Former Maryland casino operator settles sexual harassment lawsuit
Golden Entertainment Inc., the former owner and operator of Rocky Gap Casino in Flintstone, Maryland, will pay $100,000 to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by the Maryland division of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the settlement was announced Wednesday.
Golden was charged with violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when she continued to employ a female bartender at Rocky Gap to work alongside a male co-worker who groped her after she complained to the casino manager. buttocks and making sexual comments. Abuse.
Soon after, the harassing bartender approached her from behind and whispered to her that nothing bad would happen because of his inappropriate behavior, the EEOC alleges.
After further complaints, Golden eventually moved the bartender to a much less lucrative position away from her alleged harasser, the lawsuit states.
In addition to providing financial relief to bartenders, the three-year consent order settling the lawsuit requires Golden to provide comprehensive sexual harassment training to all managers, supervisors and employees. It must also report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission how it handles any sexual harassment complaints.
“Sexual harassment is prevalent in the hospitality industry, and managers of these businesses must remain vigilant in protecting their employees,” Debra M. Lawrence, regional attorney for the EEOC, said in a release. "Hospitality workers and managers are often trained to maintain a relaxed, friendly attitude and create a fun, casual atmosphere. However, it must always be clear that this does not mean that sexual harassment is practiced, tolerated or not taken action against."
A difficult beginning
Maryland's fourth casino was built in 2013 by Minnesota-based Lakes Entertainment for $6.8 million at a publicly subsidized golf resort in Rocky Gap State Park. Rocky Gap was acquired by Golden Entertainment in 2015 when the company merged with Lakes Entertainment.
Golden sold the property to New York-based Century Casinos for $56.1 million. The deal closes in July 2023.
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Source: www.casino.org
