It’s dangerous for any industry to remain static in a 24/7 and ever-changing digital world. However, nobody can accuse the casino industry of sitting back and resting on its laurels. At the turn of this century, the amount of ground that the online casino world made up in the traditional industry was astonishing, and it caused experienced people within the industry to recalibrate their focus and try to grasp just how much the internet was set to change the gambling world.
The whole concept of a casino lifestyle can mean different things to different people, whether it’s the aura of a land-based venue, somebody who is a high-roller who helps to perpetuate the lifestyle on social media, or the way it’s broadcast in film and TV – but the wider image and public perception is an integral part of the health of the industry, which is where restaurants, fine dining and other industries can help prop up the casino industry, so long as it’s implemented correctly.
Battling Against The Changing Elements
Land-based casinos have had to adapt to the incredible competition that the digital world has ushered in. Even as little as 25 years ago, the idea that online casinos could pose a risk to the traditional industry or that millions of people en masse would move over was a threat that few in the business took seriously.
However, as we reach the midpoint of the 2020s, land-based casinos, now more, arguably more than ever, need to offer an expansive range of entertainment and additional attractions that help to sell the broader package.
Online casinos have proven that they can facilitate more convenient casino gaming and alleviate some of the costs associated with traveling to and from a brick-and-mortar location. Specific areas of casino gaming, such as slot gaming, have adapted to micro-changes within the expanding digital casino sphere.
Not only have slot machine companies been able to tailor their games to adapt to a growing demand for smartphone and tablet versions of their games, but real slots that can offer a multi-faceted gaming option across laptops and PC are proving to be a legitimate alternative.
They’re even peeling away some of the most ardent slot gaming fans who have frequented land-based casinos for years. Given how integral slot machines are in the broader casino gaming world, those in the industry began to frantically look elsewhere to find other ways to appeal to these customers so they didn’t lose this vital part of their business for good.
A Touch Of Prestige
One thing that the land-based casino industry has over their digital alternative is that they can offer a destination where people can go for a night out or have a social time, catching up with friends. It’s hard for online casinos to mimic this, although the emergence of VR could also begin to challenge this age-old viewpoint – there’s still a strong, core market for land-based casinos.
Part of Gordon Ramsay’s US expansion plan included restaurant and casino fusion ideas. As one of the most renowned chefs on Earth, this sort of presence undeniably lifts the aura of the casino lifestyle, attracting a different, prestigious type of clientele.
It’s not just the world’s biggest chefs looking to find a market in the casino gaming world, though. It helps casinos give more reasons for gamers to stay in their buildings for a longer period.
Instead of simply showing up to play slots or have a game of poker, the inclusion of bars, restaurants, and, in some cases, live music has helped to bring people in and keep them in the casino—which, ultimately, is the goal, as it means that gamers will spend more money and time in their establishment.
Aiming for this high-brand client base is a difficult challenge, especially in big cities without a shortage of five-star restaurants. But for those who can find this balance, it elevates their standing as a casino and helps to bolster the appeal and aura of the casino lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Multi-billion dollar industries rely on several external factors to amass the client base they’ve built over the last few decades. Appealing to new customers and finding ways to leverage the latest trends help keep them ahead of their competitors, though.
Casino Royale is considered amongst Daniel Craig’s most iconic James Bond scenes, and the suave 007 character that continues to attract a phenomenal audience is another character that helps to accentuate the casino lifestyle.
Although restaurants in casinos aren’t exactly a new idea, bringing in high-end dining, something that originally emerged in Monaco, is a more recent one. It’s helped to attract a more esteemed clientele, so to speak, and has helped to inject a much-needed shot in the arm into the land-based industry and the perception of the casino lifestyle in the broader culture.