In an earlier post, I made a prediction regarding the date when Las Vegas would enter a new era upon the reopening of its casinos, which I estimated to be May 21. However, I must admit that my optimism may have clouded my judgment. As the city eagerly awaits the green light to resume its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, uncertainty lingers in the air. It is during these times of anticipation that we must remain cautious and realistic, preparing ourselves for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. The road to recovery may prove to be challenging, but I am hopeful that Las Vegas will once again thrive and shine brightly, showcasing its unique charm and captivating allure to visitors from near and far.
I believe it is crucial to consider the timeframe in which casinos will have to strategize once they shut down operations, which, if my estimate is accurate, should amount to approximately two months. During this period, it would be ideal for them to contemplate their next course of action. Personally, I am of the opinion that many aspects of this matter are already under discussion, which is encouraging.
Eliminate the extortionate charges for parking along the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
As an avid observer of the hospitality industry, it becomes quite clear that the most logical step to take is to acknowledge the fact that guests who choose to return early in the reopening phase will not be able to relish the same unparalleled Las Vegas experience they have cherished on their previous visits. This realization is not lost on the resorts themselves; they are fully aware of this disparity. It is perhaps time for them to reconsider the implementation of additional charges for parking, especially when they already impose resort fees. Such a practice has always projected a negative image for their business. However, it becomes an even more flagrant exploitation when one takes into account the numerous resort amenities that still remain closed during this period.
I have to say, Downtown Las Vegas really knows how to do things right. They've got a system in place where they charge for parking at the casinos, but here's the catch: if you're playing, staying, or dining at the property, they'll validate your parking ticket. Now, that's a smart move. It's a model that the Las Vegas Strip casinos should seriously consider adopting. This way, they won't be angering potential customers and they'll only be charging those who aren't spending any money at their establishments. It just makes sense, don't you think?
Resort Fees
I don't believe resort fees will disappear unless the government steps in, but I anticipate that many hotel promotions in the upcoming months will feature the inclusion of 'no resort fees' statements. Even before the closures, certain casinos such as Treasure Island and Golden Nugget were already experimenting with this concept.
More automation
I believe that upon the reopening of casinos, we will discover a surprising revelation: a reduced need for employees in the operations. In the period leading up to the closures, casinos had been gradually embracing automation. This entailed the utilization of robot bartenders, the monitoring of bar drinks through electronic systems, the introduction of electronic table games, and the implementation of self-check-in kiosks in hotels. As the need for cost-cutting becomes crucial for their survival, it is highly likely that these automated technologies will become even more prevalent in the industry.
In my opinion, the implementation of drink monitoring in certain areas will become increasingly prevalent. Although it may not be an immediate change, the necessity to reduce expenses will undoubtedly expedite this transition. I've personally witnessed this practice in Atlantic City and found it to be quite effective. The level of service I experienced was exceptional, further supporting the efficacy of such a system.
Address the issue of fraudulent electronic blackjack games effectively.
Back in the day, when casinos in Las Vegas had multi-player video blackjack games, they used to have a pretty sweet deal. They would pay out the full 3:2 on a natural blackjack and even award slot points to players. But times have changed, my friend. Nowadays, most of these games only pay 6:5, which is a significant reduction in winnings. On top of that, some of them don't even accept players' cards, or if they do, the points you earn are heavily reduced. It's all part of their labor cutting initiatives, I suppose. It's a real bummer for blackjack enthusiasts looking to maximize their winnings and benefits.
Temporarily, I foresee a decline in the popularity of live table games as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, it would be wise to ensure that video versions of these games are accessible and enjoyable for players. By doing so, we can keep our players content and avoid compelling them to engage in live table games, which carry higher risks and increased labor costs.
When it comes to craps, the same point can be argued. The pass line on video versions usually offers double odds, while the don't pass line offers around 1.5 times the odds. However, it would be more advantageous to players if the game followed the 3-4-5x rule, similar to what most Strip tables offer. Additionally, increasing the payout for the field bet to triple would further enhance the player's experience and potential winnings.
A video roulette game with triple zero was en route to the casinos of Las Vegas before the crisis hit. However, at present, the appropriate location for that wheel would be a waste disposal site, not the casinos.
Improve gambling odds
The casinos in Las Vegas must step up their game to ensure that the first wave of visitors, who are primarily gamblers, have an exceptional experience despite the closure of many amenities. It is absolutely crucial that these returning visitors, who are the backbone of the city's tourism industry, feel satisfied and entertained. The responsibility lies with the casinos to go above and beyond in their efforts to make this happen.
