…to Bring your Players Back?

Is it Bingo, Buffet or Bands?

There are a variety of reasons why you should consider bringing back some of these longest running tried and true promotional marketing tools.

Come on, let’s take a look together.

Bingo

While bingo halls have faced significant challenges and a decline in popularity over the years, particularly compared to their peak in the 1960s and 70s, it’s not accurate to say they are entirely “dying” in the casino industry. 

Bingo now competes with a wider array of options, including casino games (slots, table games), sports betting, OTB and on-line gaming. These alternatives can offer higher stakes and more immediate payouts, attracting players who might traditionally have played bingo. And let’s not forget about the casino indoor smoking ban, spreading across the gaming landscape.

So, how do you turn a weathered archaic game into a fan favorite? Two words: Innovation and Modernization. You must turn your hall into a more social and entertainment-focused experience. Themed events, DJ’s and Food and Beverage improvements. Target a younger player and create Bingo Raves or Berserk Bingo to establish a fun, interactive night out.

If you want to know who has reinvented their Bingo Game, you don’t have to look any further than Eagle Mountain Casino & Resort and their Bingo Loco Nights! It’s a Must Be Attended Event and Party! Take a look at their Social Pages and you’ll definitely understand why, it’s The Place to Be!

Buffets

It wasn’t that long ago, just about every casino had an affordable all-you-can-eat buffet. It was a low-cost way of getting families and groups to dine together.

They started losing their luster just before COVID-19. The pandemic certainly accelerated the decline that was already underway, and changing demographics, along with a shift towards higher-end dining experiences and food halls have dramatically slowed the number of buffets.

However, buffets aren’t completely gone. The number of casinos with buffets have declined, but those who cater to a local clientele still offer buffets, often with a focus on value or specific offerings like prime rib or seafood nights.

There’s one casino team sitting on the Gulf Coast, taking full advantage of their Buffet offerings and bringing in guests by the masses. It’s Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel. The Infinity Buffet offering their now famous, Crab Buffet including Crab Legs Daily!

Bands

Casinos are expanding their entertainment offerings beyond traditional gaming, recognizing that younger demographics, particularity Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize non-gaming activities like live entertainment.

Live music is a way to attract new audiences and enhance the overall guest experience, leading to increased revenue from ticket sales, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets within the casino complex.

Musicians also find casino gigs appealing. They offer consistent scheduling, a steady income stream, and high access to high-quality venues.

However, casinos need to invest in state-of-the-art theaters, spaces or venues for artists of various genres. There is more competition from on-line streaming and large-scale music festivals, requiring casinos to innovate and adapt their entertainment offerings.

Routing is also an issue for some of the “out of the way” casinos located in remote destinations. If you aren’t willing to pay an outside agency to handle your entertainment, you’ll need a solid team experienced in scheduling shows, managing contract riders, experts in sound and lighting, advertising and executing all the in-between.

Variety and personalization are becoming increasingly important in catering to diverse audience preferences. If you want to talk to a team who “Knows Shows” and putting on an incredible gig, I’ve got just the team…

The Team at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. They are responsible for executing the legendary: Performances at the Passage/Outdoor Lawn Concerts, who’s shows are routinely sold out.

Rick Harshman is the CEO of H2R Agency, the leading marketing agency specializing in inspired creative and results-driven strategies in the gaming industry. For more information, call (720) 226-3229 or e-mail RickH@H2RAgency.com.