Minh Vu Published in Casino Journal
"Americans With Disabilities Act"

Washington, D.C. employment partner, Minh Vu, was published in the December 1 edition of Casino Journal. Minh's article outlines the new requirements under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that is scheduled to take effect March 15, 2011. Some of the new standards will be to make the following accessible: guest rooms, toilets, vanities, assembly areas, reach ranges, sales and service counters, fitting rooms, valet parking areas, public entrances and van-accessible parking.

Minh explains that although there is no precedent for shutting down a casino for ADA Title III violations, there can be serious consequences for non-compliance if people with disabilities or groups that represent them bring individual lawsuits or class actions. Minh further explains that successful litigants could obtain an order from a court requiring extensive retrofits, operational changes and the payment of substantial attorneys’ fees. In addition, unhappy guests could complain to the Department of Justice, which could result in a full compliance review of facilities nationwide and cost millions of dollars for retrofits. Minh recommends that casinos should comply with the new regulations as it will result in greater accessibility and greater customer satisfaction, particularly in light of the growing population of older casino guests.