In a recent development, Penn Entertainment’s (formerly Penn National Gaming’s) Category 4 casino Hollywood York was discovered to be in breach of the state’s current gaming law’s standards for a minimum-security crew. Following an inquiry, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) found that the casino had been in violation of these conditions for 55 days.
The Importance of Security Gaps
Between May and September 2022, Hollywood York reportedly faced a security staff shortage. Although particular information indicating the size of the shortage has not been made publicly available, the Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) of the PGCB can provide it upon request.
Settlement and Enforcement Action
The PGCB and Hollywood York came to a resolution after the investigation, in which both parties accepted the rules and guidelines established by the watchdog. In light of the security flaws, the OEC suggested a $78,000 fine in addition to $2,500 in administrative fees.
Challenges When COVID-19 was widespread
Hollywood York’s general manager, Ruben Warren, recognized the challenges the casino had in finding security personnel. He ascribed the difficulties to the industry’s pervasive labor shortages brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which made it more difficult to hire qualified workers as and when needed.
Ensuring Public Safety Amidst Staff Shortages
Public safety was never jeopardized, according to Alex Hvizda, director of compliance for Penn Entertainment, who gave the assurance to the public. The regulatory body’s and the OEC’s examination thoroughly looked into the issues of public safety.
Maintaining Hollywood York’s security standards
Hvizda emphasized that any security personnel deficit has no effect on general public safety. Even during busy times like Friday and Saturday evenings, he claimed that Hollywood York had maintained a good level of security incidents, with occurrences occurring on average once every hour.
Regulatory Measures Extend to Casino Visitors
The PGCB took further steps in addition to fixing the casino’s security flaws. The regulator also went after people who were deemed to have gravely violated casino decorum and etiquette. Five people were thus prohibited from visiting casinos in the state. To get entry to gaming floors and partake in gambling activities, these people had left their kids unattended.
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