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| Published On May 18, 2023 2:11 am CEST | By iGaming Team

Bally’s Tropicana Fate Uncertain Amid Oakland Athletics’ Ballpark Plans

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The future of Bally’s Corporation’s Tropicana Las Vegas casino could hang in the balance if the Oakland Athletics persist with their plans to construct new ballpark in Las Vegas. Bally’s initially announced on Monday that, should the Legislature approve $395 million in public funds for the new ballpark, the Tropicana might cease operations within the next 18 to 24 months.

However, in an ‘Updated FAQ’ released on Tuesday, the company slightly amended its stance, expressing a commitment to keep the casino open for as long as possible. They also assured employees that there would be other job opportunities within Bally’s properties in the event of closure.

Bally’s Response to Employees’ Concerns

In response to the initial communication, a spokesperson for Bally’s Corp. stated, “The FAQ issued today accurately conveys the current situation. The plans regarding the recently announced agreement with the Oakland Athletics are in very preliminary stages, and our focus at this time is on continuing to operate the Tropicana. We will be prepared to support Tropicana employees if and when the need should arise.”

The Future of Bally’s Tropicana

If the Oakland Athletics’ ballpark plans proceed, a new casino will be built on the 26 acres that will remain under Bally’s ownership post-construction. The corporation maintains that Tropicana’s workers will be their first choice for employment at the new venue, with employee seniority retained.

The Oakland Athletics hope to construct a $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat ballpark on the current Tropicana land. Although 26 acres will be left vacant, a new casino is planned for this remaining land.

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Workers’ Rights and Union Support

Bally’s Corporation Chairman, Soo Kim, admitted that it remains uncertain whether the casino closure would happen all at once or gradually, adding, “I think the general thought process is to do the stadium first and to not be in a rush to develop the rest of the site. But I think that is going to be dependent on lots of different factors.”

The Culinary Union has pledged its support for Bally’s employees. The Union, which has a longstanding contract with the company, is prepared to defend workers’ rights. Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer, pointed out the strong relationship between the union and the casino’s employees since the opening of the Tropicana in 1957. He emphasized that the jobs of union members must be protected according to their contractual agreement.

Tags: US