Cocktail Waitresses

Some casinos clearly have hired only very attractive cocktail waitresses. For example, the M. Others have a mix... (no example to protect the innocent) Does anyone know why this is? Are some "union shops" and so have to hire anyone, and others have some way around discriminating based on appearance? Someone told me (rumor) that the M hired their waitresses as "Models" to avoid issues...

I am not complaining, just curious!

I was under the impression that it's acceptable to discriminate when hiring - as long as the overall workforce mix is well balanced.

However, the model classification might be used as justification for terminating or reassigning a person as they age or lose their figure.

Some are indeed union shops. In "old" Vegas girls would get hired based on their "assets" and it was Benny Binion who put up a chart showing what was needed for each shift. At least he was unafraid to put it up on the wall rather than mere rumors.

I don't know of any place that has dubbed CWs models but many have tried to emphasize that mere ability to make and serve drinks is not sufficient to retain employment.

Many 'tradeshow models' or the like are hired where the gig is simple: look great, smile, and don't ever think the job will last longer than your looks.

Even male dealers have to pay attention to personal grooming and may have to invest in substantial dental care as they age. Its a public contact job and any time the economy is soft, job security is non-existent.

As a newer place, my guess is that the M offered a stronger tip/wage/benefit package to attract more applicants, then was just more picky in their selection. As their workforce ages, I don't think they will be able to release folks due to age discrimination laws.

Other joints have less physically attractive women due to lower tip/wage/benefits (making the applicant pool smaller), and older women, due to employees being longer on the job. Were the original CW's when the Mirage opened in 1989 let go when they hit 35? Again, just my guess.

Let me first say that cocktail waitresses are angels in disguise. Nothing so sweet as the siren call as they float through the casino, offering to come to the aid of the thirsty gambler.

I think some places just have different priorities. I was playing at MSS last summer and asked the dealer when MSS was going to install a stripper pole in the pit like so many of the other downtown casinos. Her answer was: "Look around at the dealers here. Do you think we're trying to sell sex with these older dealers? Do you think that's why the players come here?". She's right. They go after the older more established gambler who's after a good game rather then the young hip crowd that wants loud music and something shaking in his face.

Some Atlantic City CW's filed suit against Resorts after they were terminated on the basis of not meeing "uniform requirements". Fitting into a "uniform", could be the mechanism to get around union procedures and discrimination laws.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Some Atlantic City CW's filed suit against Resorts after they were terminated on the basis of not meeing "uniform requirements". Fitting into a "uniform", could be the mechanism to get around union procedures and discrimination laws.

Nine of them are being represented by Gloria Allred. That should be interesting.

When In Vegas, I always make a point of stopping by The Orleans to play some craps...only becasue that was the first casino I ever stayed at....so it brings back memories! And maybe its just me, but there are always super hot waitresses at The Orleans.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Some Atlantic City CW's filed suit against Resorts after they were terminated on the basis of not meeing "uniform requirements". Fitting into a "uniform", could be the mechanism to get around union procedures and discrimination laws.

Not exaggerating, I was served a cocktail at Resorts by the homeliest yet thin waitress I've ever encountered. I still have nightmares.

The uniform requirements listing often specifies certain sizes but its usually the listing of various items that make it clear the display of the female anatomy is the priority involved. Laced boots, lacy sleeves, garters, etc. its often some "uniform".

Quote: DrEntropy

Someone told me (rumor) that the M hired their waitresses as "Models" to avoid issues...

That is out of "Ocean's 13."

I agree with the poster who talked about how one casino decided not to go after the young crowd with a stripper pole. Count me among the ones who does not want their strip club and BJ Pit mixed. I want an attractive cocktail waitress, but I would rather give up a point or two in looks in return for fast, friendly, and correct service.

It was the Borgata in ac that first had all cw hired as "models who serve" they won the lawsuites as it was from day one. The resorts changed their policy I don't know the outcome as they let the old staff go and then hired "models who serve". NJ courts made it clear (Borgat case) they were hired as "models" it is this fact that allows the casino to keep the weight requirements.
The old casino have union contracts and can't just layoff the old staff.

You can bet that the legal staff carefully went over the Hooter's web site. I particularly like the statement: Claims that Hooters exploits attractive women are as ridiculous as saying the NFL exploits men who are big and fast.

Of course, the median NFL player salary is $770,000, even though the average NFL career length is only 3.5 years. We can assume that there is a big difference between NFL player compensation, and that of a Hooter's girl who is paid to sell overpriced greasy chicken wings.

