Author: kelly

In recent years, Las Vegas has become home to world-class entertainment with some of the biggest names in music taking up permanent residence. At the same time, the town has become one of the premier food scenes in the country as casinos look for more ways to attract visitors and offer a unique experience. Today, the strip attracts some of the biggest chefs and plays host to a wide range of restaurants that serve up gourmet food at a variety of price points. For those who want to enjoy some great food as they gamble, here are some must visit restaurants that are located right in Las Vegas casinos.

Michael Mina Seafood at the Bellagio

You know a restaurant must be good when it is simply named after the chef. Michael Mina is an award winning Michelin-star chef who has a clear passion for seafood. The menu features only the freshest ingredients and focuses on seasonal dishes and unique takes on classic seafood recipes. Many of the offerings come directly from Mina’s cookbook. To enjoy a well-rounded dining experience, consider ordering from the tasting menu and asking for wine pairing recommendations. This is the best strategy for sampling as much as possible and experiencing how the right wine can bring out the flavors of a well-designed dish.

Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand

Joel Robuchon has been dubbed the “Chef of the Century” and is the mastermind behind the only Las Vegas restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. His French cuisine can be sampled through a 6-course or 16-course meal. This is fine dining at its best, so be prepared for a more formal venue. Notable dishes include French classics like steak tartar and free-range quail.

Guy Savoy at Caesar’s Palace

Guy Savoy is a world-renowned French chef and owner of 5 restaurants. While most of his establishments are located in the heart of Paris, Las Vegas visitors have the unique opportunity to eat at his only restaurant outside of France. The location is small and intimate, which helps create a true dining experience. Be prepared to spend top dollar on your meal, but the cost is worth being able to eat at a two star Michelin restaurant right in the heart of Las Vegas. Don’t leave without sampling the famous artichoke and black truffle soup, which has helped the restaurant to earn the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Forbes Five Star Award.

Estiatorio Milos at the Cosmopolitan

If you aren’t a fan of French cuisine, then consider visiting Estiatorio Milos, a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that prides itself on offering the freshest seafood available. Once you are seated and ready to order, you will be taken over to a cooler where you will be able to choose the exact fish you want to eat for dinner. Your choice of delicacies will then be expertly prepared and served up with fresh, seasonal vegetables and delicious sides.  Compared to other dining options, the prices are relatively affordable with entrees ranging from about $30 to $50. While you can always opt for the lamb chops or filet mignon, it would be a shame not to sample some of their fresh seafood during your visit.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas

Gordon Ramsay is probably one of the most recognizable names and faces in the culinary world. He trained under Guy Savoy and has hosted and starred in numerous television shows where he is known for demanding excellence and losing his temper now and then. While you might not want to work for him, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to eat one of his steaks at Paris Las Vegas.

The atmosphere is a little more loud and energetic than some of the other restaurants on our list, which gives it a more causal feel. The dining area is meant to evoke the atmosphere of busy London streets and includes a giant Union Jack flag on the ceiling. Whether you order the ribeye or Kobe beef cap, you won’t be disappointed.

Holstein’s at The Cosmopolitan

If you want to enjoy a hearty meal without having to worry about spending a fortune or putting on some formal attire, then swing by Holstein’s for what some say are the best burgers in Las Vegas. Keep in mind that these aren’t your average burgers.  They offer over 25 gourmet burgers with creative toppings and recommended beer pairings for a full dining experience. Also, be sure to save room for dessert because you don’t want to miss out on sampling one of their giant and famous shakes that come topped with all sorts of extras, including an entire donut.

The Buffet at Wynn

No Las Vegas restaurant list would be complete without mentioning at least one buffet. The Buffet at the Wynn hotel and casino has long been regarded as one of the best options in town. The dining area is bright, colorful and full of beautiful flower arrangements that will make you feel transported to a different place. Food choices come from around the world and the buffet includes 15 live cooking stations and over 120 different dishes. You can sample new foods and enjoy your favorites as prepared by world-class chefs. If your brought your appetite to Vegas, then the Buffet at Wynn is worth checking out.

If you have never been to Las Vegas or it has been while since your last visit, you will be amazed to see what area casinos have to offer. As casinos work to attract new customers and stand out from the competition, there has been an incredible influx of technology along with entertainment and dining options. The casino floors are being revolutionized by new games, hospitality is being improved with management and scheduling solutions like Casino Schedule Ease and the biggest names in food, music and entertainment are taking up residence in Las Vegas. You don’t have to travel any further than the strip to experience some of the best food in the world.

When you think of technology, places like Silicon Valley probably come to mind, but you might be surprised to learn just how high-tech gambling destinations like Las Vegas have become. With millions of tourists visiting every year and billions of dollars at stake, casinos rely on a wide range of technology to operate more efficiently, create a better customer experience, improve safety and encourage visitors to spend more money. Here are just a few of the technology based tools that help keep Las Vegas casinos on the cutting-edge:

Anti-Cheating Technology

You have probably seen at least one movie where savvy criminals are able to beat the house, but in real life, it is incredibly difficult. Almost all of the technology that is designed to prevent and catch cheating is completely invisible, so gamblers don’t even know they are being monitored. Surveillance begins the moment you pull onto the casino property with license plate scanners that match information against a database of cheaters and gambling addicts. Biometric face recognition can also be used to identify unwelcome visitors.

