The Vital Role of Casino Staff in Gaming
Intro
The role of casino staff in shaping the gaming experience cannot be overstated. They are the unseen backbone of an industry where excitement hangs in the air, and every moment counts. Players stroll through the neon-lit halls, oblivious to the multitude of tasks that ensure their experience is seamless and enjoyable. From the first smile that greets a gambler at the entrance to the watchful eyes of security monitoring the games, each staff member plays a vital part in creating a unique atmosphere.
Understanding the impact of those who work within casinos is essential to appreciating what makes these establishments tick. They are not merely there to collect chips or monitor cards; they hold keys to player safety, enjoyment, and overall satisfaction. This article embarks on a journey through their diverse roles, exploring the myriad ways casino personnel elevate the gambling experience, all while navigating the challenges that come with such a dynamic job.
The behind-the-scenes world of casino staff is complex. From dealers who expertly handle cards and manage game dynamics to security teams ensuring players' safety while maintaining an inviting atmosphere, the workforce is diverse. Each role requires a unique set of skills and a robust understanding of both game mechanics and customer service.
In the following sections, we will dissect the intricate web of responsibilities held by casino staff, reveal the challenges they encounter, and showcase how their expertise contributes to an optimal gaming environment. Additionally, we’ll explore recent trends, innovations, and strategies that enhance not only staff performance but the entire gambling landscape.
Whether you are a seasoned gambler or a curious observer, this investigation into the role of casino staff will expand your insight into an industry where the experience is both a game and an art.
Understanding the Casino Staff Structure
In the bustling world of casinos, often the glitz and glam overshadow a crucial aspect: the intricate web of personnel that helps orchestrate an enjoyable gaming experience. Understanding the casino staff structure is pivotal as it sheds light on the roles that bring the gaming floor to life, from managing the games to ensuring safety and customer satisfaction. This knowledge sets the stage for grasping how these professionals contribute to every player’s experience, transforming an ordinary outing into an extraordinary affair.
Overview of Key Personnel
The backbone of any casino lies in its key personnel, each playing a distinct role that ultimately shapes the overall atmosphere. Sitting at the center of this framework are dealers, who are not only responsible for operating table games but are often the first point of interaction for players. They carry the charm and command needed to keep the game flowing smoothly while maintaining an engaging environment.
Pit bosses oversee dealers and manage the gaming area, ensuring all rules are followed and offering speedy resolutions to any problems that arise. Meanwhile, security personnel protect both patrons and the establishment, quietly observing behaviors to ward off cheating and disturbances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Casino hosts, often the unsung heroes, focus on building relationships with players, offering personalized attention through promotions and services tailored to individual preferences. All these roles interconnect, creating a system where passengers of luck and chance collide in a lively, dynamic milieu.
Hierarchical Roles in a Casino
Every casino operates within a unique hierarchy that outlines roles and responsibilities. At the top of the chain is the casino manager, who directs overall operations and sets strategic initiatives. Underneath, department heads manage various sections such as gaming, hospitality, and security. Each department is then subdivided into specialized roles.
- Management Level: Casino Manager, Department Heads
- Mid-Level Management: Shift Managers, Lead Dealers
- Front-Line Staff: Dealers, Cashiers, Security Staff
This structured approach ensures that every aspect of the casino runs like clockwork. When challenges arise, whether it’s a customer service issue or a security threat, there’s always a clear line of communication to address it, ensuring swift and efficient resolution. The hierarchy not only streamlines operations but also determines how knowledge and skills flow through the staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in service standards.
Collaboration Between Departments
Collaboration among different departments is essential to maintain the seamless experience players expect in a casino. Each team relies on the others, much like gears in a well-oiled machine. For instance, the cooperation between security and customer service staff is vital. Security personnel need to be informed about any customer disputes, while front-line staff must be aware of security protocols to handle incidences responsibly.
Additionally, dealers need insight from casino hosts regarding special player events, enabling them to engage players more personally. The importance of teamwork cannot be overstated – when departments communicate effectively, it enhances information flow, increases efficiency, and ultimately leads to a higher level of player satisfaction.
