The Las Vegas Strip, empty for the last two-and-a-half-months due to the unprecedented shutdown of all casinos in response to the coronavirus pandemic, was the site of protests this past weekend by various groups over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
Now, as the Strip prepares to gradually reopen Thursday and welcome back customers, gaming leaders have said they support peaceful demonstrations.
“We unequivocally reject racism, in any form,” MGM Resorts International acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle wrote in a letter Monday posted to the company’s website and addressed to the MGM Resorts Community.
Hornbuckle said the company, which has 13 gaming and non-gaming properties on the Strip, strives “to create inclusive environments in which all people feel celebrated, and we believe passionately that diversity is the soul of creativity and the heart of entertainment. There is no hospitality for hatred here and we will not accept it anywhere else.”
Hornbuckle said the company supports “the right to a peaceful demonstration against abhorrent acts. We also support the many first responders and law enforcement officials who act with integrity and courage – we have experienced their important contributions to public safety firsthand.”
Also Monday, the Nevada Resort Association – the state’s largest casino industry trade organization – sent out a statement condemning racism and urging peaceful demonstrations.
“As Nevada’s largest industry, with the most diverse workforce in the state, we stand united against racism, bigotry, prejudice, hatred, and violence. Hate has no place in Nevada or in this country,” said the statement from the Resort Association
“We recognize the pain, heartbreak, and outrage that exist in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy and the urgency to create lasting and meaningful change that uplifts the African American community and all communities of color and diverse populations.”
The statements were released as nearly half the Strip, several downtown Las Vegas casinos, and the Las Vegas locals’ gaming market look to resume operations as part of the state’s second phase in rebooting Nevada’s economy.
The gaming industry’s closure has led to high unemployment and cost the state millions in lost tax dollars. Casinos saw gaming revenues tumble 99.4% in April, with a similar figure expected in May.
The reopening of the Strip – although muted somewhat by health and safety protocols and reduced capacity – is being viewed as a potential kickstart for the Nevada economy, so any disruption is a concern.
The fourth night of Black Lives Matter protests was announced for Monday on the Strip. Las Vegas native and Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds said he planned to attend. On Twitter, Reynolds said that he would participate in “peaceful protests” at Mandalay Bay and the non-gaming Trump International Hotel Tower.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said its officers arrested 155 people during Sunday night’s protest on the Strip, including 148 misdemeanor arrests and seven felonies. Two officers received minor injuries during the protests, police said.
Downtown Las Vegas businesses suffered damages during protests Saturday night.
MGM Resorts expects to reopen three properties on Thursday – Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and New York-New York.
MGM Resorts Vice President of Administration John Flynn, after discussing the company’s health and safety protocols associated with reopening on Thursday, said the company has long had experience with large crowds, such as those associated with the crowded New Year’s Eve celebration and other special events.
“We will work closely with the governor and the Gaming Control Board,” Flynn said. “We have a highly trained, dedicated security force here that we work in close quarters with to make sure we are keeping our places safe.”
Hornbuckle, in his letter, directly addressed the company’s employees, partners and loyal guests in the Black community.
“We stand with you and with all diverse communities who confront injustice. We share the pain and sadness of this moment and too many others like it. Make no mistake, at MGM Resorts, we firmly believe that ‘Black Lives Matter,’” Hornbuckle wrote.
He added that MGM Resorts “will continue using our platform, scale, and resources to make a positive difference and to advance justice, equality, inclusion, and tolerance.”
Hornbuckle said the company will make “a significant contribution to the NAACP to support its efforts to improve community relationships and to promote accountability and social justice.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