At the tables, both cards and chips are now commonly equipped with tracking information. A system called Angel Eye uses cards that are printed with unique barcodes in invisible ink. This prevents any card switching. Small homing chips can also be embedded in casino chips. Authorized chips will emit a signal that is detected by reading equipment at the cashing booth. Any counterfeit chips can quickly be identified.

Powerful Analytics

In the past, pit managers made adjustments to the gaming floor based on their own observations and years of experience in the casino business. There wasn’t a system in place to test the performance of changes or measure results. Basically, what games were being featured and where they were placed was all left to educated guesses.

Today, casinos are using data and predictive modeling to measure specific ROIs and make more informed decisions. In addition to using data to determine the best placement of games, analytics are being used to decide which customers are offered special deals on hotels and meals. Customers who are more apt to gamble and spend a certain amount at the casino are offered a free dinner or a discounted stay at the hotel. By identifying customers who are more likely to gamble, the casino is able to practice highly targeted marketing and increase revenue.

Analytics can also be used to identify trends that might be an indication of cheating. TableEye21 uses an overhead camera and a variety of other technology to track what cards are being played and how much is being wagered. At the same time, advanced software is analyzing all the information and providing detailed stats that can reveal if a player is counting cards and if the dealer might be working with some of the players at the table.

IBM’s Relationship Resolution software is another analytics tool that can detect larger cheating rings. Using massive amounts of data, the software can identify relationships that wouldn’t be obvious at first glance. For example, the software might identify a playing trend only to discover that the dealer and winning player were college roommates. While casinos were the first to use this technology, the government quickly recognized its powerful implications and adopted the software following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Scheduling Solutions

Software is also playing an important role solving scheduling challenges, which in turn improves employee job satisfaction and leads to a better customer experience. Imagine working as a scheduling manager at a busy Las Vegas casino. You have hundreds of employees with different skill sets and preferred schedules and a casino that needs a capable staff 24/7. The logistics of effectively trying to place everyone while also taking into account unexpected emergencies, is an organizational nightmare. That is exactly why Casino Schedule Ease was invented.

Casino Schedule Ease allows managers to work with a visual map of the casino floor and easily assign employees according to when they can work and where they perform the best. The software also streamlines the communication process by providing a single portal where employees can request days off and managers can see who is available to fill slots. Ultimately, this technology frees up time for managers while also working to get the most out of each employee.

Increased Safety and Security

As discussed in a recent blog post, casinos are looking for new ways to improve security without introducing obtrusive solutions that take away from the fun environment and put visitors on edge. Having to walk through a metal detector doesn’t exactly provide a warm and welcoming greeting, but it is the most effective way to identify weapons and prevent them from entering the building. That is why more forward thinking casinos have already incorporated invisible metal detectors at all their entrances. These devices can’t be seen by visitors, but are constantly at work and being monitored by uniformed and undercover security personnel.

Enterprise Level Content Management

Paperwork and casinos don’t seem like two words that would go together, but the average casino produces 45,000 pages of documents a year. That is a lot to keep track of and manage. From human resources to accounting, casinos rely on many of the same departments and back-office components that any other average business needs to operate. That is why many casinos are going digital and getting rid of paper documents altogether. Not only does this approach streamline communications, it also reduces costs and provides better access to important information.

When it comes to casinos, the use of technology goes well beyond new games. Casinos rely on a wide variety of hardware, software and services to better manage their facilities and their employees while also constantly working to improve the customer experience. In fact, the items list above represent just a small portion of the technology that casinos use on a daily basis. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes so that visitors can have a safe and pleasant experience.

 

 

Recent events have heightened anxieties over safety and forced hotels, entertainment venues and casinos to re-examine their security and emergency response plans. Mass shootings have been a harsh reminder that no one is immune from these seemingly random acts of violence and made it clear that the hospitality industry has to take additional measures to make sure that guests feel safe. The challenge is that the presence of metal detectors and uniformed guards can actually make guests more aware that safety is a concern and cause unease. This means that venues need to implement subtle security solutions that still allow guests to have fun and enjoy their stay without constant reminders of potential threats. It is a complicated issue and one worth taking a closer look at.

Casinos Could Be Held Liable for Shootings

It is an unfortunate truth that at this point in our history, mass shootings are considered “foreseeable.” This type of violence has reached a level of saturation that it is no longer acceptable to say that we didn’t see it coming or there was no way to prevent it. Essentially, casinos are responsible for recognizing and preventing this type of threat. In the future, it is feasible that casinos could be held legally liable for a shooting on their property. This puts added pressure on security teams to improve safety and institute preventative measures.

What’s the Best Security Solution?