In choosing to highlight these structural elements, we reveal not just the roles of casino staff, but also the interplay among them that shapes the entire gaming experience. Thus, understanding the casino staff structure isn’t just about knowing titles; it’s about recognizing the nuanced relationships that lead to a vibrant, inviting atmosphere.
Essential Roles of Casino Staff Members
In the bustling world of casinos, the importance of staff members often gets overshadowed by the bright lights and flashy machines. However, it's the staff who truly shape the gaming experience for players. Their roles are pivotal, and they significantly influence how players perceive and enjoy their time on the casino floor. From ensuring seamless gameplay to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, every staff member contributes to this dynamic environment in unique ways.
Dealers: The Face of the Game
Dealers are often the first point of contact for players when they approach a table. Their interactions can set the tone for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Training and Skills Required
The effectiveness of a dealer hinges on their extensive training. They must master various games, from blackjack to poker, and develop an intuitive grasp of the rules and procedures. This training ensures that the games run smoothly and maintains a level of professionalism that players expect. Dealers need strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor, which helps convert a casual visitor into a regular customer.
Moreover, an interesting aspect of dealer training is its practical nature. Trainees often simulate real-game scenarios, helping them build the confidence and skills required to manage any situation on the casino floor. This hands-on approach makes their training not just effective, but also engaging.
Handling Player Interactions
Beyond dealing cards, managing player relationships is critical. A dealer's ability to connect with players greatly enhances the atmosphere at the table. Their ability to read the room and adjust their approach to suit the players can turn a simple game into an engaging experience.
When nerves run high, a warm smile or a few friendly words can ease tension and encourage players to enjoy their time. This human touch is invaluable, often making the difference between a player returning and a one-time visitor.
Pit Bosses: Oversight and Management
As the overseers of the casino floor, pit bosses play a crucial role in maintaining integrity and efficiency. Their strategic position enables them to oversee multiple tables, ensuring that everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
Responsibilities and Authority
A pit boss's responsibilities encompass a wide range. From managing disputes to supervising dealers, their authority is essential for smooth operations. This oversight not only ensures fair play but also upholds the casino’s reputation.
Key characteristics of this role include critical thinking and decisiveness. During high-stakes situations, their ability to make quick decisions can prevent potential issues from escalating, which is a significant asset for any casino.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
In gaming environments, conflicts can arise, whether due to misunderstandings between players or disputes over game rules. A pit boss’s capacity for conflict resolution is vital. They must employ calm tactics and effective communication to address grievances swiftly and fairly.
Their training often includes conflict resolution techniques, which arm them with the skills needed to handle various situations. The unique feature of their approach is flexibility; while the rules are set, the manner in which they are implemented can vary depending on the circumstances and players involved.
Security Personnel: Ensuring Safety
Security staff are the unsung heroes of any casino, providing a layer of safety that players often take for granted.
Monitoring Behavior
Security personnel are always observant, monitoring player behavior to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their keen ability to spot unusual activities helps in identifying potential issues before they escalate.
The attention to detail is perhaps the most critical characteristic of security staff. Their awareness of patterns helps them maintain a safe environment while allowing players to feel secure during their gaming experience.
Dealing with Cheating and Theft
One serious concern in any gaming establishment is cheating and theft. Security personnel are trained to tackle these issues head-on, using a combination of technology and human observation. Their proactive stance in preventing such incidents reflects the casino's commitment to fair play.
The unique element of their role involves a balance between assertiveness and diplomacy. While it's essential to address cheating directly, security staff must also ensure that their methods don’t disrupt the gaming experience for others.
Casino Hosts: Building Relationships
Casino hosts play a vital role in fostering relationships with players, enhancing the overall experience through personalized service.
Guest Services and Promotions
Hosts are often responsible for welcoming high rollers and VIP guests, managing their needs, and ensuring their comfort in the casino. This role is heavily dependent on a host’s ability to represent the casino positively, emphasizing service excellence and attention to detail.
One of the defining aspects of their work is creating personalized experiences through guest services and promotions. Through tailored offers and thoughtful gestures, hosts can cultivate loyalty that goes beyond mere transactions.
Personalized Player Engagement
The ability to remember a player’s name, favorite game, or past visits creates a significant rapport. Engaging with players on a personal level transforms a transactional relationship into a personal one, enriching their gaming experience.
