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Debate over casino list poaching4 July 2008NEW JERSEY –- As reported by the Star Ledger: "…Years ago, the job of keeping track of big players was left to casino hosts who kept handwritten lists. Today, computerized databases do the job, and the marketing has become much more sophisticated. "…But as the lists have become more valuable, a sort of black market has emerged. Some casino executives say they have been approached by someone offering to sell a competitor's list. Others have been accused of taking the high-roller list with them to their next job. Civil suits are common, though criminal charges are rarely filed. "So the news last month that a top Atlantic City executive was indicted, along with two other former casino employees, on charges of stealing information on more than 20,000 of the best Tropicana gamblers took many in the industry by surprise. "Now, the talk in Atlantic City is split between those who thought it was about time somebody cracked down on the practice and others who said the lists are meaningless in a city where gamblers tend to play at more than one casino. "Harvey Perkins, a former casino executive who's currently a senior vice president of the casino consulting firm Spectrum Gaming Group, said the debate detracts from the main issue: 'It's a serious allegation.' "…Dennis Gomes, a former top executive at the Tropicana casino, said just having a list of several thousand Atlantic City gamblers may not be all that valuable…" |