At the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where a gunman killed 58 people and injured almost 500 by firing into a crowd of concert goers from his hotel room, metal detectors and X-ray machines were immediately implemented. However, these extra measures are set to be phased out over time because they are simply too inconvenient. Guests don’t want to have to wrangle their luggage and go through security lines just to be able to check into their room. Hospitality is supposed to be about creating an enjoyable customer experience and while metal detectors might work on a practical level, they also present some real challenges when it comes to creating a fun experience.

Casinos and hotels have also relied heavily on security cameras to monitor guests, but these measures do little to actually prevent incidents. A camera might be a deterrent to some, but they certainly aren’t enough to identify someone with a gun and ill intentions. Consider the fact that the Mandalay Bay shooter was able to bring in duffle bags full of weapons and go completely unnoticed. High powered assault rifles can be broken down and stowed in suitcases, which wouldn’t raise any alarm unless they were identified by a metal detector.

Wynn Casinos Provide a Look at the Future of Security

Casino magnate Steve Wynn has been warning that Las Vegas is a perfect target for some years only to be labeled as paranoid. Despite this criticism, he has been quietly working to beef up security at his properties for some time and has managed to incorporate less intrusive solutions. While many of the measures are kept private, we do know that there are invisible metal detectors at every entrance and hundreds of undercover security personnel who are constantly patrolling the floor. These guards work on two hour shifts to prevent boredom and ensure that they continue to stay alert and vigilant. There are also trained handlers with dogs that can sniff out bombs and drugs. While many thought that Wynn was worrying too much, many casino owners may now be looking to him as an example of how to handle security.

Going Low-Tech

There is an app for practically everything, including new mobile room keys, but this technology is problematic when it comes to hotel and casino security. High-tech tools tend to eliminate the need for guests to interact with the staff, which means fewer opportunities to observe strange behavior or notice red flags. Well-trained hotel staff can be one of the most important security tools. This means that while the rest of the world might be going mobile, hotels and casinos are better off staying low-tech and encouraging more personal interactions.

Moving forward, casinos will have to think more like the secret service and be aware of vulnerabilities. This means monitoring rooftops, having sniper teams in place and organizing events so that there are clear evacuation plans. There has to be a clear plan for both preventing an attack and responding to a shooting in a way that limits the number of casualties and injuries.

Ultimately, the best way to improve security comes down to people. While there are some high-tech solutions that can be unobtrusively incorporated in a way that doesn’t distract or inconvenience guests, security personnel and hotel staff are the best line of defense. Casinos need to invest in targeted training that teaches staff what to look for and put in place a clear procedure for reporting any suspicious behavior.

This also means that casinos will need to implement better staff management strategies to ensure that there are enough staff and undercover security personnel moving on the floor and stationed at entrances. Scheduling software, like Casino Schedule Ease, will serve as an invaluable tool when it comes to making sure that hundreds of employees are in the right locations. Software will also make it easier to constantly rotate security experts so that they can stay alert.

Las Vegas and other gambling hubs host millions of visitors each year. Unfortunately, that also means that these locations are prime targets for people looking to inflict maximum harm. It is a sad reality, but one that can’t be ignored. For casinos and hotels, the challenge then becomes one of providing adequate security without introducing new levels of inconvenience. When it comes to technology based solutions, invisible metal detectors are some of the best tools available. However, the best way casinos can invest in and improve security is through staff training. Staff should be constantly interacting with guests and on alert for suspicious behavior. Without a well trained security team and staff, it will be easy for attackers to go unnoticed.

 

 

 

 

Things are heating up around the world when it comes to the casino and gaming industry. New regulations are being introduced, casinos are opening and existing complexes are expanding to incorporate more opportunities for shopping and entertainment. All of these happenings reflect emerging trends that are worth taking a closer look at, so we have gathered up some of the most important and revealing stories to help keep you up-to-date.

Russian Casino Turns Focus to Amenities

In many ways, Russia is a new market for casinos and gaming. In 2015, the Tigre De Cristal, which is owned and operated by a Hong Kong-based firm, opened in Murav’inaya Harbor and became the first casino in the region. The initial phase of construction included 121 hotel rooms and suites. Over the course of just a few years of operation, the casino has had trouble accommodating visitor demand and now plans to add 500 more rooms. This second phase of construction will also focus on adding other amenities, including: shops, a golf course, a ski resort, entertainment facilities, etc.

While this might not be breaking news in the US, it does give an indication of what customers and gaming enthusiasts expect from today’s casinos. Not only will casinos have to incorporate more sophisticated and modern gaming options, they will have to provide a more comprehensive experience that provides year-round activities. For some casinos, this trend may signal the need for a major shift in strategy.

Cherokee Nation to Open New Casino

Russian and Asian partners clearly have a vision for the future of the gaming industry and are taking immediate measures to ensure their new casino meets the changing demands of customers. The Cherokee Nation is also taking steps to upgrade their facilities and update their strategies in an effort to meet these same challenges. The Cherokee Nation has been operating casinos throughout the US for well over 20 years, but they also seem to be taking notice that traditional gambling models might not be the best approach in a modern world.

As a result, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is opening a new branch of their Tahlequah location that will replace the existing casino.  Construction broke ground on March 26, 2018 and the Cherokee Springs Plaza is scheduled to open in 2019. This new complex will feature more space for entertainment and dining along with a luxury golf course. The hope is that all the amenities will attract lucrative convention contracts.

