Maryland Live! targets young people for 200 positions
Capital Gazette
Maryland Live! has turned its attention to college towns and social media in anticipation of a state law that will drop the minimum age for casino workers.
On Oct. 1, a new law will drop the minimum age for casino workers from 21 to 18. Between now and then, casino officials will be appearing at job fairs at a dozen college campuses, including Anne Arundel Community College. They've implemented marketing campaigns on social media and provided posters and coffee sleeves to college towns.
This is to fill some 200 jobs at the Hanover operation. It is also working with college administrators to establish an internship program where students can get college credit and pay for working there.
"This is an opportunity for young people to get a good paying job and start their careers early, while at the same time, working in a friendly, fun and pretty exciting environment," said Howard Weinstein, the casino's senior vice president and general counsel. "The key for us will be individuals who have a positive outlook and are interested in working in the service industry. … We want fun, friendly people."
State employment data shows the arts, entertainment and recreation industry will approach 46,000 workers by 2022. Those figures are largely made up of jobs from the amusement, gambling and recreation sector, which is expected to have nearly 34,500 employees by then.
Previously, anyone younger than 21 years old was prohibited from playing a table game in a video lottery facility or being in an area designated for video lottery activities. First time violators were subject to a $100 fine and that could go up to $1,000 for a third violation. The new law will allow video lottery employees who are at least 18 to remain in those areas if they are working.
Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corp. CEO Kirkland Murray said he was pleased with the new law. He's found many young people aged 18 to 24 have a difficult time finding jobs and this can only help.
"For young people who are 18, graduated from high school and may not be wanting to go to college right away, this is a good way to pay for and finance your college education," Murray said. "This is a great way to get young people on a career pathway that is a growing career industry in Maryland."