The Keystone State gambling regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has slapped Wind Creek Bethlehem with a $125,000 fine over the casino’s failure to prevent dozens of players from entering illegally on the casino floor.

A Few Bad Apples Spoil the Casino Basket

As a result, 11 underage guests aged 18-20 were able to participate in gambling on the casino floor in 10 instances. The PGCB had to go a long way back to discover the infringements, which attests to its capabilities as a watchdog, and also that no breaking of the state’s gambling laws is likely to go unnoticed.

The period of the reported incidents ranges from November 2021 through September 2023. Yet, the onus is not entirely on the casino, and underage individuals have also faced ramifications over their actions. Some of the visitors were permanently banned from the venue, and others were warned by the state police.

In the meantime, the PGCB has itself been trying to raise awareness for underage gambling, trying to drive the message home that gambling when too young exposes players to an unnecessary risk that could grow into addiction down the road.

Although underage gamblers do happen to hit the floor successfully, which mandates constant improvement of the standards used by casinos to police floors. For the most part, Wind Creek Bethlehem checks the IDs of patrons who may look too young.

In the two years the violations were registered, members of staff were able to check 737,257 individual IDs, demonstrating a strong commitment by the casino to ensure that it does not allow underage gamblers to play.

Regardless, the ultimate fault is said to lie with the property, which will have to continue tightening measures to prevent further infringements in the future.

No Way Out for Casinos Who Allow Underage Gambling

At the same meeting discussing the Wind Creek Bethlehem cases, the board also discussed the case of a woman who had been put on the involuntary exclusion list in the state after she left her four-year-old child in the parking lot while she went inside to gamble. The case dates back to 2017.

“Adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino since it creates a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for the children,” the regulator said, motivating its decision to not lift the suspension. The woman has not been formally identified either back when the accident occurred or in the latest PGCB transcript.

The PGCB has been busy this year, issuing six-figure penalties earlier in 2024 to two offending casino properties.

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In a move that will affect the wallets of travelers, Wynn Resorts has announced an increase in resort fees for its Las Vegas properties. 

Wynn Resorts Raises Las Vegas Resort Fees from $45 to $50

Effective January 24, 2024, the daily resort fee has been raised to $50 plus tax for reservations made on or after that date, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Prior bookings, however, will retain the previous rate of $45 plus tax per day.

Resort fees, which have become a common practice among Las Vegas establishments, encompass a range of services and amenities intended to enhance guests’ experiences. At Wynn Resorts, these fees entitle guests to various perks including in-room Wi-Fi, access to fitness centers and pools, spa reservations, golf tee times, and access to digital newsstands. Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of Alexa in-room entertainment services and room controls.

The decision to raise resort fees comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating hotel rates in Las Vegas. In fact, on the eve of Super Bowl Sunday, hotel room rates in the city plummeted by an estimated 35%, signaling potential shifts in the hospitality industry.

While the fee increase may pose a concern for budget-conscious travelers, Wynn Resorts aims to maintain the quality and range of amenities offered to its guests. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional service remains steadfast, even as economic factors influence pricing structures.

As visitors plan their stays in Las Vegas, they may need to factor in these adjusted resort fees when budgeting for their trips. 

MGM Resorts Takes the Lead as Las Vegas Resort Fees Rise

In January, MGM Resorts also upped resort fees at its Las Vegas properties, with rates hitting $50 at Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, MGM Grand, and Cosmopolitan. The increases, effective since January 16, 2024, amount to $2-3 per day across the board. 

Resort fees, often seen as hidden charges, serve to maintain lower official room rates for better online rankings and reduced commissions. Amidst post-pandemic adjustments and increased competition, Las Vegas resorts are strategizing to balance supply and demand. 

At the beginning of February, President Joe Biden visited Las Vegas, vowing to eliminate hidden junk fees, including resort fees, that inflate accommodation costs for US citizens. These fees often surprise travelers, affecting vacation budgets. 

Biden expressed his intent to combat such practices on social media, stressing their impact on hardworking families. Although specifics on eradication methods remain undisclosed, Biden’s commitment to lower costs echoes previous promises. He previously targeted deceptive pricing and pledged to crackdown on junk fees. 

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The Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a serious problem with car thefts. According to reports, a total of 11 cars have been stolen since September 24.

FOX6 News spoke with one of the victims, Mike Sheridan, whose rented car was stolen from the parking garage on October 4. Sheridan was visiting the casino resort, unaware that he was about to get in trouble.

The man told the news outlet that he also lost all the valuables he had in the car, which included a $700 camera and a pair of earbuds. He regretted leaving these items unattended and slammed the police and casino hotel for not warning him of the thefts.

The car thieves have been active since September 24, targeting primarily Kia and Hyundai cars. This was also information that the casino staff did not clearly communicate, with Sheridan arguing that they had put his safety at risk.

The man used the interview with FOX6 to warn car renters to be vigilant and not repeat his mistake. Sheridan concluded that he is almost certain the thieves would continue to strike unless the casino resort improved its security and surveillance. The victim hopes that the police will make arrests to dissuade further car stealing attempts.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel Advised Guests to Be Careful

The car Sheridan had rented is one of 11 stolen cars. It turned up some ten days later, although the man’s valuables were still missing.

The Potawatomi Casino Hotel staff said they are aware of the incidents. Because of that, the resort promised to monitor all parking lots and entrances 24/7. Despite that, the property advised its guests against leaving valuable items in their cars.

In the meantime, Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s senior security manager, Travis Gervais, released a statement, informing that Kia and Hyundai cars are in extra danger. He said that the Potawatomi Casino Hotel parking lot is, sadly, not much safer than other streets or parking structures in Milwaukee.

According to Gervais, the thieves are able to steal a car in less than a minute. Because of that, he asked all guests to park in high-trafficked and well-lit areas and lock their cars’ doors securely. The manager added that investing in a quality anti-theft system or steering wheel locking device is advisable.

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