Las Vegas Opens First eSports Arena

Time and again, we have talked about the evolution of gaming and its effect on the gambling. If you have been skeptical about how far Vegas-style casinos would stray from traditional games, then it is time to take a look at the first eSports arena located in the Luxor casino, which opened to the public on March 27, 2018. This 30,000 square-foot complex will allows visitors to participate in multiplayer games, creating a more competitive and interactive gaming experience. The arena will host classic games, like Pong and Pac-Man, along with more modern and sophisticated games.

The Las Vegas eSports arena is just one of six complexes that is the result of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Allied Sports. Ultimately, the Vegas location is meant to be the flagship destination that will host championship events and televised competitions. For those who have been wondering about the future of gaming and the viability of slot machines in a market that is increasingly dictated by the preferences of Millennials, the eSports arena is a good sign of what is to come.

New Hampshire Won’t Join East Coast Gambling Trend

In recent years, we have watched as more states along the east coast have loosened restrictions on gambling and even passed amendments to allow for the construction of Vegas-style casinos, complete with hotels and entertainment. Typically, those pushing for new casinos are interested in improving the economic conditions for residents in local economies. However, these measures are often met with a lot of resistance.

Just recently, New Hampshire once again voted against legalizing gambling. State Senator Lou D’Allesandro has been a staunch advocate in favor of legalized gambling for the past 20 years. He continues to argue that New Hampshire is losing out on revenue while states up and down the east coast are capitalizing on this industry. While the vote was close, 11-10, the state will continue their ban on gambling, perhaps to the relief of neighboring states who don’t want to have to deal with increased competition.

What Does it All Mean?

There are some major takeaways from these stories and trends:

1. Younger customers, who now make up the bulk of casino business, are more interested in an experience than simply sitting at the tables and slot machines. For casinos, this means providing more entertainment options and modernizing management tools in order to provide a more seamless experience. From adding golf courses to incorporating scheduling software, like Casino Schedule Ease, organizations are going to have to go the extra mile to win over new customers. Perhaps most importantly, this is true whether you are doing business in Russia, China or Oklahoma.
2. When it comes to modern gambling, multiplayer is the name of the game. As we can see from the opening of the first eSports arena in Vegas, it isn’t too much about the game, but the competitive experience. People are flocking to the arena to play old-school video games like Pac-Man with the added draw that they will be directly competing against other players and can experience a fully immersive day of gaming.
3. While gambling laws and restrictions are becoming more relaxed, especially along the east coast, there is still a lot of skepticism around gambling and resistance to making it legal in certain areas. In New York state, much of this resistance was put aside in the hopes that casinos would give a needed boost to areas that were suffering due to the decline of manufacturing. As the economy continues to evolve, we may see more states looking towards casinos and the hospitality industry to provide jobs and revenue to local economies.

 

 

 

 

New York City may be one of the wealthiest and most populated cities in the world, but the New York state economy has been struggling to support its more rural residents. Historically, this region has relied heavily on manufacturing jobs. Combine the steady decline of this industry along with the affects of the Great Recession and you have an area that is experiencing real economic distress. While many states have been able to bounce back from these circumstances, upstate New York has been experiencing progress at a much slower rate. Fortunately, the area is about to get a major boost with the opening of the Resorts World Catskills casino. There are high hopes that this new casino will provide the jobs and spending power necessary to revitalize the area.

Up until 2013, New York only allowed limited forms of gambling. Basically, there were a handful of Indian owned and operated casinos in rural locations and slot machines were allowed at racetracks. However, there was a ban on full-scale, Las Vegas style casinos. Previous attempts to expand gambling were met by large opposition from religious groups. Beginning in early 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo began a campaign to amend the state’s constitution and eliminate restrictions so that more casinos could be built and provide a much needed boost to the economy.

When Cuomo first made his plan public, the opposition wasn’t as fierce as with past attempts, but there was an influx of lobbyists pushing for a variety of different special interest groups. After all, legalizing full-scale gambling isn’t a straightforward issue. Cuomo and the state legislature would have to decide how many licenses would be allowed, where the casinos could be built and what kind of tax rate would be placed on gambling.

Some of the biggest objections to the amendment came from tribes, like the Senecas, who were already running their own casinos in the state. While they were okay with NYC based casinos, they didn’t want to have to face competition outside the city. Previous deals had promised them certain exclusivity rights that they claimed would be violated by opening up gambling to more areas.

Ultimately, the residents of New York took to the polls and approved the constitutional amendment that came with a few key requirements. While many casino companies were hoping to be able to tap into the NYC market, the law permits only four new casinos and limits them to certain areas, most of which run along the New York and Pennsylvania border where the economy has been the hardest hit.

The Road to Upstate NY’s First Full-Scale Casino

Getting a constitutional amendment passed is no small feat, but it would take another five years before the doors of the Resorts World Catskills casino actually opened. During that time, economic development departments, local governments, professional analysts and a variety of other organizations were busy putting together arguments for why their city should be the site of one of the four new casinos. Ultimately, Sullivan County was chosen for the first build because it offered the greatest potential for a positive economic impact.

