Page 28 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2024

Hard Rock, Biloxi
Casinos host holiday events for employees
MISSISSIPPI — With gaming being
a business that is open 24/7, many employees work through the night, even on holidays. But that does not mean they don’t get to enjoy all the merriment that goes along with the holiday season. There are work parties, special meals, family events, all kinds of fun and games. Plus, some casinos, including Hard Rock Biloxi, even helped get the season started by handing out turkeys and hams to their workforce and hosting holiday meals.
While employees were happy receiving a ham or turkey, the real fun occurred as Hard Rock hosted numerous celebrations and traditions, from giving back to the community to holiday parties where prizes were awarded. There was also an office door decorating contest with the table games department winning with its door depicting grandma getting run over by a reindeer. The fun events took place throughout the holiday season.
Other casinos held contests, as well. Beau Rivage celebrated the holiday season with an employee appreciation holiday party, which included a gingerbread house decorating contest. The event also featured a special menu, karaoke, photo booths, caricature artists and giveaways. Gingerbread house winners were front services, Most Creative; EVS, Best Candy Land Theme; and front desk, Most Festive.
Treasure Bay crewmembers went all out for the Christmas wreath decorating contest with many fun and festive entries. Open to teams and individuals, the
annual competition is a fundraiser where
crewmembers decorate wreaths in a variety of themes celebrating the holiday season.
Wreaths were judged in several categories with prizes for the top three places. “As always, our crew stepped
up with some beautiful and unique creations,” said Matthew Ulm, hotel and player services manager. “It was a tough decision. The time and effort put in by all the participants is something to be proud of.”
First place and the Holly Jolly trophy went to the beverage team for their Sugar Plum Fairy-themed wreath. Libby King and Thomas Leytham (right) were happy to show off their winning wreath. Housekeeping took second place and finance won third. Each of the winning teams also had a monetary donation made to the charity of their choice.
All the wreaths were sold in the Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Treasure Bay Charity Committee. “Not only will the wreaths bring joy to those who purchase them,” said Ulm, “but local charities benefit throughout the year.”
Boomtown Casino Biloxi and its
sister property Hollywood Gulf Coast
had holiday events for the whole family. Team members dressed up during the
10 Days of Holiday Fun. Events featured Grinchmas, Tacky Sweater Day and Flannel Day. Plus, team members received a holiday AwardCo bonus and enjoyed
a Christmas meal served by property leaders.
Plus, both properties held family parties with arts and crafts, cookie decorating
stations, letters to Santa and photo opportunities.
Pearl River Resort held its annual Christmas Joy party for the children of associates. Several departments set up interactive stations in the Golden Moon hotel VIP room, which was transformed into a magical Christmas fun land with a Barbie theme. More than 300 kids enjoyed snacks and candy, watched movies, decorated cupcakes, and took pictures with Santa.
That theme carried over to the 2023 Philadelphia Christmas Parade, where Pearl River Resort won Best Overall Float. The community affairs initiative was spearheaded by the property’s public relations department, with help from maintenance, audiovisual, and graphics.
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28 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2024