MGM Resorts Updates Policies for Table Games in Las Vegas
MGM Resorts International has notified its table game employees about several updates to guests' use of technology at the gaming tables.
MGM's Table Games Operations Department has revised the company's guidelines on the allowance of gamblers to film and photograph while seated at a table. The changes are especially highlighted by the introduction of the option for players to live stream their play on social media platforms, as long as it doesn't interfere with the game's progress and the prompt approval of the casino management is obtained beforehand.
MGM's Nevada properties will begin implementing this new policy in May 2023, as stated in the company's internal memo. The purpose of the new policy is to enable guests to capture and share their gambling experiences in real-time on social media while minimizing the associated risks of allowing photography, filming, and streaming in MGM's gaming establishments.
MGM Resorts operates nine casino resorts in Nevada, including MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Park MGM/NoMad, and Aria. In addition, the company also controls the hotel operations of Delano, Vdara, and The Signature at MGM Grand.
The news about this policy change was shared by a Las Vegas insider, "Las Vegas Locally," via a tweet.
https://twitter.com/LasVegasLocally/status/1664123644904357889?s=20
Permissions for Table Games
Under the newly revised table game rules set by MGM Resorts, guests are allowed to send and receive text messages, make short phone calls, and take personal photographs. However, these actions should not disrupt the flow of the game.
The company, despite relaxing its rules for patrons, still maintains that guests cannot leave any item on the table for a long time, engage in prolonged phone conversations while seated, and capture pictures or videos of gaming equipment like card shufflers, card shoes, roulette wheels, and surveillance cameras.
Furthermore, guests are not permitted to film or take photos of MGM employees or other patrons at the tables. Recording audio of the table games is also prohibited, and playing music or any other audio is still disallowed.
MGM Resorts reserves the right to change these rules as needed. VIP players and those gambling in high-limit rooms or at reserved tables may be given special considerations.
Seeking Casino Approval for Streaming
There is a growing online casino gambling content market among millennials who watch video game players compete on social media and video sharing platforms like YouTube. Delivering live streams of MGM's casinos could be an effective marketing strategy for the company, as its customers can show their followers all the fun they're having on the Strip via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Some frequent visitors to Las Vegas on Twitter commented on the news, expressing their concerns about how much privacy is left for guests in a casino.
"Gosh, a guy and his mistress can't go anywhere these days," said one Twitter user in response to the MGM memo.