The average worker wage in Sullivan County is $31,483 a year, one of the lowest in the state. The casino is expected to raise individual earnings to around $36,237. Research studies estimate that $903 of that extra income will go directly back into the local economy. That means that local businesses will see additional profits and be able to enjoy a more stable and secure financial situation.

Perhaps even more importantly, additional jobs and higher wages will translate into a healthier community. Positive outcomes include higher graduation rates, better health and less crime. Ultimately, this also puts less of a strain on local and state resources. The casino is on track to be a real boon for local residents and offer far reaching benefits.

The Challenges of Staffing a New Casino

One of the biggest concerns about building a casino in rural New York was that there simply wouldn’t be enough people to fill over 2,000 new positions. Local businesses also feared that they would lose their employees to the casino and have trouble staffing their own businesses. However, researchers were able to determine that based on the proposed location of the new casino, there would be plenty of qualified workers to fill the positions. As a result, Resorts World Catskills was able to fully staff the new casino without negatively impacting local businesses.

The next staffing challenge was to effectively and efficiently schedule over 2,000 new employees who all have different skills and schedule preferences. From a casino’s perspective, they want to be able to provide convenient shifts for their employees in order to keep morale high and turnover low. They also want to place individuals at tables and stations where they are able to perform best. At the same time, workers want a certain level of flexibility and a schedule that can accommodate their existing family responsibilities. The logistics of balancing all these different factors on a weekly basis can be daunting.

Fortunately, just as technology has helped to advance slot machines and gaming, it has also improved scheduling capabilities. Software like Casino Schedule Ease allows casinos to streamline the scheduling process from one, easy to use dashboard. Employees can easily communicate preferences and ask for time off and scheduling managers can view a visual representation of the casino floor as they work to fill spots. As a result, casinos can operate more efficiently, provide a better customer experience and keep employ satisfaction high.

It took a lot of effort from state and local governments, national gambling organizations, voters, builders and a long list of other participants to open the Resorts World Catskills casino. Fortunately, their efforts have paid off and five years after New York voters decided to approve full-scale gambling in the state, the first of four casinos has opened its doors for business. For Sullivan County in particular, this marks the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity as residents are able to enjoy higher wages and job security.

 

It is almost the end of February, which means that spring is within sight and cabin fever has officially set in. People are looking to get out of the house and perhaps enjoy some warmer weather. For casinos, especially those located in southern cities, now is the perfect time to offer great deals and attract additional customers. However, northern locations are experiencing a whole different set of challenges. While most tourist destinations have predictable peak seasons, casinos seem to operate by a different set of rules. Understanding the ebbs and flow that come with the seasons and month to month changes can help casinos develop pricing and  marketing strategies and effectively schedule employees for more effective budgeting.

Seasonal Statistics for Vegas Casinos

Because Las Vegas enjoys relatively warm weather throughout the year, they aren’t quite as susceptible to seasonal fluctuations as casinos in cities like Atlantic City. However, there are some notable trends worth paying attention to because they represent real opportunities for casinos to change up their strategies and try to bring in more customers during slow times.

For casinos located along the strip, January is the busiest month with revenue rising about 6% above the average numbers. May and December are also usually busy months while April and June are historically the slowest. You might expect a real slow-down between Thanksgiving and Christmas as people either stay home for the holidays or travel to spend time with relatives, but Las Vegas has been able to temper this revenue lull by hosting huge events like the National Rodeo Finals and offering great room bargains to keep a steady stream of revenue flowing.

It is important to note that while December isn’t one of the slowest months when it comes to revenue, it is clearly the month with the fewest visitors. Throughout the month, fewer people visit, but those who do make the trip are still spending plenty of money. Ultimately, it all comes down to New Year’s, which is a huge earner for Las Vegas and the reason why despite fewer visitors, it is still a strong earning month that leads directly into the strongest earning month, January.

Unlike most resort destinations, with Las Vegas, there isn’t a direct correlation between the number of visitors and the amount of revenue casinos earn. High-rollers and a big holiday, like New Year’s can turn a month when there are fewer visitors into a profitable time. For casinos, this means that they have to be looking at a several different variables and how they will play out in order to design marketing strategies and effectively staff their facilities.

Seasonal Statistics for Atlantic City

As another well-known gambling destination, Atlantic City (near and dear to our hearts) also offers some interesting insights into seasonal gambling trends. You might assume that Atlantic City performs better during winter months as people are looking for something to get them out of the cold and also out of the house. In reality, the summer months are a boon time for the city. Visitors are on vacation and looking to have a good time. The beach, combined with plenty of entertainment and gambling options, make August the busiest month with revenue numbers a full 23% above average. In contrast, November is the slowest month and revenue totals drop a full 30% below average. These represent much bigger swings than can be found in Las Vegas where even the highs and lows don’t stray too far from the average.

For visitors who are purely interested in gambling, December-February are the best months to visit. Hotel prices drop significantly to try and lure in more customers and there aren’t any crowds. However, this also means that many of the attractions are closed and the entertainment schedule isn’t quite as full.

