Stop Predatory Gambling

Why Predatory Gambling is Like No Other Business

by spgadmin

In his recent keynote speech to the Global Gaming Expo, Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman took exception to the way his business is considered by the public. He titled his remarks: “The Stockholm Syndrome: Why Addressing the Misinformation that Plagues Gaming is our Top Priority.”

Mr. Loveman complained when businesses like McDonald’s want to expand to other markets, they don’t need the approval of politicians like casino companies do, This post is the first in an occasional series looking at whether predatory gambling is comparable to other businesses like McDonalds.

We will start with The Los Angeles Times story this week that reported casinos like Harrah’s are using scantily clad showgirls and strippers to perform on platforms above the blackjack tables, typically in high-traffic areas. The casinos call them “party pits.” According to the story:

Harrah’s hotels with party pits include Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, Paris and Caesars, with its Pussycat Dolls pit outside the Pure nightclub. Caesars partnered with Robin Antin, co-founder of the Pussycat Dolls, on its design.

The Pussycat pit has succeeded in attracting the 25-to-fortysomething demographic, said Jimmy Wike, a vice president at Caesars Palace. “Caesars has been a traditional casino — this made us attractive to a different group.”

Two girls dance at a time, in elevated cages with the inevitable pole, swaying to hip-hop by Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Ke$ha and Nas. Hired for their “classy, wholesome” looks and long, straight hair, the dancers wear bustiers, shorts and pink-and-blue caps. The all-female dealers also dress attractively.

We can say with absolute certainty there is not a McDonalds anywhere in America that puts exotic dancers on restaurant tables in a bid to get more people to buy more food.