Bally’s Colorado Casino Workers Cleared to Join Teamsters Union

• Bally’s, Teamsters reach neutrality agreement
• Accord paves way for workers at Black Hawk, Colo. casinos to join union
• Those properties represent three of the operator’s four casinos in Colorado

Bally’s and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced they reached a neutrality agreement, which will open the door for employees at three of the operator’s Colorado casinos to seek union representation.

“Under the new card check process, Bally’s workers in Black Hawk, Colorado, will be able to choose union representation with the Teamsters simply by signing authorization cards. Once a majority of workers in a given unit sign cards, Bally’s will automatically recognize the group as Teamsters,” according to a statement issued by the gaming company and the union.

Bally’s runs three casinos in Black Hawk, known as the East, North, and West properties. The operator’s other Colorado is Bally’s Arapahoe Park, a racino located in Aurora.

Teamsters Making Strides at Regional Casinos

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded over a century ago and represents 1.3 million North American workers, including those in the gaming industry.

Earlier this year, slot machine staff at Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, too. Before that, Teamsters Local 325 represented valet and warehouse staff at the regional casino.

“Bally’s and the Teamsters will continue to encourage problem-solving and joint progress for casino workers, ensuring shared goals of stronger workplaces, thriving communities, and long-term opportunities remain at the center of these joint efforts,” according to the press release.

Black Hawk a Fast-Growing Casino Market

The labor agreement between Bally’s and the Teamsters is significant for another reason. Black Hawk, Colo., is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the US and is close to cracking the top 10 as measured by gross gaming revenue (GGR).

In Black Hawk, competition for casino staff is stiff because the town, which is the state’s largest gaming market, is home to more than a dozen gaming venues.