A unique feature of their approach is their adaptability in understanding player preferences. By honing in on these personal touches, hosts empower players to feel valued. The advantages of this role extend beyond immediate satisfaction; they can lead to long-term loyalty and an increased likelihood of player recommendations.
The Role of Casino Staff in Player Experience
The experience of gaming within a casino doesn’t live or die solely by the games themselves. The staff working behind the scenes—dealers, pit bosses, security personnel, and hosts—capture the very essence of what it means to gamble. Their interactions not only contribute to the overall atmosphere observed but can also tilt a player's perceptions significantly. An outstanding staff can transform a mundane evening into a riveting one, driving players to return time and again. Recognizing their vital role sheds light on customer satisfaction and the key drivers of loyalty in this competitive arena.
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere
First Impressions Matter
First impressions in a casino set the tone for the entire experience. Upon stepping into a casino, players are greeted by the sights, sounds, and of course, the staff who wield the power to influence how visitors feel instantly. The welcoming smiles of the staff, the aura of excitement that permeates the air—all contribute to creating the right vibe. The great characteristic of first impressions is that they linger in a player’s mind, fostering a sense of belonging and inviting further exploration.
The notable feature of this dynamic is its power to lift spirits. A genuinely warm welcome can alleviate the stress of gambling and draw players deeper into the experience. However, if a player encounters indifference or disinterest, they are likely to feel unwelcome and may leave before making a bet. Hence, this aspect is indispensable and highly beneficial for any casino aiming for long-term success. Effective staff engagement is paramount to ensuring the longevity of a player’s visit.
Customer Service Excellence
Customer service excellence is paramount in the casino setting, where service at the tables and on the floor can make or break a night. Exceptional service manifests not just in satisfaction but also in the trust it builds between staff and players. A key characteristic of excellent customer service is the ability to anticipate the needs of players, often before they have to ask.
This can include everything from knowing a returning player's favorite game to ensuring timely drink deliveries. An innovative feature in achieving this high level of service is through comprehensive training programs which equip staff with soft skills that amplify their innate capabilities. While the advantages are clear—better customer loyalty and increased revenue—there’s also the flip side; poor training can lead to negative experiences which overshadow their positive efforts.
Enhancing Player Engagement
Interactive Gaming Experiences
Interactive gaming experiences are increasingly pivotal in maintaining excitement and engagement among players. These aren’t just about the games, but the way staff enhance those experiences. Dealers, for instance, who engage in light conversations or offer tips lend an unnecessary human touch to automated processes. The thrilling aspect of this approach is that it transforms something strictly transactional into a dynamic interplay, making the entire gaming environment more lively and immersive.
What distinguishes these experiences is that players start to look forward to their interactions, building anticipation and encouraging repeat visits. However, there's a delicate balance here: overstepping boundaries can annoy players who prefer a more solitary experience. Therefore, providing space while still being delightfully interactive becomes indispensable in retaining positive engagement.
Player Feedback Mechanisms
Player feedback mechanisms serve as the backbone for any service-oriented industry, and casinos are no exception. The essence of creating an excellent experience relies heavily on understanding what players truly want. Feedback mechanisms can range from informal chats with players about their experiences to structured surveys designed to gather insights about the gaming floor and facilities.
The notable aspect of this is not merely gathering feedback but acting on it. Implementing player suggestions displays a casino's commitment to improvement and enhances their reputation among patrons. However, the challenge lies in addressing varied opinions, as preferences can differ vastly from one player to the next. But, when done right, it fosters a loyalty that goes beyond the typical player-casino relationship, allowing for the cultivation of a community.
A casino's atmosphere is shaped not only by the games it offers but more crucially by the people who facilitate those experiences.
Training and Development of Casino Staff
The casino industry constantly evolves, driven by advancements in technology, changing player preferences, and regulatory demands. Therefore, the training and development of casino staff become paramount. Well-prepared employees not only ensure compliance with laws but also uplift the overall gaming experience, creating a harmonious environment for both players and operators. Investing in personnel development can yield significant returns, both in terms of profits and customer loyalty.
Onboarding New Employees
The onboarding process for new staff is often the first step in cultivating a productive team from the ground up. It involves comprehensive training that familiarizes employees with the casino’s culture, policies, and operational procedures. The right onboarding program can make or break an employee's experience, shaping their initial perception of the job and the establishment.
