On March 19, 1931, a little ripple was caused in our timeline. That day, a butterfly flapped its wings and created a hurricane. What happened on this date, you may ask? Well, Phil Tobin introduced legislation to permit “wide open” gambling in Nevada. This decision caused an opportunity to be presented.
Unfortunately, the wrong people invested in this market so it was stained, but nonetheless, it was a huge market. When the Nevada State Commission legalized gambling, it opened the doors for gamblers everywhere, to come and conquer and give Nevada’s casinos a run for their money. The biggest direct product of this legislation was, by far, Las Vegas. But there is one, maybe even bigger byproduct, of this decision. See, when Las Vegas was booming, it was one of the biggest cultural centers in the world. It still is probably, and what is the first thing we think of when we think of Vegas?
Gambling. Through the culture shock, people were exposed to gambling and with the advancements in technology, you can gamble in Vegas from your living room. You probably already know this, and if you don’t, this article will show you what are the marketing strategies that casinos are using, that flew past you. You may also consider hiring a marketing novice to help you start and grow. You’re not sure about the finances? Entry level marketing salary is something you can work with.
1. Free at first
The ol’ “swimming with the sharks” technique. Coined by notorious Chicago mobster Bugsy Seagel. The plan is simple. You welcome a customer in a casino and make them as comfortable as possible. Trap them in an illusion in which the world revolves around the customer. Do you want drinks? Just walk to any bartender and order. Do you feel like you would like a bite to eat? Grab a plate and just walk to the buffet. Now here comes the kicker. Do you want to gamble?
Sure. Here. Play with house money. That well dries up very quickly, and then you start playing with your own money. Most of the time, the house cleans you.
2. Tournaments
With the rise of gambling, simultaneously, like with everything else today, rose the prominence of gambling enthusiasts. People that don’t gamble per se, but just enjoy gambling. Somebody had a great idea. Why don’t I, a person that owns a casino, try to market said casino by bringing the best gamblers in the world, to gamble at my casino.
It casually evolved into a sport with a high level of coverage, and a lot of big casinos are fighting over who will host the next “World Series of Poker” event.
3. Loyalty Programs
Nothing says “Hey, come spend money at our casino” like a nice coupon in the mail that gives you everything 25% off.”Oh, look, honey. That casino we stayed at on our honeymoon sent us a card and a voucher. Remember? They had those great shows last time. ” A pretty simple catch, but then again, having a good time is a simple emotion.
Casinos have a lot of data on their customers. They know what you like to eat, what to drink, what music you enjoy etc. This is all valuable information for them. If you are a regular customer of a casino, don’t think you will go unnoticed. Most online casinos have an algorithm that monitors what games you like and what games you don’t like. Most of the time you have a better chance of winning a bonus round in a game you enjoy more.
4. Holiday Celebrations
For some reason, gambling money is a counter-intuitive experience. We work to gain money, but for some reason, part with it very easily, in a weird, relaxed way. This puzzled a lot of casino managers, and even though they didn’t know why this occurs, they did know how to use it to their advantage.
People are both extremely stressed and extremely relaxed, during holidays. For some people holidays are a time to spend time with the family, see relatives, catch up and enjoy, for others, it’s the same thing, just a lot more stressed. What better way to relieve stress than to go to a massage, get served fine wine, and gamble a little.
Casinos have come a long way from being frowned upon by society and now enjoy their place as the second-biggest family market, behind Disneyland.
5. Targeted audience
If you get a casino voucher in your mail, that is not by chance. Check with your friends, chances are, your close circle of friends has also gotten the same vouchers. Casino management is smart.
Why invite one person so he can spend money with us when we can invite a small group of people to give them a better time. As I said earlier, casinos have a lot of data. If you ever went to a casino, they probably know who your friends are.
6. The only expense
Probably, the most prominent marketing trick that a casino can pull. You walk in, exchange your real money for the casino money, and from that point on, you have no worries. Every need that you have, can be quenched for free, just keep gambling. We will keep your glass full, belly happy, and wallet thick. Have fun and enjoy yourself because casinos are just that, a mental retreat.