VIP Mobility by Global Payments and Interview with Melanie Johnson

Introduction

• Topic: Benefits of cashless gaming with VIP Mobility by Global Payments
• Episode: Interview with Melanie Johnson, President of Borgata Hotel and Casino
• Sponsor: Global Payments, leader in cashless gaming

Benefits of VIP Mobility (Global Payments)

• Cashless Gaming
  • Reduced cash handling expenses
  • More cash in play
  • Improved performance metrics
  • Play never interrupted to get cash
  • Enhanced security
  • Reduced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) exposure

Interview with Melanie Johnson

Opening

• First few months as President of Borgata
  • Challenging due to COVID-19 and property transition
  • Left property with restrictions, new property was closed
  • Seasoned staff, health and safety concerns, unknown relationships
  • Managing reopening, staff trust, and health protocols
  • Personal and professional challenges

Career Path and Reflections

• Experience at MGM Resorts International
  • Worked in Tunica, MS at Gold Strike Casino
  • Worked at MGM National Harbor, MD
• Transition to Borgata, flagship of Atlantic City
  • Balancing health protocols, reopening, and staff relations
  • Adapting to South Jersey and the local customer base

Women in Gaming and Career Advice

• Reflecting on personal career journey
  • Importance of relationships and network
  • Accepting and learning from mistakes
  • Staying patient and establishing a solid foundation (education and experience)
• Advice for aspiring executives
  • Mentorship and not rushing career progression
  • Importance of on-the-job experience
  • Patience and continuous learning

Challenges of the Pandemic

• COVID-19 restrictions and their impact
  • 25% occupancy, social distancing, dining restrictions
  • Maintaining customer engagement through programming and promotions
  • Ensuring health and safety protocols
• Decrease in volumes but focusing on safety measures
  • Hand washing and sanitizing stations
  • Constant sanitization by the Borgata Be Clean Team

Importance of Online Gaming

• Providing alternative entertainment from home
• Significant part of Borgata’s business

Recovery and Future Outlook

• Assessment of Atlantic City
  • Doesn’t agree with “rags to riches”, sees the course as constant
  • Borgata’s plans to help grow the market
• Blueprint for success due to health and safety focus
  • Maintaining safety protocols even post-pandemic
• Role of regulators
  • Partnership with state and gaming regulators essential
  • Adherence to health and safety mandates

Outlook for Atlantic City

• Optimistic for 2022 as a year of celebration and rebirth
• Aim to bring business back and maintain a fun environment

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to read more in an upcoming edition of Gaming America
• Recap of VIP Mobility promo by Global Payments