For Casinos, surviving the winter months without losing too much revenue can be tricky. Obviously, cutting back on attractions and lowering room rates are two options, but there are some other tools that can help cut down on costs.

Tools for Reducing Spending During Slow Months

One of the easiest ways to reduce expenses, which can be vital during slow months, is to work on staffing casinos more efficiently. Too many people working on the floor will eat away at profits. For employees who earn part of their income through tips, being overstaffed can also mean that they earn less, which inevitably leads to lower employee morale and higher turnover. To help combat these issues, many Atlantic City Casinos have turned to Casino Schedule Ease for help.

This simple to use yet sophisticated software program has been especially designed to help casinos manage their unique scheduling challenges. It allows managers to optimize their employees and create the best possible schedules that not only keep the casinos running, but cut down on costs and improve employee relations. Casino Schedule Ease also means that managers will have more free time to focus on other areas of the business and can avoid wasting time try to solve scheduling puzzles.

Employees can simply log into the Team Member Portal from any computer switching and offering days that they would prefer to work. They can also request time off and communicate any other preferences. The manager is then able to quickly synthesize all this information and create an optimal schedule. The software even provides a visual diagram of the casino floor to help managers place employees at the tables and areas where they perform best. With such precise tools, managers can avoid being understaffed during the busiest months and cut down on staffing costs during slow months.

While Las Vegas, Atlantic City and other casinos all over the world may not follow the same seasonal trends, each location will have their own patterns. Casinos can use this information to decide when to raise or lower room rates, when to schedule big name entertainment and how best to staff their facilities according to demand. With tools like Casino Schedule Ease, Casinos can put this information to work for them and better weather slower months when revenue inevitably dips.

 

 

 

 

While certain famous gambling hubs in the US have experienced their fair share of ups and downs over the past decade, many casinos are looking to shake up leadership and undertake bold new expansions. This is good news for gamblers who don’t want to have to travel to other parts of the globe to enjoy high quality establishments, but it is even better news for workers looking for high paying jobs that also come with great benefits. If you have been underemployed or simply dissatisfied at your current position, casinos are hiring and it might be a the right career move for you.

Which Casinos are Hiring?

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is scheduled to open in the summer of 2018 and the company is in the middle of a hiring frenzy. They need to fill over 3,000 positions by this summer in order to be ready to welcome the public. Right now, the company is holding massive job fairs to try and recruit new hires. They even contacted former employees from the recently closed Trump Taj Mahal. Out of 1,600 employees who received a letter or email, about 1,400 responded and scheduled an interview. That is a pretty good sign for those who are wondering if casino employees like working in the industry.

What they are looking for in applicants

Hard Rock has a very specific and recognizable brand. They are all about the high energy, rock and roll experience and they want team members who will interact well with the customers. That is exactly why employees wear shirts that say “I’m with the band” and managers are known as producers. If you are an outgoing person who loves music, then you might be the next rock star they are looking to hire.

2. Sycuan Casino in San Diego

On the other side of the country, San Diego is experiencing a casino building boom and that means massive amounts of jobs. Currently, six out the the area’s 10 casinos are in the middle of expansion projects. The Sycuan Casino alone is looking to add 700 jobs. While some of the positions are entry level, they are also looking to fill upper management positions that come with six-figure salaries.  As a result of the area’s booming economy, the San Diego area has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which means that casinos are desperate to attract employees.

For job seekers, it is definitely an employee’s market. Casinos know that they have to offer enticing compensation packages to get workers to relocate or travel longer distances to their new jobs. If you are looking to start on a career path, then the Sycuan Casino is ready to offer you a highly competitive salary along with plenty of benefits and job perks. Keep in mind that they are also interested in employee retention, so there will also be opportunities for career advancement.

What they are looking for in applicants

Casinos are a part of the hospitality industry, which means that they are in the business of creating a customer experience. If a visitor has a good time, they are more likely to return and provide positive PR through word-of-mouth recommendations. Employees have to be outgoing, friendly and willing to go the extra mile when it comes to creating pleasant and memorable interactions with customers. While some of these skills can be learned over time, Sycuan Casino is looking for people who can hit the ground running because things are moving quickly with the expansion.

Why Casinos Offer a Great Career Path

If you have never worked in a casino before, you might be surprised to learn exactly what they have to offer. With thousands of employees working at any one location, casinos can’t afford to have constant turnover. They need a staff of happy and well-trained employees to keep things running. This means that they are very concerned with employee retention and go above and beyond to maintain job satisfaction.

Great Salaries, Benefits and Earning Potential

For management level positions, the average salary is $70,000 with the potential to earn over $100,000 depending on where you work. Dealers begin with a generous base salary and can effectively double their take-home pay with tips. On top of pay, employees enjoy great health insurance, retirement benefits, bonuses and onsite perks. Employees often eat for free and have access to fitness centers and plenty of recreational activities. Casinos also try to boost morale and strengthen teams through softball teams, retreats and other fun outings.

