The new policy is aimed at allowing our guests to take photos and videos and, when appropriate, to share that content in real or in near real-time via social media broadcasts ('streams’ or 'streaming’) while limiting the risks associated
A leaked memo from MGM Resorts International shows the company revised its policies on players taking photos and videos of gaming activity at its properties in Nevada last month.
In a memo to its staff in Table Games Operations, the company said it would launch a “Gaming Streaming/Video/Photo Policy” at its Nevada casinos in May.
“The new policy is aimed at allowing our guests to take photos and videos and, when appropriate, to share that content in real or in near real-time via social media broadcasts ('streams’ or 'streaming’) while limiting the risks associated with allowing photography, filming, and streaming in MGM Resorts’ gaming establishments.”
MGM said the policy “also allows us to balance other guests’ desire for privacy.”
Several media outlets, including PokerNews and KTNV-TV in Las Vegas, reported on the memo’s existence but did not display copies.
On Twitter, a June 1 post from Las Vegas Locally included copies of the leaked MGM memo.
MGM Resorts is launching a new "Streaming/Video/Photo Policy" for table games players. They're now allowing players to take photos and videos, and even do real-time video streaming while playing in some cases. pic.twitter.com/G9160nc8TK
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) June 1, 2023
- Up to $100 in free play with first deposit*
- Top-quality software
- Compete for WSOP bracelets & rings
Three Categories For Generated Content
The memo shows the new MGM policy divides photos and videos taken by guests into three categories: personal use, quasi-commercial use, and commercial use.
Prior approval is required for quasi-commercial and commercial use. But it will not be required for personal use.
“Personal users generally look and behave like average guests,” MGM advised the staff it has manning slots and table games. “Personal users generally take photos and videos with a smart phone [and] generally concentrate on capturing their own experiences [including] selfies, group photos, typical tourist photos or short videos of the casino interior, short clips or photos of slot play, and infrequent short clips or photos of table play.”
MGM added that its staff may come upon players who are streaming content onto their personal social media. “Personal users generally stream only short slips without prolonged two-way communications,” MGM said, but indicated that prolonged streams or two-way communications could be a sign that the streaming is more quasi-commercial or commercial in nature, therefore requiring prior approval.
- Welcome offer activates if your first bet loses
- Great mobile betting experience
- Variety of betting markets on offer
*Except NY & NV. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Additional terms apply.
Only Certain Devices Allowed Without Prior Permission
MGM said only handheld cell phones and tripods or stabilizer devices will be permitted on its casino floors in Nevada. External lighting and audio equipment, or anything that could potentially present a safety hazard, is prohibited. The company advised its staff that such equipment in use likely signaled quasi-commercial or commercial use.
“Personal users are permitted to take photos and videos in the slot portion of the casino floor,” MGM said but warned that such users “may not be cognizant of other people’s reasonable expectations of privacy.
“When necessary, casino staff and/or security may need to intervene and provide guidance on how to respect the privacy of others, e.g., film only the slot machine you are playing, do not purposefully film others, [and] ask permission if filming someone else’s gameplay.”
Looking for a place to play online poker in Nevada? Check out WSOP NV!
