MGM Northfield Park, a racino in Ohio operated by MGM Resorts, is prepared to play a role in bringing to an end human trafficking in the state. The property is ready to donate $10,000 to the Summit County Sheriff Division of Human Trafficking and Prostitution, a local law enforcement task force dedicated to investigating cases of prostitution and trafficking in the area. MGM Northfield is also ready to provide training to its own employees to help them recognize any signs of possible human trafficking.
There are allegedly around 400 cases of human trafficking in Ohio last year to a national hotline set up specifically for the cause, according to the Human Trafficking Task Force in Ohio. This ranks as one of the highest in the nation, only falling behind California, Florida and Texas. An area centered on Cincinnati and Cleveland in Ohio is said to have the largest concentration of calls in the state.
Per a press release from MGM Northfield, executives from the property will present the Sheriff’s Department with a check today. Chief Operating Officer Matt Buckley adds in the release, “We recognize the need to combat the issue of Human Trafficking in our communities. We appreciate the opportunity to support law enforcement in this ongoing effort to assist victims and their families.”
The police department is appreciative of the gesture. Captain Scott Cottle, who leads the task force, says in the press release, “On behalf of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Human Trafficking Coalition, we thank MGM Northfield Park for supporting us in this important effort.”
MGM Northfield proved to be one of the more resilient gambling facilities in the state last month. While most were reporting losses or flat revenues, the racino saw a gain of $1.3 million over January 2019, reporting total revenue of $22.9 million for the month. This came as the state’s entire casino gambling market reported a 4% year-on-year increase for 2019 with a combined $1.9 billion.
The latest anti-human trafficking effort comes after MGM Resorts, along with Caesars Entertainment, joined the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct last year. The company’s chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer, Phyllis A. James, said at the time, “Our Company has undertaken concrete steps to raise employee awareness, assure that our properties are not used to imperil children or other trafficking victims and support nonprofit organizations involved in combatting this social evil and/or providing victim services.”
