Years ago, when Justin Moore was working as a server in a small Mexican restaurant in St. George, Utah, he started to think that maybe he’d have more luck—and more tips—across the border in Nevada. Shortly after coming to a casino coffee shop in Mesquite, he quickly realized he’d made the right decision, and from there it was off to Las Vegas. Nearly 20 years later, Moore is now the general manager at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, and his passion for hospitality remains stronger than ever.
Moore first broke into the industry with Station Casinos on the food and beverage side, spending eight years as beverage director for Boulder Station before moving into casino operations, which, as he says, was “a pivotal moment in my life and career.”
After progressing through three separate executive-level slot roles for Station, where he was responsible for overseeing more than 1,500 machines, Moore was named vice president and assistant general manager at Green Valley Ranch in 2014, where he got a sense of what it’s like to manage a complex property.
After three years in Henderson, he did something that runs opposite to most gaming executives—he left Las Vegas and headed east to join Rush Street Gaming in 2017. The move was “driven by our family decision to be closer to our relatives in Massachusetts,” but it also opened up new markets and new experiences for Moore, first in New York as general manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady and eventually to Philadelphia in April of last year.
Despite the changes in scenery, he’s come to learn that the same principles for success apply to all markets, big or small.
“I’ve come to realize that no matter what market I’m working in, guests in local or regional markets all want the same thing: a great entertainment destination that offers value, fun, and a great guest service experience,” Moore says. “I’ve noticed subtle differences each market demands and prefers. In upstate New York, guests really value community outdoor events. Philly loves great jazz concerts and swag. Las Vegas locals will never miss the chance to take advantage of a good point multiplier.”
Since taking the reins at Rivers Philadelphia, Moore and his team have “placed a strong emphasis on entertainment, fantastic weekend promotions and an enhanced rewards program.” The casino’s marketing program has been his “No. 1 focus” since coming on board, as he looks to provide “exciting entertainment that will drive new guests to our property.”
With regards to the casino itself, they’ve also “added great new games, completed several changes to the gaming floor, and remodeled our high-limit room.” Moore is excited to bring a new Interblock Pulse Arena to the floor in 2023, which will make Rivers the first property in the state to feature the product.
For 2023, improved amenities will also be a big focus for Rivers Philadelphia, as the property will unveil three new restaurants. The highlight, according to Moore, “will be Martorano’s Prime, an American-Italian steakhouse concept by celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano.” A new pizza restaurant and a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shop are also slated to debut sometime during the year.