Quote: Hooter's Web Site

The element of female sex appeal is prevalent in the restaurants, and the company believes the Hooters Girl is as socially acceptable as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, or a Radio City Rockette.

The Hooters system employs over 25,000 people - over 17,000 of which are Hooters Girls.

The "nearly world famous" Hooters Girls are the cornerstone of the Hooters concept, and as part of their job, these all-American cheerleaders make promotional and charitable appearances in their respective communities.

Hooters hires women who best fit the image of a Hooters Girl to work in this capacity.

The chain hires both males and females to work in management and host, staff, service bar, and kitchen positions. The Hooters Girl uniform consists of orange shorts and a white tank top. Pantyhose and bras are required.

Claims that Hooters exploits attractive women are as ridiculous as saying the NFL exploits men who are big and fast.

Hooters Girls have the same right to use their natural female sex appeal to earn a living as do super models Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.

To Hooters, the women’s rights movement is important because it guarantees women have the right to choose their own careers, be it a Supreme Court Justice or Hooters Girl.

...

Quote: Ayecarumba

Some Atlantic City CW's filed suit against Resorts after they were terminated on the basis of not meeing "uniform requirements". Fitting into a "uniform", could be the mechanism to get around union procedures and discrimination laws.

Boss hands prospect an application and a DD-sized bra and says "If you can fill these out, you got the job".

Ballys wins my homeliest waitress award. Ladies there were hired when it opened as MGM Grand. They're slow, forgetful and apathetic.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I was under the impression that it's acceptable to discriminate when hiring - as long as the overall workforce mix is well balanced.

However, the model classification might be used as justification for terminating or reassigning a person as they age or lose their figure.

It is not okay to discriminate based on:
# Race
# Sex
# Religion
# National origin
# Disability (physical or mental, including HIV status)
# Age (for workers over 40)
That's federal law. However, there is something called a "Bonafide Occupational Qualification" which allows employers like Hooter's to only hire pretty girls, or a warehouse to only hire men who can lift 40 pounds or more, etc.

Employment lawyers love to talk about "BFOQs." Of course, the burden is on the employer to prove that the trait is necessary for their business.

Yeah, that's kinda what I meant.

Last time I checked, there are more women playing in the casino than men. Especially on the slots, which is the casino's bread and butter. Why are casinos only hiring attractive women? Why not attractive men? It seems like they are missing the big picture.

Personally, I find hiring cocktail waitresses based on looks to be a disgustingly chauvinistic practice. Honestly, I don't care what the person serving my drinks looks like, man, woman, old or young.

I am happy to report that there are some casinos outside of Vegas that don't hire on looks. A poster earlier spoke about the Casino Montréal. In fact the vast majority of casinos in Eastern Canada hire both men and women, and not based on looks.

Good Point. I know mohegan has men cocktail waiters in the mix.

Rio has men

Perhaps because more women APPLY for cocktail server jobs.

Quote: NicksGamingStuff

Rio has men

And plenty of attractive young ladies in skimpy attire. I guess I've seen male servers there, but never been served by one myself. Do you suppose the men tend to serve the slot area, while they send the women to the table games?

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Perhaps because more women APPLY for cocktail server jobs.

I think DJ has the right idea here. If you think about it, who can make the most money from being a cocktail server? In many situations, men will be men, and attractive women can take advantage of it.

I have mixed feelings about this. Objectively, it IS somewhat distasteful that casinos (and perhaps CW's themselves) use such transparent measures to appeal to our primitive instincts. On the other hand, I can't help but turn my head and think "WOW". So I guess I can't do much about my primitive nature after all.

However, I have noticed that sex doesn't always sell. GVR has a craps table that is crewed by women in sexy outfits on friday and saturday nights. It never seems to do any better or worse then the other tables (its a $5 table) and if it gets "cold", the superstitions players move on to another table just as fast. I am quite sure this has not worked out as expected for GVR. However the young ladies have gotten to be pretty good dealers, I wold not be surprised to see them soon dressed in the normal uniform working all the tables. Some other locals casinos have recently (seemingly) done away with their 'party pits', (GVR + Sunset station on my last visits) and I expect this is because the savvy locals suspect (usually correctly) they are getting worse odds at those tables.

Quote: NicksGamingStuff

Rio has men

Boys, really. 2 or 3 waiters on the rotation under 24 yo, I'd say. And those skimpy outfits Rio dresses them in always gets a laugh from the tourists in the poker room.