Massachusetts regulator backs All-In Diversity Project
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has become the first US state regulatory body to declare its support for the All-In Diversity Project.
Under the agreement, the MGC will now serve as a participating partner of the initiative.
The MGC already runs a number of diversity projects as part of its own strategy and will work with the All-In Diversity Project to build on this activity.
Current efforts in Massachusetts include the ‘Access and Opportunity Committee’ that brings together stakeholders to discuss diversity and opportunities in the gaming sector.
Massachusetts gaming law also requires casinos to establish training programs that promote the development of a skilled and diverse workforce, with regular reports submitted to the MGC.
Casino developers are also required to set diversity hiring goals and submit plans to develop a diverse workforce that provides employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed.
In addition, casinos are set diversity contracting goals and submit strategic plans for utilising minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to participate as contractors in all stages of building gaming establishments.
Jill Griffin, director of workforce, supplier and diversity development at the MGC, said, “The Commission is steadfast in its mission to ensure the gaming industry in Massachusetts is inclusive and provides opportunities that reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth.
“MGC is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our global partners on this important initiative to identify and share the gaming industry’s most promising practices to ensure economic benefit for all.”
Christina Thakor-Rankin, co-founder of the All-In Diversity Project, added: “Our own experiences coupled with numerous conversations with operators, regulators, responsible gaming groups and government bodies around the world, tell us that diversity, equality and inclusion are key to the long-term success of our industry.
“The challenge for almost everyone is not the ‘why’ we need to change, but the ‘how’ do we change – this is a fantastic example of a ‘how’.”
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