Are the dealers being passed over and compromised by live streams?
A few weeks ago, hotel and casino operator MGM Resorts International and gambling company Playtech announced their joint plans for live streaming casino games in real casinos with real dealers. However, it seems that the dealers have some issues with this concept and have spoken out.
International Live Casino Offer Planned
I Gaming Business magazine reported at the end of June 2024 on the cooperation between MGM Resorts International and Playtech [English article].
The two companies have decided to stream the action at the stationary tables over the internet and give players from various countries the opportunity to place live bets.
The first target markets for the new digital casino offering are the UK and Mexico. The legal situation in the US regarding the legality of such offers still needs to be checked.
Leaked Letter of Dealer Concerns
However, there seems to be another hurdle, as the dealers of the Bellagio Casino, operated by MGM Resorts International, have turned to the operating company in a letter and expressed their displeasure.
The document is now circulating on the short messaging service X [English document]:
The dealers have expressed their concerns in several ways:
- No consent was obtained, which they consider a violation of privacy
- They fear for their personal safety when broadcasting in regions with high crime rates, such as Mexico
- Even if the dealers are made unrecognizable in the live streams, there may be AI tools to reverse this anonymization
- The US state of Nevada, where the Bellagio is located, prohibits the commercial use of moving images and voices without the consent of the person concerned
Similar Offer Launched in Bavaria
Spielbanken Bayern became the first legal provider in Germany to bring live table games to the internet in April 2024. Due to their licensing as a casino, Spielbanken Bayern can offer table games not only at the nine stationary locations but also on spielbanken-bayern-online.de on the internet.
While there doesn't seem to be any criticism from the dealers here, there is criticism from the gambling protection side. Although there is nothing legally wrong with the offer, the Bavarian State Agency for Gambling Addiction has criticized the opening of the online casino.
Are the Dealers Concerned About Money or Safety?
It can only be speculated whether the dealers' stated security concerns are their primary concern. It is sometimes suspected on the internet that the dealers might primarily be interested in additional remuneration, as more money is earned with their performance.
In any case, it seems clear that the planned live casino offer is currently facing resistance in this form. It will be interesting to see if the parties can resolve their differences.
The online casino industry in Germany is expanding, with Spielbanken Bayern becoming the first legal provider to offer live table games online in April 2024. However, similar plans by MGM Resorts International and Playtech for live streaming casino games in real casinos with real dealers have faced criticism from the dealers. A leaked letter circulating on X expresses their concerns, including privacy violations, safety issues, potential AI tools to reverse anonymization, and legal restrictions in Nevada.
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