REPRESENTATIVES FROM BALLY’S Chicago Casino present a $5,000 donation to the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) on January 24, 2025. The contribution, generated through Bally’s “Give $5, Get $10” charitable campaign, will support CAASE’s ongoing mission to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Chicago. The donation coincides with the casino’s launch of a new employee training program aimed at identifying and preventing human trafficking within the gaming industry.
Human trafficking remains a serious issue in the United States, with an estimated 199,000 cases occurring annually, according to the U.S. Department of State. The National Human Trafficking Hotline recorded over 27,000 reported cases between 2019 and 2021, underscoring the widespread nature of this crime. Women and girls account for nearly 70% of all reported trafficking victims, while Black and Latinx individuals, LGBTQ+ youth, and immigrants are disproportionately impacted due to systemic barriers, economic challenges, and social vulnerabilities.
Recognizing the urgent need to combat this crisis, Bally’s Chicago Casino has launched a comprehensive anti-human trafficking training program for its employees. The initiative, introduced in January to coincide with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, reflects the casino’s commitment to enhancing awareness, prevention, and intervention strategies to combat trafficking within the gaming and hospitality industries. In addition to implementing the training program, Bally’s Chicago organized a “Give $5, Get $10” charitable fundraising campaign, encouraging patrons to contribute to the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE).
The employee training initiative consists of weekly instructional sessions that provide employees with critical information about human trafficking, its warning signs, and the potential presence of trafficking-related activity within casino environments. Staff members across all departments are trained to identify red flags, recognize vulnerable individuals, and take appropriate action if they suspect trafficking is occurring. By embedding trafficking prevention efforts into its daily operations, Bally’s Chicago aims to create a culture of vigilance and accountability, ensuring that all employees are prepared to report and respond to suspicious activity responsibly.
“As part of our commitment to Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are proud to launch this proactive training initiative at Bally’s Chicago,” said Monica Scott, Vice President of Community Engagement. “It only takes one trained employee to make a life-changing difference by recognizing the signs of trafficking and intervening effectively. Our goal is to equip our team members with the tools and resources necessary to identify exploitation, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain an environment that is safe, secure, and free from trafficking. Moving forward, Bally’s will continue to prioritize compliance, community partnerships, and prevention efforts in every market we serve.
“In conjunction with the employee training program, Bally’s Chicago launched its “Give $5, Get $10” initiative, allowing Bally Rewards members to donate funds in exchange for free casino play. This effort helped raise money for CAASE while incentivizing community involvement in the fight against human trafficking. The promotion was available to casino patrons each Monday in January, with tiered donation levels based on player status:
• Pro Tier: Up to once per day – $5 donation for $10 in Free Play
• Star Tier: Up to twice per day – $10 donation for $20 in Free Play
• Superstar Tier: Up to three times per day – $15 donation for $30 in Free Play
• Legend Tier: Up to four times per day – $20 donation for $40 in Free Play
By the end of the month, Bally’s Chicago and its patrons raised a total of $5,000 to support CAASE’s efforts in fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“We appreciate Bally’s Chicago Casino for stepping up and taking a leadership role in addressing human trafficking within the casino industry and the broader community,” said Saunté Harden-Tate, Community Engagement Coordinator at CAASE. “Their dedication to educating their employees, raising public awareness, and financially supporting anti-trafficking organizations will have a meaningful and lasting impact. Our vision is to see a world free of sexual exploitation, and partnerships like this help make that vision a reality.”