Striking Detroit casino workers are calling on the public to support their cause by boycotting online casinos and sportsbooks. Representatives from UNITE HERE Local 24 are setting up a virtual picket line meant to keep players from patronizing FanDuel, ESPN BET, Hollywood iCasino, and BetMGM, all of which are affiliated with Detroit’s land-based casinos, until the strike in Motor City has been resolved.
Union workers Lisa Zezula broke down the reasoning behind the boycott in plain terms for WXYZ Detroit saying, “If you’re doing it online, it’s the same as coming here.It’s like smacking us in the face.”
Detroit’s unionized casino workers walked off the job on October 17 after negotiations with local land-based casinos failed to produce a new contract. Union members are asking for raises of around 20 percent, which they say is needed to keep up with skyrocketing inflation.
Unite HERE Local 24 President Nia Winston explained the virtual boycott in comments reported on by SBC Americas saying, “Online sports betting and online casino platforms like FanDuel, ESPN BET, and BetMGM are critical sources of revenue for the companies that operate Detroit’s three casinos,” said Nia Winston, President of UNITE HERE Local 24.
“Workers have been outside the physical locations 24/7 since going out on strike three weeks ago to win a fair contract. Now, they’re calling on the public not to cross their virtual picket line either, and to boycott these apps until the strike is settled,” she added.
While Las Vegas casino workers were able to avoid a costly recently by signing contracts with many of the same operators that are being struck in Detroit, the Motor City strike appears to be mired in a stalemate. Union officials are encouraging Detroit players to only use Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Palace Online Casino, WynnBET, DraftKings, and Sports Illustrated Sportsbook until the strike is resolved.