On a sunny Thursday afternoon, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) officially cut the ribbon on its brand-new casino training room, made possible by a generous donation from Bally’s Corporation.
Located on CCRI’s Warwick campus, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hands-on training ground for students enrolled in the college’s highly acclaimed Casino Management program. The program, which launched in 2019, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the nation, thanks in large part to its close partnership with industry leaders like Bally’s.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our students this incredible resource,” said CCRI President Meghan Hughes. “The new training room will provide them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the fast-paced and competitive world of casino management.”
The room itself is outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment, including blackjack and poker tables, roulette wheels, and slot machines. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a realistic casino setting, complete with professional-grade lighting and sound systems.
In addition to the physical space, Bally’s has also pledged to provide ongoing support for the program, including guest lectures, internships, and job placement assistance. This partnership underscores the company’s commitment to investing in the future of the gaming industry and supporting the next generation of casino professionals.
“We are proud to support CCRI and its Casino Management program,” said George Papanier, President and CEO of Bally’s Corporation. “We believe that education is the key to success, and we are excited to see the impact that this new training room will have on students’ careers.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including college administrators, faculty members, and industry representatives. Guests were treated to a tour of the facility, as well as demonstrations of some of the training equipment in action.
As the event came to a close, attendees were filled with optimism for the future of CCRI’s Casino Management program and its students. With the support of partners like Bally’s Corporation, the college is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing high-quality education and training for the gaming industry.
In the words of President Hughes, “This is just the beginning. We are confident that the best is yet to come for our students, our program, and the industry as a whole.”