators have agreed to donate their proceeds from the annual race to charity either. Last year, BGC members raised a staggering $1.5 million for good causes. The current event will mark the fourth time BGC members will share their profits with charities. The BGC, which was founded in 2019, has so far donated over $7 million to a variety of good causes.

Britain’s betting industry is flourishing, contributing millions in tax to the Treasury each year. The country’s retail shops support 42,000 jobs on the British high streets, while the overall regulated gambling industry supports 110,000 jobs.

British gambling and sports betting donate $5.35 billion in taxes and contribute $9 billion to the economy each year. These figures come from an average of 22.5 million monthly bettors.

In other news, the BGC recently agreed to work with social media platforms to make gaming safer.

The post BGC Members Agree to Donate Britannia Stakes Proceeds to Charity appeared first on Keno Wizard.