Leading gambling companies Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands have recently been spotlighted in the 2025 “Low-Wage 100” report. This annual publication by the Institute for Policy Studies and Inequality.org identifies S&P 500 companies that show the smallest median wages for their employees compared to the large earnings of their top executives.

The financial figures reveal significant disparities in compensation. In 2024, Caesar’s CEO Tom Reeg earned $18.4 million, while the average U.S. employee at the company received just $43,880, resulting in a salary gap of 419 to 1. MGM’s CEO Bill Hornbuckle earned $15.8 million, sharply contrasting the company’s median employee salary of $47,607, creating a 332 to 1 ratio. Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands’ Robert Goldstein took home $21.9 million, dwarfing the $42,426 earned by the typical worker and leading to a 516 to 1 pay disparity.

These pay gaps have sparked ongoing criticism of the casino industry. Since 2019, the top executive pay at Caesar’s has more than doubled, surpassing the 40% wage increase seen among its workforce. Though MGM and Las Vegas Sands have also raised executive salaries at a faster rate than employee wages, their growth was less dramatic compared to Caesar’s.

Experts argue that this imbalance extends beyond optics. The report examines billions spent on stock buybacks which inflate share prices and executive compensation, while funding for employee wages and training remains insufficient. For instance, MGM invested over $9.5 billion in buybacks last year—more than twice what was spent on upgrading its properties.

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This uneven pay structure is not limited to major companies in the S&P 500. Smaller gaming firms reveal similar trends. Penn Entertainment reported a striking 734 to 1 gap, with its CEO earning $26.6 million and the average employee making $36,322. Boyd Gaming followed with a 304 to 1 ratio, and Golden Entertainment showed a 155 to 1 difference.

Industry critics suggest these pronounced salary gaps damage employee morale and complicate talent retention, ultimately hindering long-term growth. Calls for reform include proposals to increase taxes on companies with large pay disparities and to levy higher taxes on stock buybacks.

Despite these controversies, these companies remain among Nevada’s top employers and hold substantial influence within the global gambling market. Nevertheless, the study concludes that the industry’s focus on rewarding shareholders and executives over workers will likely persist without regulatory intervention.

Caesars Entertainment has launched its third fully in-house developed proprietary online casino title: Signature American Roulette. Now live in New Jersey, the game is available across Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino, bringing another standout addition to the Company’s Signature table game series.

Developed by Empire Creative, Signature American Roulette reflects Caesars’ growing investment in building its own proprietary content, a cornerstone of its online casino strategy aimed at delivering a best-in-class player experience.

“Our in-house content team’s latest addition to the Signature series of table games is a standout for our online casino players. Bringing Signature American Roulette to our iGaming platforms perfectly complements our suite of Caesars-branded table games and further strengthens the robust collection of digital offerings that bring the energy of the casino floor to players’ mobile devices,” said Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital.

Signature American Roulette follows the recent launches of fan-favorite Signature titles, Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender in May and Signature Blackjack Surrender in June, both also developed by Empire Creative. Online casino players can enjoy these games across Caesars’ marquee iGaming platforms in New Jersey, Michigan and Ontario, with Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender now also available on Caesars Palace Online Casino in Pennsylvania.

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“Signature American Roulette continues our commitment to delivering immersive and player-centric table games that align with our many iconic brands. From player-selectable wheel spin direction and speed to our intuitive favorite bets system, every detail is crafted to boost engagement. With seamless play in portrait or landscape modes and picture-in-picture win evaluations, we’re bringing the thrill of the casino straight to players’ fingertips,” said Scott Krell, Senior Director of Game Products and Head of Studio at Caesars Digital.

Those 21 and older in New Jersey can play Signature American Roulette by downloading the Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino or Caesars Sportsbook & Casino apps on iOS or Android, or visiting the platforms on desktop. These platforms are also available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario, and West Virginia, offering a dynamic online casino experience that features Caesars-branded games, timeless casino classics, and unique titles from top game providers. Each platform offers a dynamic online casino experience with a range of unique games from top providers, Caesars-branded games, and timeless casino classics. Additionally, each platform integrates Caesars Rewards, the Company’s industry-leading loyalty program allowing players in the US to earn Caesars Rewards Credits redeemable for unforgettable experiences at more than 50 world-class Caesars Rewards destinations across North America.

On Aug. 2, Dry Creek Rancheria and Caesars Entertainment broke ground on a joint project to turn River Rock Casino into Caesars Republic Sonoma County. The partnership was launched when Dry Creek Rancheria selected Caesars Entertainment as its development and management partner for the new integrated resort. Citizens led the project financing, with Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. serving as the lead real estate financing partner. Caesars Republic Sonoma County is located off Hwy 101 and sits above the Alexander Valley Vineyards, providing breathtaking views of both the vineyards and the Russian River.

“Breaking ground on Caesars Republic Sonoma County marks a monumental moment for Dry Creek Rancheria. This partnership with Caesars Entertainment represents more than just a new chapter in our casino’s story — it’s a bold leap into the future for our Tribe and our community. Together, we are creating a world-class resort experience that blends the natural beauty of Sonoma County with premier gaming, hospitality and entertainment. We are proud to work alongside Caesars, Citizens and GLPI to bring this vision to life and elevate our economic and cultural legacy. This project is a powerful step forward and we are eager to share it with the region and beyond,” said Chris Wright, Chairman of Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

The resort casino will be completely transformed and will feature a new casino floor with more than 1000 slot machines and 28 table games. The destination will also be home to a new 100-room hotel with a luxury spa, pool, and fitness center.

“On the heels of a successful launch of Caesars Republic in Lake Tahoe, we couldn’t think of a better place than Sonoma County to continue the brand’s expansion. We’re excited to partner with Dry Creek Rancheria to bring this incredible destination to life and offer a new, elevated and unique experience for our guests to indulge in, right in the heart of wine country,” said Anthony Carano, President and COO at Caesars Entertainment.

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Caesars Republic Sonoma County will also offer a robust food and beverage line-up, including a steakhouse, an upscale café, an Asian concept, and an elevated quick-service option. Additionally, guests can enjoy a fireside bar, sports bar, and the resort’s dedicated wine bar, which will have an outdoor deck providing unparalleled views of the valley.

“Dry Creek Rancheria and Caesars are creating a premier gaming destination in Sonoma County. We appreciate the opportunity to support Dry Creek, leverage our lending relationships and partner with Caesars and GLPI to help set the foundation for the long-term success of the Tribe,” said Jason Miller, Head of Debt Capital Markets at Citizens.

Peter Carlino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GLPI, said: “We are proud to be initiating a long-term relationship with Dry Creek Rancheria in our role as the lead real estate financing partner for Caesars Republic Sonoma County. We are also delighted to expand our long-term relationship with Caesars Entertainment. GLPI’s involvement in this project is consistent with our underwriting and coverage criteria as well as our focus on aligning with and supporting our tenants, who are the industry’s leading regional gaming operators. Caesars Republic Sonoma County represents an exciting opportunity to develop a world-class destination in the heart of California’s iconic Sonoma Valley wine region.”

Caesars Republic Sonoma County will be part of Caesars Entertainment’s expansive Caesars Rewards network. Guests who stay and play at the resort can earn and redeem Reward Credits at any of Caesars Entertainment’s 50+ destinations across the country, including Caesars Republic Sonoma County.