With their flashy lights, gaudy floor and wall coverings, and the hypnotic clinking of coins in slot machines, casinos are visually stimulating environments. They often play upbeat music, and the enticing aroma of fresh-baked bread wafts through the air. It’s no wonder that, according to the American Gaming Association, about 51 million people visited a casino last year.
From the glitzy mega-casinos on the Strip to the illegal pai gow parlors of New York City, casino patrons are a diverse bunch. But they’re all there for one reason – to have fun! Sure, they may tut-tut when things don’t work out, but they’re still having a good time.
Unlike many movies about crime and corruption, Scorsese’s Casino presents no sympathetic characters. All the key players are mired in violence, treachery and avarice, although we do feel a certain compassion for Sharon Stone’s Ginger.
Casino is liminal, situated not between Victoriannism and Modernism but between the rough blur of organized crime and the antiseptically run corporations that have anti-septically dislodged it. It’s a tale of gangsters and unions with the same old foibles, but their interplay is heightened because of their familiarity.
In the digital age, casinos need to think beyond their traditional gaming offerings. Whether it’s partnering with e-sports teams or offering virtual reality experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. But first, you need to know where your audience is and how best to reach them. So, let’s take a look at some tried and true casino marketing strategies that will help you build trust in your brand.