How to Market to a Casino Audience
A casino or gambling house is an establishment offering various types of legalized gambling. Some casinos also offer restaurant facilities, shopping, and entertainment. Some are owned and operated by state or provincial governments while others are independent. Casinos are regulated by law and may only offer certain games. Some are open to the public while others require membership or guest registration. Some are standalone buildings while others are located within hotels, resorts, or other tourist attractions.
Traditionally, casino marketers have relied on demographics to inform marketing strategies. While this approach is helpful, it’s not the whole picture. In today’s highly competitive casino environment, it’s essential to understand and cater to the wants and needs of all segments of your audience.
The best way to do this is by employing a customer journey framework that focuses on the “jobs to be done” of your audience. For example, if a group of women visit your casino for a bachelorette party, they’re looking to “hire” you to provide them with a safe and fun atmosphere, an impressive mix of gaming, food, and entertainment options, and a comfortable place to socialize with friends.
In addition to the jobs to be done, you should also focus on enhancing discoverability and leveraging technology to expand your reach and influence. For instance, using augmented reality and virtual reality is an excellent way to bring your casino to a new audience.
Another way to broaden your audience is to leverage social proof and celebrity endorsements to increase trust. This is especially effective when used in conjunction with a referral program. The best way to do this is by identifying influencers in your target audience and creating campaigns that highlight them.
Many casinos use technology to monitor their gaming operations, particularly for compliance with local laws. This is often accomplished by combining video surveillance with data analytics. For example, chip tracking systems allow the casinos to oversee the exact amounts that are placed minute by minute, and electronic monitoring of roulette wheels allows them to detect any anomalies that might affect expected results.
In some cases, the casinos hire mathematicians and computer programmers to analyze their gaming operations. These professionals are tasked with determining the house edge and variance for each game. By understanding these factors, casinos can ensure that their patrons are getting a fair deal. They can then adjust their game offerings accordingly.