Back to Sporting Events and Casino Entertainment

Last week,I went to my first sporting event in over a year. I attended the Sixers and Phoenix Suns game at the Well Fargo Center.   I was not sure what to expect but I was prepare to execise all precautions that the venue has in place. Since there was a capacity on attendance the traffic going to the game was non existent. What would normally take about 20 -24 minutes took about 15. 

Parking was easily accessible with only certain lots being utilize. Entering the facilty was similar to any other time attending a game. Everyone was wearing a mask. There is a mandatory tempature check.There were no programs that highlight the team and the opponent's game information. Seating was set up to conform with social distancing. There was no one on the row with us.  

If you plan to purchase something from the concession stands or gift shops, prepare to wait in line. There is no social distancing regarding the line. You must have a credit or debit card because all transactions are cashless. I did not see any vendors bring food or drinks to the patrons at their seats. I imagine if you were in a suite that amenity would be available. Time to avoid the restroom is during halftime and a break between quarters. 

I was told that the Phillies have a unique way of enforcing the mask on policy. They have an usher on patrol that will hold up a sign requesting that you keep your mask up if you forget or neglect to do so. While the capacity at the baseball games are larger, the precautions are still in place for you to have an enjoyable and safe expierience.

If you are planning to attend a casino for the first time since the pandemic shut hotels and gaming operations down over a year ago, expect a reduction in gaming spots. Table games that would have accomodated 6 people are now set for 4 patrons.  Casino shows are about to return soon with Dave Chappelle at Foxwood Resort in Connecticutt on June 25th. Usher will begin his residency in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace on July 16.  I would look into booking a flight now to save money. As the summer approaches, airlines will raise prices to meet the demand of more people flying domestically.

I''m looking forward to this fall when the G2E will return Oct 4th thru the 7th. I plan to arrive early and take in a show while I am in town. I will let you know who is headlining as the conference approaches. As more people are vaccinated the level of normalcy will return and the interactions will resume. Keep adhering to the CDC guildlines and we will prevail against COVID- 19.

Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insider and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

East Coast Gaming Conference Instagram Photos

Roger Gros and Seth Young

Lloyd Levenson

George Lopez

Tropicana's Chris Capra

Harman Group

Cozen O' Connor's Joseph Epps

Greg Carlin

David Cordish

Pool at Harrah's 

See you next year at #ECGC23. Look forward to linking up this fall at G2E in Las Vegas.

East Coast Gaming Conference Recap

The #ECGC22 was well timed and the most informative conference that we have attended in the past 5 years. The start of Sports Betting in New Jersey and the opening day of the Congress were coincidentally on the same day. Here are some of the statements that came out of Atlantic City last week.

William Hill CEO Joe Asher said "Sports and Events create a buzz in Las Vegas. New Jersey can't replicate but can do something."

Millenial Esports CEO Alex Igelman said "More money wagered on E sports than on the NHL."

Downtown Grand Las Vegas  CEO Seth Schorr states "Sports Betting is an exciting casino experience. Mobile will subsides things."

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck said "I Gaming cannibalize the illegal market and created double digit growth revenue for casinos. Sport Betting will drive it higher."

Rush Street Gaming CEO Greg Carlin stated that "Sports Betting is a huge opportunity that should include mobile wagering. Online gaming has added to the Philadelphia brick and mortar property."

Foxwoods Casino CEO Felix Rappaport said "If you don't evolve, you don't survive."

Part Two of the East Coast Gaming Conference recap will post in 4 days. More Photos and commentary about the attendees.

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What works in 2015 Gaming?

I am seeing a shift in what works with gaming entertainment. I've watched the operation side go  from build it and they'll come to less is now more. Atlantic City is the perfect example. They are expecting an increase in revenue numbers. This is due to the remaining casinos accommodating their former competitor's customers.

October's casino numbers did not bear this out. Casino revenues were $197.7 million, down compared to $216.9 million in October 2013. The casinos cut those losses in half, however, with another $9.5 million in online gaming revenues that did not yet exist in Oct. 2013. Of the latter figure, $2M of that was from online poker.
The amount of money in play decreased and the market did not grow. There are less rooms and parking spots available.  The cost of parking and rooms will  inevitably go up. This is not the recipe for attracting conventions and long term stays at the shore.

The new rules for gambling in America are different from the late 90's and early 2000's. Two rules are in play for me. Engage your customer. Not just when he/she gambles. Interact with the entertainment information they show interest in. The second rule is brand with the taste of the customer. If the customers likes Starbucks, provide them with specials that they can obtain through you. This not only helps you, but now Starbucks gives you a play as well.  The new rules encompasses food and beverage and events targeting millennials. These are two avenues that can bring new and former customers in.

Expect a new look in Connecticut

 

Foxwoods is making a move in this direction. In 2015, they are downsizing the casino product and looking for more revenue from the non gaming side. Boyd Gaming Corp. told investors in August it planned to change out a few of the restaurants and other nongaming attractions inside several of the company’s area casinos to boost overall revenue. This week, Borgata Casino announced details.

A $13 million dollar property-wide renovation is taking place over the next several months. Improvements include a complete redesign of the Borgata Buffet, renovations to Spa Toccare, the casino floor, front desk, suites, and back-of-the-house areas.

These types of plans have been met with success along the Las Vegas Strip, but have been slow to be embraced by regional markets. In a future post, I'll provide more insight that will help you grow your market share. Some innovative ways that will work without spending your entire budget are coming. Also,learn more about online gaming and how it can shape your future entertainment experiences.

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