Acknowledging loyalty and hard work
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced Tuesday that more than 2,000 of its frontline employees will be getting a bonus from a pot of about $1m for. It will be the second year in a row that staff at the property will receive bonus money for their loyalty and hard work.
the second year in a row
Hourly employees will each receive a $250 bonus, with salaried workers and supervisors to get $500 and managers earning $1,000. The sums will be added to workers’ paychecks on Friday.
Hard Rock International chair Jim Allen spoke to employees virtually, thanking them for their input in helping the New Jersey property to succeed. He noted that the facility has managed to bounce back despite the pandemic, and acknowledged that “the dedication of our team members has been crucial to driving the success of our casino resorts.”
Employees of other Hard Rock properties are also expected to get bonuses this year.
Navigating through the pandemic
Workers at the property have been following the brand’s ‘Safe + Sound’ health and safety protocols to ensure a smooth reopening and operation at the Hard Rock Atlantic City. Millions of dollars have gone into making sure both the property and its employees could safely cater to guests.
Atlantic City facility had the highest customer service scores
According to the press release announcing the bonuses, the Atlantic City facility had the highest customer service scores out of all the properties in the company’s portfolio after it reopened.
To help employees during the pandemic, Hard Rock International and its owner, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, contributed more than $90m worth of relief funds across its properties. The funds helped to pay staff during property closures, extend benefits, and distribute grocery gift cards.
A tough 2020
Casinos in Atlantic City got hit especially hard by COVID-19, as they remained closed for longer than commercial casinos in many other states. Following their March 16 closure, they did not get the green light to resume operations until July 2. Casino capacity dropped to 25% alongside other restrictive measures.
In spite of a rise in virus cases across the United States as the winter set in, Atlantic City casinos remained open, albeit with further restrictions.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement released its final figures for 2020 in mid-January. The financial impact of the pandemic on Atlantic City casinos was evident, with total table games and slots revenue dropping 43.7% for the year to little more than $1.5bn. While online casinos and sportsbooks helped to offset some of the damage to casinos, total gaming win still fell by 19.5% to $2.65bn.
While Hard Rock’s total gaming revenue in New Jersey decreased by 17% year-on-year to $290.5m, the property’s internet gaming win rose 164.7% to $59.64m. Casinos across the US are hoping for better fortunes in 2021 with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.