A well-structured onboarding program includes:
- Orientation Sessions: New hires learn about the casino’s history, mission, and goals.
- Shadowing Experienced Staff: This hands-on approach allows newcomers to absorb knowledge directly.
- Basic Rules and Regulations: Ensures that staff are aware of compliance requirements from the get-go.
By focusing on effective onboarding, casinos can reduce employee turnover and enhance job satisfaction from the start.
Continuous Education and Skills Enhancement
After the initial orientation, continuous education is crucial for staff retention and efficiency. Casino environments are fast-paced and often demanding, necessitating a workforce that can adapt to new challenges. Continuous education helps keep staff current on industry trends, regulations, and customer service techniques.
Advancements in Gaming Technology
The hectic pace of innovation in gaming technology means that casinos must ensure their staff are well-equipped to handle the latest tools. This will not only improve operational efficiency but also provide a refined gaming experience for players. Training on new machines or system updates usually takes precedence, focusing on:
- User Interface Navigation: Familiarizing staff with digital interfaces is vital, as these can vary significantly from traditional formats.
- Data Management Systems: Learning how to manage player data helps staff deliver more personalized experiences.
These advancements in technology are beneficial, minimizing the learning curve for players and creating a seamless experience. However, rapid changes can create stress for employees if adequate training is not provided.
Customer Service Workshops
Customer service workshops form an essential part of ongoing training, designed to bolster interpersonal skills in a setting where every interaction counts. These workshops may cover:
- Conflict Management: Techniques on handling disputes or complaints efficiently.
- Communication Skills: Ensuring staff can interact with various player types, maintaining professionalism throughout.
The beauty of these workshops lies in their focus on practical scenarios. Staff engage in role-playing exercises, which equip them to think on their feet when faced with unpredictable situations. While beneficial, the workshops also reflect the need for a multi-faceted approach to player engagement, as no two interactions are alike.
Training and development of casino staff is a continuous effort that pays off in numerous ways. Not only does it cultivate a knowledgeable, capable workforce, but it also ensures that players leave with positive experiences, thereby fostering loyalty and long-term success for the casino.
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin
Thorough training frameworks complement the vital roles of casino staff, fortifying the relationship between operators and patrons, which is the backbone of the gambling industry.
Challenges Faced by Casino Staff
In the bustling world of gaming, where the lights shine bright and the sounds of excitement fill the air, one might easily overlook the complexities faced by the casino staff. This is not merely a job; it’s a labyrinth of challenges that affect the overall experience for players. Understanding these challenges paints a clearer picture of how integral casino staff are to the fabric of the gaming environment.
High-Stress Environments
Working in a casino can be a walk in the park or a roller coaster ride, depending on the day. The environment tends to fluctuate wildly from high excitement to high tension. Staff are constantly on their toes, ready to respond to situations that can escalate quickly. For example, the pressures during peak hours can lead to an overwhelming onslaught of players at tables, requiring dealers to navigate both the thrill of gameplay and the potential for conflict.
One core aspect is time sensitivity. Players expect swift service. Delays can mean dissatisfaction, which no one wants to see manifest on the casino floor. The stress increases significantly during busy weekends or promotions when high rollers and casual gamers alike fill the space.
"In a casino, patience is a virtue but often a luxury that employees don't have."
Additionally, there’s the emotional toll that handling various personalities takes on staff. Some players may be elated, while others may be frustrated due to losses. Balancing this emotional spectrum is a skill that casino staff must cultivate to maintain a positive aura, ensuring that every player feels valued, even when they’re having a rough night.
Dealing with Difficult Customers
Ah, the delicate dance of customer service—where every interaction can potentially tip the scales. Casino staff frequently encounter difficult customers, ranging from the overly intoxicated to the exceptionally indignant. Each type comes with its own set of challenges, which often vary in intensity and repercussions.
For instance, a player who feels wronged by a game or believes they've been treated unfairly can quickly escalate tensions. Here, strong communication skills, patience, and sometimes quick thinking come to the forefront. Staff members often need to diffuse these situations with tact, offering apologies or compensatory gestures to quell the angry customer, while adhering to the casino's policies.
