Bally’s Corporation just made a deal with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The agreement covers the operator’s three casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado. These properties feature over 540 slot machines, 33 table games and a poker room.
The Teamsters union represents about 1.3 million workers across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. It’s been around since 1903. Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim and Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien both signed off on the arrangement.
Why This Changes Union Representation Rules
The agreement sets up what’s called a card check process. Workers can now choose union representation just by signing their name on authorisation cards. No complicated voting procedures.
Once a majority of Black Hawk employees sign cards for a particular union, Bally’s automatically recognises that group as part of Teamsters. It’s a faster path to unionisation than traditional methods. And it removes some of the friction that usually comes with these organising efforts.
“This is how you raise standards across an entire industry, by giving workers the freedom to unionise without fear,” O’Brien said. He described it as putting working people first.
What the Agreement Actually Does
Employees at Bally’s Black Hawk properties are now eligible to select union representation through the card authorisation system. They don’t need to go through a formal election process.
The deal also commits both sides to working together on workplace issues. Bally’s and Teamsters agreed to prioritise problem-solving and “joint progress” for casino workers. They’re targeting “stronger workplaces, thriving communities and long-term opportunities.”
Kim called it a reflection of the company’s “commitment to listening, learning and working together with the Teamsters.” The operator manages its three Black Hawk properties under this new framework.
The agreement doesn’t force anyone to join. It just makes the process simpler if workers decide they want union representation. That’s the neutrality part – Bally’s won’t oppose organising efforts.
How This Affects the Colorado Gaming Market
Black Hawk is one of Colorado’s main gambling hubs. This deal could influence how other operators in the state handle labour relations.
Casino workers across the industry might see this as a template. The card check process removes barriers to organising that exist in traditional union elections. Other properties may face pressure to offer similar arrangements.
For Bally’s, the move positions the company as willing to work with organised labour. That’s not the typical stance in the gaming industry. The operator seems to be betting that cooperation with unions helps long-term stability.
“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” Kim said. The agreement backs up that statement with actual policy changes. Workers get protection and benefits. Bally’s gets labour peace and a stable workforce.
O’Brien emphasised that unionised workers will help “ensure Bally’s remains successful for generations to come.” Both sides framed this as a win for everyone involved.
