Golden Entertainment Inc., previously renowned for its ownership and operation of the illustrious Rocky Gap Casino in Flintstone, Md., has now agreed upon a settlement of $100,000, in an attempt to conclude a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
Nestled in 25,000 square feet of gaming space, the Rocky Gap Casino proudly houses 665 gaming devices and 17 vibrant, live table games. However, this imposing highlight of Maryland gaming has now been overshadowed by an incident of alleged harassment and inappropriate behavior.
The lawsuit surfaced in 2020, filed by the Baltimore division of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), revealing the agreed settlement on a Wednesday with a sobering solemnity.
Golden Entertainment Inc., the defendant, is accused of crafting a breach in Title VII of the classic 1964 Civil Rights Act. This violation is said to have occurred when a female bartender assigned at Rocky Gap was reportedly forced to work with a male colleague allegedly responsible for groping her and making unseemly sexual comments. These claims became notably more egregious when the bartender in question informed casino managers of her ordeal, yet was still compelled to work alongside her alleged molester.
In a chilling turn of events, the bartender accused of harassment approached the female bartender from behind and audaciously whispered that his actions would remain devoid of consequences, a damning charge made by the EEOC.
Despite further complaints from the assaulted bartender, her reassignment by Golden was for lesser sought-after bartending station, which further distanced her from her alleged harasser, provoking claims of retaliation and punitive reassignment by the suit.
The terms of the settlement now require Golden to part with $100,000 and provide comprehensive sexual harassment training for all managers, supervisors, and employees. They are now required to report back to the EEOC with regard to their handling of any future sexual harassment complaints.
Debra M. Lawrence, EEOC Regional Attorney, made it clear in a press statement that sexual harassment in the hospitality industry should never be condoned. She emphasized that while the nature of their profession encourages a relaxed, friendly, and fun environment, it should never translate into victimizing behavior, tolerating harassment or failing to address it adequately.
The Rocky Gap Casino, Maryland’s fourth establishment of its kind, was erected for $6.8 million in 2013 by Lakes Entertainment, a Minnesota-based organization. It stands against the backdrop of a publicly subsidized golf resort at Rocky Gap State Park and was acquired by Golden Entertainment in 2015 after their merger with Lakes Entertainment.
Recently, Golden parted ways with the controversial property, selling it to Century Casinos, a New-York based company, for a princely sum of $56.1 million. The sale was finalized in July 2023.