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| New "Destitute Detectors" in south wing of the Venetian Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas |
In a bold move one industry wag suggested was like, “putting your money where your mouth is, instead of other
peoples’ mouths,” CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson
announced the installation of “Destitute Detectors TM”
in the lobbies of his two Las Vegas casinos, The Venetian and the Palazzo. The new devices (see photo) are based on
modern technology than can identify the gross-household-income of any potential
patron to the casino, similar to airport detectors sensing potential weaponry.
Adelson has said before that, ”[You have] under-age, of age, college students that owe
plenty of money, unfortunate people, working-class people, middle-class people
that will be easily exploited by, and easily incentivized to go…gamble.”
Long a champion of the poor, the new machines are set to approximately
$50,000 GHI, and any player who fails to make that limit will be barred from
entering. "It will be easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for someone who is poor to enter the Venetian."
At the unveiling,
reporters asked exactly how the devices worked.
Adelson said that he did not know about the technology, so he could not
address the issue. When asked if the detectors
could be set for other criteria, such as underage players, he murmured something
about a pilot program at his Bethlehem (PA) Sands casino, then suffered a
coughing fit, and walked away.
A spokesperson
for the American Gaming Association was taken by surprise at the announcement. “This is not an issue we can lead on,” said the unnamed spokesperson, adding that there was no
consensus among the AGA’s members. “Therefore, we’re both appalled and delighted at the same time.”
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| This version of the "Destitute Detector" didn't float. |
It was learned just before this article went to press that a
consideration to extend the “Destitute Detectors TM” to all levels of
the Venetian was dropped (see photo) in lieu of 25% price hike in retail,
gondola rides, and gelato.
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