Land-based casinos began to surface in the 17th century and have been subject to sometimes positive and sometimes negative legislation. In today’s modern world, the majority of gaming takes place online, for example Everygame poker. However, there are many of the traditional casinos still operating and these offer enjoyment to a steady audience.
But how does the future look for these location-based casinos and what are the trends that will influence and impact the way in which they can attract a bigger audience? It is perhaps necessary to first look at how land-based casinos got to where they are today.
Advances in Technology created enormous changes
Prior to the 20th century, casinos were in the hands of only a small number of organizations and existed in only a few places globally. With the introduction of the internet and its rapid growth huge changes took place in almost all areas of the business world, including the gaming world.
Now anyone interested in any form of gambling, be it slot machines, poker, roulette and many more casino games are available on the internet. Online casinos now provide every kind of gaming possible for any kind of mobile device; phones, laptops and tablets.
These new technologies completely changed the way people gambled and played casino games and it took some time until the land-based casinos caught up with this new reality. These changes caused real friction as the new technologies had many advantages such as:
- Instead of gamers searching for gaming establishments, these clubs sought out gamers.
- Free content availability that needed no money wagers.
- They required no minimum or maximum amounts on betting.
- They also offered all kinds of games that were not subject to floor space requirements.
These new technologies had a severe effect on land-based casinos causing a lot of damage to their businesses. Then in the middle of the 2000s live gambling was introduced and this caused a bigger blow. This enabled players to join in live gaming sessions taking place at land-based clubs, whilst remaining at home.
It was questionable whether these land-based casinos would be able to survive the drop in their popularity. More and more people were turning to online platforms and it was thought that perhaps there was no future for these businesses.
What is the situation now and what does the future look like?
The experts say that in spite of the fall in popularity when virtual casinos arrived on the scene, the situation for brick-and-mortar casinos seems to be on the up. The future is looking bright, as location-based casinos have been able to adapt and have come up with innovative ideas, that enable them to thrive. With the help of the very thing that caused such a shake-up, technology, they have been able to turn the industry around. They are actually using online technologies to attract and engage customers.
Below are a few of the ways in which they are using this technology:
Online casinos
Opening casinos on the internet is a major way in which clubs have utilized the new technology. The internet has the ability to attract a huge number of consumers; many more than brick-and-mortar clubs. There are clubs that have created online equivalents of their land-based casinos, and in an effort to take advantage of the international market, offer bigger bonus slots. By using technology, it has enabled them to claw back some of the revenue lost by customers moving away from their land-based sites.
Their online platforms generally enable customers to choose from a wider selection than they might have in their land-based sites. However, these websites are also marketing tools for their land-based casinos.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is likely to be the next step for mainstream gaming. Virtual reality is something that is different from anything that gamblers have ever experienced before. Virtual reality will enable gamers to immerse themselves in the venues without even leaving home. They can also engage in their favorite games in a live situation with real players and dealers.
Generational language
Land-based casinos have learned that digital platforms are a great marketing tool and give them access to a whole new audience who grew up using the internet. Important to Millennials and Generation Z groups is experiences themselves, rather than accumulating material possessions. Land-based casinos are making their venues more than just a place to gamble. They are often very stylish with up-market dining options and luxury shopping on offer. This is a trend that is likely to continue.
True there is a big difference between online and land-based gaming. Online gaming is probably the more popular of the two. However, in spite of this, land-based casinos will not become extinct. They have a special atmosphere that cannot be displaced.
There have been real changes to the brick-and-mortar establishments since the introduction of online gaming but consumers now have more options and can choose between both worlds. There are advantages to online casinos but there are also benefits that come with land-based casinos. It really depends on which is preferable to you and what you are seeking at that particular moment in time.
The future
Traditional casinos offer you an experience that will create memories that you will remember in future years while online gaming offers you immediate excitement, that is enjoyable at any moment. Land-based casinos are safe for the moment and look likely to continue well into the future. Some may struggle but ultimately these land-based establishments are too popular to fade into oblivion.
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