Nevada‘s constitutional ban on gay marriage having been deemed unconstitutional, wedding chapels are kicking into high gear to prepare for a wave of same-sex nuptials. How is the casino industry responding to this sudden $50 million 
(projected) jackpot? Both Caesars Entertainment — long a bastion of gay-friendliness — and MGM Resorts International had been preparing for this day and were right out of the gate with promotional offers. If you can stay married a month, you get a one time free admission to Bally’s Las Vegas‘ Liaison, the Victor Drai gay-targeted nightclub. Or perhaps you’d like to tie the knot in the Vegas High Roller. That can be accommodated. MGM, meanwhile, is focusing more on discounts than events.
For “george” status, the $1,000 markdown on weddings at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa takes the palm. However, for atmosphere, I’d recommend the Neon Museum, which will also stage your ceremony starting at an affordable $450. What says says “Vegas” quite like a rainbow of neon signage?
* It’s no wonder that tribal casinos in Connecticut are trying to co-opt Massachusetts licenses, too. Slot wagering at Mohegan Sun was down 9% last month and revenue fell 7%. Over at Foxwoods Resort Casino, betting fell 12% and revenue 20%. Considering the likely impact of Massachusetts casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods had probably better get used to the idea that their best years are behind them, unlikely to return.
In the Bay State, prospective employees are turning out by the hundreds. Casino-repeal proponents had the nerve to diss the job fair as vote-buying. They are obviously deaf to the desperation of job seekers like Amanda Woods, who thinks she’ll have to move out of state if she doesn’t get a job at MGM Springfield, or Shakur Woods-Clark, whose best alternative is to join the Navy.
* Although it looks as though the Japanese Diet won’t be so myopic as to ban 
citizens from casinos (if enacted), some crimps may be placed on their access. Admission fees like those in Singapore have been suggested, along with other, unspecified restraints, undoubtedly inspired by high levels of problem gambling in Japan. Still, policymakers should listen to Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson, who says, “we will not be interested in Japan or any other country on a foreigners-only basis. We can’t do that. Our business model won’t allow it,” and you’d have to say the man knows whereof he speaks.
* Try to run an offshore bookmaking operation from your house in Nevada and you’re liable to get three years of probation — as happened to Aaron Virchis and Mitchell Garshofsky. The duo will also forfeit just under $1 million in assets. Ouch.