For some people, one of the biggest drawbacks of working at a casino is the 24-hour cycle. There are workers who prefer the night shift for a variety of reasons and others who need more flexibility in their schedule so that they can attend family events. Fortunately, casinos rely on advanced scheduling software like Casino Schedule Ease to help them manage scheduling and ensure that the specific needs of different employees, along with special requests, are addressed. As an employee, you can use the dashboard to log-in and list preferences and request days off. Managers can then easily process all this information and optimize worker’s schedules and make sure they are placed at tables or areas where they perform best. With conscientious managers and tools like Casino Schedule Ease, you won’t have to worry about being stuck with a shift that doesn’t fit your schedule or your lifestyle.

Start a Career Instead of Landing a Job

Finally, as mentioned above, perhaps one of the best parts of working at a casino is they that they are looking to offer a career and not just a job. If you are an ambitions and hard worker, there aren’t any limits to what you will be able to achieve with the right casino company. You can take advantage of education credits, advancement opportunities and plenty of training and certification programs that will help you develop new skills and become even more marketable.

Casinos across the country are undergoing massive expansions projects and they need skilled and capable workers right now. It is an employee market where you can enjoy great compensation packages, flexible scheduling and career oriented positions. Now is the perfect time to consider a career in the casino industry.

 

 

 

Marketing in the casino industry can be tricky, especially in 2018 when the gambling is in a state of flux. Casinos are starting to realize that the same old techniques aren’t going to produce the same results. Patrons are younger, more tech savvy and simply have different expectations when it comes to entertainment. With that in mind, we decided to take a look at classic marketing techniques that are still standing the test of time and other approaches that could be updated.

The Keepers

Sex sells

Let’s face it: Las Vegas is a sexy town. As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The entire city has been branded as a place where you can go and let your hair down and return to your normal life after a long weekend of fun. While this marketing technique might not play as well to audiences in Pennsylvania, a little excitement and risk is part of what makes gambling fun. The idea that sex sells is still a valid one when it comes to marketing, especially in the casino industry.

The VIP Experience.

If you have ever watched a movie that takes place in a casino, then you are familiar with the allure of the high rollers. These are exclusive patrons who receive the VIP treatment and whose every whim is catered to by the staff. Any time you can offer a special experience that isn’t available to the average customer, you are going to have a marketing win. It is an age old truth that people want to feel important, stand out and be seen. Creating VIP packages will continue to be a valuable tool.

Variety is the spice of life.

One of the great things about casinos is that practically anyone can play and have the chance to win big and enjoy a taste of luxury. If you can’t afford the VIP treatment, casinos offer a low entry fee. For example, all-you-can-eat buffets for $2.99 or dime slot machines. Offering a unique experience that comes with a low price of entry means everyone can participate and allows casinos to cater to a wide variety of customers. Some people get more of a thrill out of a good deal than dropping thousands of dollars on a VIP experience. It is a good idea to market to the full range of consumers who walk through the doors of casinos.

Where There is Room for Improvement

Gambling is risky. Gaming is fun.

Language is incredibly important. The word “gambling” comes with some negative connotations. Gambling is risky and people naturally associate it with losing money, even if they do it hoping to win big. There is also gambling addiction, which makes the practice seem seedier than simply gaming. Replacing gambling with the word “gaming” helps casinos convey more of a entertainment factor. People are visiting to play games and have fun, not try to win enough money to pay their mortgage that month.

Focus on creating an experience.

This has been another noticeable shift in the casino industry and the way it markets itself. In the past, gambling was the main attraction and the food, drinks and shows were just part of the fun. More and more, people are looking for the full package: a completely immersive experience that includes great customer service, luxurious accommodations and plenty of entertainment options. Casinos have adapted to these increasing demands, but there is still room for improvement.

While some casinos have been leaders in catering to Millennials by incorporating more lounge spaces and social gaming experiences, others have been slower to adopt new approaches. In some cases, the problem comes down to logistics. Running a casino requires complex feats of organization and messing with an existing process by throwing new games and bars into the equation can be a nightmare.

The casinos that have been able to successfully adapt to changing markets and implement changes are using technology to help their efforts and streamline processes. Software like Casino Schedule Ease allows managers to schedule and optimize employees and employees can easily request shifts and communicate with managers. By simplifying this process, casinos are able to operate more efficiently, adapt more quickly to customer demands and make the move towards better service that helps to create a well-rounded experience for patrons.

Make the move to digital and mobile.

Believe it or not, casinos still spend a surprising portion of their marketing budgets on print advertising. This can make sense when it comes to billboards, but physical fliers and newsletters are a waste of money. Making the move to digital and mobile advertising would allow casinos to target customers based on their location and their search habits.

For example, geo targeting allow companies to serve ads based on whether potential customers are within a certain range of their business. Imagine being able to set up a 20 mile virtual perimeter around the casino and send people ads, enticing them to stops by whenever they are close to the casino. It is simply a smarter, more effective way to market.

Take full-service to a whole new level.