The returns on slot machines and casino games have experienced a steady decline since approximately 2015. It is imperative to take action regarding this matter.
In order to enhance the blackjack experience and appease players, it is imperative that the 6:5 blackjack tables undergo a transformation. Specifically, those tables found in local casinos with a minimum bet of $5, lower end tourist casinos with a minimum bet of $10, and higher end tourist casinos with a minimum bet of $15 should be re-felted to showcase a more favorable 3:2 payout. It is worth noting that some tables might not require re-felting as the 6:5 payout disclosure is occasionally displayed on a sign. Additionally, it would greatly benefit players if they were allowed to re-split aces, particularly in the shoe games. This feature is highly sought after by players and its absence often leads to frustration and discontentment.
The eradication of the triple zero roulette epidemic is imperative. Boost the payout to three times on number 12 in the field when playing craps.
Eliminate the video poker games with a 96 percent payout rate, and consider raising it to 98 percent. Additionally, enhance the slot machines by increasing their payout rate by one or two percentage points.
It's true. Many skeptics argue that a considerable number of players are oblivious to the fact that they're being swindled and inadvertently bolstering the casinos. On the surface, their argument holds some weight. Nonetheless, what these critics fail to acknowledge is that these players will undeniably recall their experience of playing for an extended period of time with the same amount of money as their previous visits. Whether they emerge victorious or simply encounter more favorable odds than usual, they will invariably return home to regale their friends and acquaintances with tales of how Las Vegas has become more generous. The value of this word-of-mouth publicity is paramount during a time like this.
Prepare the marketing apparatus
I envision that casinos have already devised a well-thought-out strategy for this. It is crucial for casinos to be fully prepared with the incentives they will provide to gamblers, depending on their ratings. The incentives should surpass all previous records in terms of generosity. There are minimal drawbacks to granting complimentary accommodations and upgrades to recognized players, as these would otherwise remain unoccupied.
During difficult economic periods, there is always a heightened sense of apprehension regarding individuals taking advantage of free offerings without contributing anything in return. To address this issue, one potential solution is to link complimentary bets and meals to a specific threshold of participation. For instance, players could be required to accumulate a certain number of points in order to receive a complimentary $50 meal voucher or free gaming credits, which can be redeemed on a daily basis. This approach ensures that those benefiting from the perks have actively engaged in the designated activities, thereby minimizing the risk of freeloading.
Social media is a crucial aspect that many casinos overlook when it comes to their marketing strategies. It's high time we start utilizing these platforms to engage with our customers and create anticipation for their return to Las Vegas. By leveraging social media, we can generate excitement and gradually build the demand for our reopening. Casinos often miss the mark in this area, but it's essential to adapt to the changing times and make the most out of the opportunities social media presents. Let's drive customer interactions and ensure they're eager to come back when our doors finally reopen.
Lately, there has been quite a buzz surrounding the issue of expired offers and players club tiers during the closure. It's a hot topic that keeps popping up in conversations on Twitter. To address the confusion, I've been actively participating in discussions and answering questions related to my property. It's crucial to have a clear policy in place regarding these matters and ensure that players are well-informed about it. I have been approached numerous times to clarify this issue, and I understand the importance of setting the record straight.
When faced with a negative discussion, it is crucial to master the art of transforming it into a positive one without any hesitation. One effective way to achieve this is by leveraging the power of social media to share every single step of the reopening process. By doing so, not only will you be keeping your brand at the forefront of people's minds, but you will also be ensuring that Las Vegas remains a constant source of positivity in their lives.
Management needs to increase their engagement with customers.
These days, it's a common punchline to make fun of casino management for being anonymous and the target of jokes about resort and parking fees. It's a shame, really, because these individuals have difficult and high-pressure jobs, especially in the current climate. However, hiding away in the back office doesn't do any favors for the company's reputation when the goal is to regain the trust and loyalty of customers.
It has become quite thrilling to witness CEOs of companies creating videos to provide updates not only to their guests but also to their employees. This trend should definitely persist. Furthermore, it should become customary for executives to allocate more time to engage with guests at the premises, in order to gain firsthand knowledge of their invaluable opinions.
At certain downtown properties, incorporating this practice is already a standard and forms an integral aspect of their marketing strategies. By actively soliciting the opinions of guests, whether from a board member or casino manager, the establishment ensures that patrons feel deeply appreciated and valued. This, in turn, significantly enhances the likelihood of customers choosing to return to the casino. It is a level of personalization and connection that surpasses any marketing campaign, no matter how well-executed.