By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer
In 2023, 25 percent of Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland’s (Live!) supplier spend went to minority business enterprises (MBEs). The dollars amounted to more than $14 million.
This year the gaming destination is on track to exceed that figure. Diversity, equity and inclusion(DEI) director Edward Evans projected that supplier spend will rise to $20 million in 2024, reaching somewhere between 29 and 32 percent participation.
“A lot of companies will set a target for minority business participation, and we find that a lot of times it’s just that, a target,” said Evans. “With us, it’s a goal. It’s tied to my performance review. It’s tied to my merit increases. There’s accountability to me and the company to make sure we’re doing the work.”
Every fresh flower found in the casino is supplied by a minority-owned business. MBEs also participate in construction projects, serve as alcohol vendors and contribute to gaming integration.
Evans’ refers to his approach for attracting minority businesses as “100 pennies to a $1.” Rather than pursuing large leaps, he grows participation with smaller, gradual gains. This allows the company to take on MBEs that may have less capacity than larger competitors.
“People tend to aim for big splashes in the minority business arena, whereas we look at every way we can find an MBE to participate with us from a business standpoint,” said Evans. “We meet the company where they are. You can discredit certain companies based on their size and scale, but we find where they fit within our company.”
One of the first steps in preparing for supplier opportunities with Live! is for businesses to become formally registered as minority business enterprises. Evans said the process can seem intimidating or intrusive though that’s not the case.
“It’s not a process where we’re digging into all of your personal business. It’s a vetting process, and it’s painless,” said Evans. “I’m a hand-holder through the process.”
Aside from his MBE goals, Evans is also striving to connect with every historically, Black college and university (HBCU) in the country by this time next year. There are 107.
The aim is to introduce Black and Brown students to career opportunities in gaming, as their exposure may be confined to dealer and hospitality positions.
“If you don’t know the opportunities are there, then you have limited knowledge, which then restricts your access to an industry that has proven to be very fruitful,” said Evans.
He hopes his efforts will help increase minority representation in the gaming industry’s leadership positions.
“Although we do see improvement in the minority gaming industry, it still lags behind where it should be. It’s about access,” said Evans. “We need people to understand that they have an opportunity to grow with this multi-billion-dollar industry that is gaming.”
Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member.
