Top role for Holaday, Vegas casino eyes future, Hard Rock targets VIPs
The United States gambling industry is evolving at a rapid rate, with the sector continually searching for ways to improve and expand.
That point has been fairly evident over the past few days, particularly with the news that a woman has finally been appointed to run a casino in Massachusetts.
With one major casino operator looking to expand its operations and another coming up with a plan to attract high-rollers, these are exciting times for the industry.
Landmark casino appointment for Holaday
Jenny Holaday will become the first woman to run a casino in Massachusetts after accepting an offer to succeed Brian Gullbrants as Encore Boston Harbour president.
Holaday has plenty of experience in the gambling industry having previously worked as an executive for Harrah’s, Mandalay Resort Group and Caesars Entertainment.
She was appointed executive vice president of Encore in 2019 and is widely viewed as one of the most talented people in the sector.
Holaday’s interest in the gambling industry started at an early age, with her mother working in several casino roles during her career.
Her first task will be to address staffing levels, with the resort currently on a major recruitment drive ahead of the busy summer period.
Mohegan looking to the future
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) is aiming to expand its operations by pushing ahead with major projects in South Korea and Greece.
New chief executive Ray Pineault has confirmed that a $5 billion resort in South Korea is on track to open during the middle of 2023.
The company is also working on a multi-billion-dollar project in Athens after winning a bidding war against Hard Rock International for Greece’s only commercial integrated resort license.
Mohegan have been given the green light to build a lavish casino complex on the grounds of the former Hellenikon International Airport.
The site is being developed into a major tourism and hospitality resort with a casino, hotels, office space, shopping, marina and luxury homes.
Hard Rock eyeing boost from high-rollers
Hard Rock Atlantic City is launching a new private jet service which will transport VIPs to and from the venue from July 16 onwards.
The firm will use a 30-seat Dornier 328 for the flights which Hard Rock says will provide a “convenient, seamless getaway” to the casino for high-rollers.
The service includes overnight accommodation at the resort, ground transportation to and from Atlantic City International Airport and free parking at the originating airport.
Baltimore, Cincinnati, Farmingdale, Latrobe, Norfolk, Richmond, Scranton and White Plains are the cities included in the initial run of flights.
Bookings are limited to one per person per weekend, although customers can make more than one trip in a month if there is space available.