Venues are also frequented by players having a bad day, which can manifest as frustration at the tables. Staff have to tread a thin line between empathy and professionalism, knowing how to redirect negative energy into something more constructive. Having effective techniques in place—such as de-escalation strategies—can truly make or break the gaming experience for everyone involved.
Maintaining Legal and Ethical Standards
In an industry where large sums of money are exchanged and fortunes made and lost in a heartbeat, the importance of legal and ethical standards cannot be overstated. Casino staff must operate within a minefield of regulations—from ensuring compliance with gaming laws to safeguarding the well-being of patrons. Failing to do so can have serious ramifications, not just for the attendees but for the establishment as a whole.
Every staff member, from the dealers to security personnel, plays a role in ensuring that the casino's operations stay above board. This includes everything from monitoring gaming practices to preventing underage gambling. Integrity and transparency are paramount; staff are often trained rigorously to recognize suspicious behavior or fraudulent activity quickly.
Moreover, the ethical landscape extends to treating all customers with fairness. Promoting responsible gambling and protecting players from exploitation are vital roles that staff must embrace in their day-to-day duties. All of this adds a layer of responsibility that enhances the complexity of their roles, often leaving them walking a fine line between customer satisfaction and compliance with regulations.
Future Trends in Casino Staffing
In today’s fast-evolving gaming landscape, the role of casino staff is shifting in significant ways. Contemporary trends shaped by technology and societal expectations are influencing how casino employees perform their jobs and interact with patrons. Recognizing these shifts is crucial for understanding how they affect player experiences and operational efficiency. Casino staff members are not just roles defined by traditional functions; they have the potential to adapt and evolve in response to growing demands and advancements in technology.
Impact of Technology on Roles
Automated Systems in Gaming
Automated systems are increasingly becoming a cornerstone in the gaming industry. These systems can take many forms: from cashless transaction facilities to automated table games, they streamline operations and enhance the gaming experience. The key characteristic of these systems is their ability to reduce human error while speeding up transaction times, making them an attractive choice for casinos looking to boost efficiency.
One notable feature of automated systems is their capacity to collect and analyze data, giving insights into player preferences and behavior. This can guide casinos in tailoring their services to meet player needs. However, the downside could be the potential reduction of employment opportunities in certain roles, as machines take over tasks traditionally handled by humans. Finding the balance between technology and personal service remains a pressing matter for the industry.
Virtual Reality and Staff Interaction
Virtual reality (VR) is pushing the boundaries of player engagement, creating a new realm for interaction between staff and casino guests. With VR, players can immerse themselves in a casino environment from anywhere in the world. The primary characteristic of this technology is its immersive experience, which can engage players in a unique way.
Employers are starting to see the benefits of VR in staff training, allowing employees to practice interactions without the stakes of a real-world scenario. However, sustaining a personal connection is challenging in a virtual setting. It can enhance staff efficiency, but it could diminish the personal touch that many players cherish in their interactions.
Evolving Player Expectations
Personalization of Services
Today’s players are increasingly seeking personalized gaming experiences tailored to their preferences. Personalization is fundamentally about creating unique offerings for each player - from customized game options to tailored promotions based on gaming history. This trend is hugely significant as it taps into players' desires for individual recognition and loyalty incentives.
One prominent feature of personalization is the use of data analytics to understand each player's journey within the casino. While the advantages include increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, it presents challenges as casinos must ensure ethical data usage without infringing on player privacy.
Social Responsibility in Gaming
As awareness regarding social issues rises, casinos are being pushed to adopt more responsible practices. This trend in social responsibility involves a commitment to creating a safe gaming environment. This is critical not just for the well-being of players but also for the casino’s reputation. The key aspect of this movement is transparency in operations and fair treatment of all guests.
By establishing responsible gaming initiatives, casinos not only protect their patrons, but they also strengthen their brand. On the downside, implementing such programs can sometimes mean additional costs and resources for staff training. The goal remains clear: balancing profitability with ethical considerations has never been more pertinent.
"The staff in casinos are the unsung heroes who navigate the complex world of gaming - as the technology evolves, so must they."
Recognizing future trends is crucial for casinos not just to survive, but to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Frequent adaptation and focus on staff-training aligned with technology will pave the way for a more dynamic and fulfilling gaming experience.
