The US gambling sector’s broader unionization push continues as workers at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City have voted to join Teamsters Local 135. This branch of the union has been highly active in Indiana, previously onboarding workers at Horseshoe Casino Indianapolis. With these agreements, staff aims to secure better working conditions and make their voices heard.
Employees Will Negotiate for Better Conditions
A group of 22 slot attendants and dual rates at Blue Chip Casino Hotel have chosen to unionize, marking the first organized employee action at a Boyd Gaming property. The employees chose to join the union to secure better working conditions, improved benefits, and better pay. They are crucial for the casino’s day-to-day operations, keeping over 1,600 slot machines operational and interacting with guests.
The pivotal moment came on June 23 when the Blue Chip employees confronted the casino’s leadership and demanded unionization. Their battle was hard-fought. Workers allege that the casino attempted to intimidate them, holding meetings and even hiring a union buster. However, the employees prevailed in the end, earning much-needed representation.
This group demonstrated their unity and determination from the very start of this campaign. We are going to negotiate a fair first contract and hold this company accountable every step of the way.
Dustin Roach, Local 135 President
The Teamsters have become one of the leading unions in the US gambling sector, representing nearly 6,000 members at various venues. The group has declared its readiness to support workers in any state and organize at any company. According to the Teamsters, this newest unionization effort also aims to send a message to other casinos across the USA.
Casino Unionization Efforts Continue
Blue Chip’s unionization push marks the second such development for Indiana in recent months. In December 2025, the group helped 200 employees at Horseshoe Casino Indianapolis secure a hard-earned victory, even after the National Labor Relations Board had to intervene. The union promised to fight for better paychecks, tip pooling, and security.
Elsewhere, workers at Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi also unionized at the beginning of the year, joining Teamsters Local 667. As with most other properties joining the union, employees voted overwhelmingly in favor of representation. 280 casino employees, such as housekeepers, food and beverage workers, and cocktail waitresses, pressed for fairer representation.
Unionization across the US casino sector continues despite rising challenges. Last year, President Trump restricted collective bargaining rights for certain federal workers, leading to legal challenges from unions. “Right-to-work” laws in several states have also eroded unions’ bargaining power. However, an ever-increasing number of casino employees have demonstrated their collective bargaining power.
The US gambling sector’s broader unionization push continues as workers at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City have voted to join Teamsters Local 135. This branch of the union has been highly active in Indiana, previously onboarding workers at Horseshoe Casino Indianapolis. With these agreements, staff aims to secure better working conditions