Another way to create a better experience for customers is to anticipate their needs and go above and beyond. Most casinos are self-contained. Patrons don’t have to leave to do some shopping, eat at a great restaurant or even receive a spa treatment. The more you are able to provide convenient services, more likely they will be to stay in the casino and spend. For example, instead of just providing a fully stocked gym, why not also provide a free trainer and fitness classes throughout the day? You could even stock locker rooms with free supplements and protein shakes. These gestures can pay off in a big way through positive word of mouth marketing and customer loyalty.

There is no arguing that the casino industry faces some unique challenges when it comes to marketing, but there are some simply changes that can be made to keep up with new demands. The first step is to recognize what is working and where there is room for improvement. From there, it is important to arm yourself with the right tools, like Casino Schedule Ease software and mobile marketing geo targeting apps, to set yourself up for success.

 

 

North America is responsible for over 46% of the market when it comes to casino revenue. As the clear leader, it is important for U.S. casinos to look to international trends when developing progressive strategies to build on existing success and continue to attract international customers. While many of the trends that are affecting the international market are also occurring in the U.S., there are a few worth noting and taking into account in 2018 and beyond.

New Marketing Strategies

You may be surprised to learn that casinos around the world still rely heavily on direct mail marketing. It is still by far the most popular marketing tool despite a whole host of digital options. Moving forward, casinos are looking to adopt more technology-based techniques and optimize social media and mobile advertising.

The real challenge here is to serve ads in a way that feels personal without being intrusive. Younger demographics are used to constantly being barraged with online ads, which means that they have become desensitized and don’t have a problem simply skimming over ads. Casinos are going to have to develop high quality content that is both informative and entertaining in order to grab the attention of their target audience.

Winning over Millennials

Not only are casinos looking to win over Millennials with new marketing strategies, they are also changing the landscape of their casino floors to attract more customers from this age group. This goes beyond incorporating new types of games and includes re-purposing underutilized space with more intimate lounges and speakeasy type bars that reflect the tastes of younger gamblers.

Online Gambling

While brick and mortar casino locations are still by far the largest source of revenue, there is an increasing demand for online gambling. Countries who do allow online gambling are raking in all the money from this profitable form of betting. The U.S., in particular, has been especially strict about regulating online gambling. As it stands now, only a few states permit this form of gambling and only residents of that state are allowed to participate. However, as the international online gambling market continues to grow, the federal government may feel more pressure from casinos to loosen restrictions. It will be interesting to see how the U.S. continues to handle this trend.

Smaller Scale Gambling Operations

In the United States, we are used to large gambling meccas like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. A visit to one of these cities is meant to provide an immersive experience that includes fine dining, entertainment and superior accommodations. Hotels are built to serve the casinos and act as an additional, luxurious draw to consumers. All the glitz and glamour is part of the bigger experience.

This same approach to attracting customers has been used around the world, but there is now a noticeable shift towards smaller scale gambling operations. Instead of making the casino the destination, companies are bringing gambling to existing destinations. For example, there are more slot machines and games showing up in hotel lobbies, bars and restaurants. Casinos aren’t as concerned about bringing customers to them as they are about meeting customers where they already are.

Continuing this trend in the U.S. is problematic because of gambling regulations, but again, it is a trend worth watching. U.S. companies may want to start exploring new ways to partner up with the hospitality industry.

Social Gambling and Interactive Games

It should come as no surprise that more interactive games that allow you to play with and against your friends are also gaining popularity across the globe. Technology has the power to make us feel more isolated, but it can also help us connect and turn gambling into a more social activity. Apparently, a trend towards more social experiences is one that crosses all borders and will continue to be important on an international level.

What Other Countries Can Learn from US Trends

There are also some big things happening in the U.S. that may be of interest to foreign casino companies also looking to stay competitive. While the presence of technology is becoming more visible on the gaming floor, it is also being used to address management challenges and streamline many of the complicated processes that keep casinos running.

For instance, Casino Schedule Ease (CSE) is a software program that helps managers to easily schedule employees and maximize performance. Just imagine the balancing act required to make sure that all the tables are covered over a 24-hour period by an employee who has the skills and experience to expertly run each game. Not to mention all the unexpected variables that can pop-up during the day, including unscheduled absences.

Casino Schedule Ease allows employees to log into a centralized dashboard and put in requests for vacation time and let managers know what days and times they prefer to work. Mangers can use the software to create an ideal schedule that takes into account the needs of the casino and preferences of individual workers. CSE even provides a visual representation of the casino floor to help managers create a clear picture of who will be placed where.

This type of management and scheduling software is allowing casinos to run more efficiently and provide both employees and guests with a better experience. As a result, casinos enjoy more repeat business and are able to reduce operational costs. Moving forward CSE and other software will increasingly become invaluable tools that allow large scale casinos to better manage daily challenges. International casinos may want to take note of this growing trend as they continue to look for ways to increase revenue and stay competitive.

Conclusion

It would be a mistake for casinos to ignore what is happening across the globe in the gambling industry. Even though the U.S. owns the largest share of the market, being the leader can often result in complacency. Taking a larger view of the market can help identify emerging trends and help casinos position themselves for ongoing success. On that same note, international casinos may want to take a look at how major U.S. companies are using technology and software, like Casino Schedule Ease, to improve performance and increase revenue.