The Economic Impact of Casino Staff
In a world where the glint of slot machines and the sound of roulette wheels can overshadow subtle forces at play, the economic impact of casino staff is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The workforce behind the scenes not only shapes the player experience but also propels the financial engine of the gaming industry. Understanding their role helps illuminate broader implications for local economies and revenue streams.
Job Creation within Local Economies
When casinos open their doors, they often become a beacon of employment. They provide a multitude of job opportunities, from dealers to security personnel, and maintenance staff. This surge in employment can act as a lifeline for communities, especially in areas where jobs are hard to come by. To give an idea:
- Direct Employment: Casinos hire a wide range of staff. This includes not only gaming personnel like dealers, but also administrative roles, cleaning staff, and hospitality workers.
- Indirect Employment: The trade doesn’t stop with direct hires. Local suppliers benefit, as casinos buy food, beverages, and even entertainment services. There is a ripple effect onwards to the community, generating more jobs in those sectors too.
- Seasonal Hires: Many casinos ramp up staff during peak seasons, such as holidays or significant events, offering temporary job opportunities that can translate into permanent placements.
This job creation is significant, but it carries with it a responsibility. As the workforce expands, training programs also flower. Many casinos emphasize the importance of skill acquisition. This not only benefits the employees but enriches the entire regional workforce.
Contribution to the Gaming Revenue Ecosystem
Casino staff contribute vital components to the overall revenue ecosystem, which can be seen in several ways:
- Operational Efficiency: Trained personnel can ensure smooth operation, minimizing downtime and creating a better gaming atmosphere which increases patronage. A skilled dealer or an efficient pit boss can lure players back time after time, affecting daily earnings directly.
- Enhanced Player Experience: Good customer service can turn a simple visit into a whirlwind experience. Satisfied customers are more likely to spend more, sticking around for longer and trying their luck on various games. This can directly boost revenue.
- Investment in Community: Most casinos pay taxes that enrich local governments. These funds help with community projects, fostering an environment where both gaming and community interests can thrive. When casinos thrive, they invest back into the local economy, forming a symbiotic relationship.
"The economic footprint of casino staff extends well beyond the gaming floor; it reverberates throughout the community, impacting livelihoods and local businesses alike."
In summary, the role of casino staff in the workforce cannot be understated. Their contributions go far beyond the walls of the casino and into the very fabric of the economic structure in which they operate. By understanding these elements, we can appreciate the vital link between gaming staff and the prosperity of local economies.
End: The Integral Role of Casino Staff
Casino staff play an irreplaceable role in the gaming experience, acting as the backbone of the entire operation. Their impact goes far beyond just dealing cards or maintaining security; they shape the ambiance, uphold the integrity of the games, and foster connections with players.
When envisioning a casino, one might think of the glimmering lights and the sound of coins being dropped. However, without the diligent work of various staff members, that experience would significantly diminish. They create an inviting environment, ensuring that guests feel not just welcome but valued. A friendly dealer can change the mood of a table, while a responsive pit boss can swiftly resolve misunderstandings, keeping the game flow intact.
Summarizing the Importance of Staff Roles
The various positions within a casino serve distinct functions yet work cohesively towards a shared goal: enhancing player satisfaction and securing a reputable gaming atmosphere. In essence, these roles can be summarized as follows:
- Dealers are often the first line of interaction with players, requiring a combination of strong communication skills and deep game knowledge. Their ability to explain rules and engage with guests creates a pathway for enjoyment.
- Pit Bosses manage game areas, ensuring adherence to regulations and intervening when conflicts arise. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining order, which directly impacts the player's experience and trust in the establishment.
- Security Personnel maintain a safe environment. Their vigilance not only deters misconduct but also provides peace of mind for players, allowing them to enjoy their experience without worries.
- Casino Hosts take on the role of creating personalized experiences for frequent players, going above and beyond by offering tailored services that foster loyalty.
These roles interlink, forming a web of support that enhances both the operational aspects and the human connection within the casino. The synergy between these various staff members ensures that players leave with memorable experiences.
"A seamless casino experience hinges on the effectiveness of its staff, from the dealers at the tables to the hosts ensuring every detail is attended to."
