| Casinos Working To Comply With ADA
September 19, 2008
by Tony Stevens
 In
most casinos, no one can help but notice the inordinate amount
of seniors playing the slots. One can see hundreds of elderly
dropping the coins in hope that they can live out their final
days with a few bucks in their pockets.
The problem is, casinos can be kind of cramped for wheelchairs
and scooters. And casinos are taking notice. Adding such things
as extra handicapped spaces and valet parking are only the
start. Inside casinos, management is revamping the floors to
accommodate the handicapped. Making what may seem like small,
but important changes, such as removable chairs or no chairs at
all in front of slot machines. Casinos are lowering equipment to
allow for wheelchair access (such as slot machines and gaming
tables), widening aisles, and leveling of floors (eliminating
steps).
 But it's not stopping there. Casinos are offering free
wheelchairs or allowing customers to rent scooters. They are
also adding smoke free zones (you'd be amazed how many patrons
are on oxygen) if they are not required to do so already.
Why is this happening? Well, first, it makes good business sense
to cater to the largest amount of customers. Since the elderly
come in droves to casinos, they want them to stay and spend as
much as possible.
But also, it's a legal issue. The Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) require businesses to make their establishments
handicapped accessible. So they must comply or face legal
entanglements.
The only ones having problems complying are riverboat based
casinos, with limited space; they are having challenges offering
all the amenities that the land based casinos can offer.
But all in all these changes will make the casino adventure a
lot more fun and easier to maneuver. And we all may need the
space someday.
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