![\"Smartender\"](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/smartender2.jpg\")
MGM Resorts has quietly been testing automated cocktail machines at casinos in other markets (specifically, MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and MGM National Harbor in Maryland). Now, MGM Resorts is bringing those automated bartenders to Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
As you may have heard, MGM Resorts is in the first phase of a massive cost-cutting initiative, MGM 2020<\/a>. The goal is to save $300 million, with $100 million of that coming from savings on labor costs.<\/p>\n MGM 2020 is a “company-wide, business-optimization initiative aimed to leverage a more centralized organization to maximize profitability and, through key investments in technology, lay the groundwork for the company’s digital transformation to drive revenue growth.”<\/p>\n There’s nothing sexier than leveraging, if you ask us.<\/p>\n Dozens of top level MGM Resorts executives are expected to take “voluntary resignation” packages, saving the company millions.<\/p>\n Also in the crosshairs are jobs that can be done through automation and technology.<\/p>\n While everyone involved with the roll-out of drink dispensing machines have been sworn to secrecy (suck it, NDAs), we’ve heard from several employees they’re bracing for what could be the first wave of machines replacing jobs traditionally done by humans.<\/p>\n It’s no wonder Las Vegas unions dug their heels in during the recent contract negotiations. One of the sticking points: Automation<\/a>.<\/p>\n It’s clear the union knew changes were coming and did their best to ensure employees losing their jobs would at least be treated fairly. Union leaders and members have said publicly<\/a> they are “legitimately worried” about touchscreen beverage ordering systems.<\/p>\n It turns out they had good reason to be worried.<\/p>\n While we haven’t been able to confirm who’s making the beverage system coming to MGM Resorts casinos in Las Vegas (a reliable source says it’s Smart Bar USA<\/a>), we found one that illustrates what these machines can do, from a company called Smartender<\/a>.<\/p>\n Take a look.<\/p>\n![\"Lago](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/lago_at_bellagio1.jpg\")
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