Why Pennsylvania is the 2nd largest gaming market in the United States

Pennsylvania is the 2nd largest gaming market in the United States. This was a distinction formerly
held by Atlantic City. Although it may not be a fair comparison because one is a state and the other
a city, there are several reasons for this change.

One is the median income average of Pennsylvania residents. The national average in the United States
is $51,900. The average household salary in Pennsylvania is $50,300. This data tell there is money to be won in the Commonwealth.

Second is the strategic disbursement of casinos throughout the state. There is a casino in every section of the state. Geographically each casino is position near a demographic area that serves as a feeding ground of gaming patrons. The convenient gambler is accommodated by Pennsylvania and has no need to go outside the borders of the state.

Each casino is relatively new and able to market to it's own customer.Harrahs Philadelphia markets to

an international customer because of their player reward tracking system. Parx may not have the same brand name effect but can wow the guest with amenities. Sands gives the destination feel to a player that wants the overnight experience. SugarHouse is dominant due to the location being in the heart of

the 5th largest city in the country. Valley Forge will give a resort style of gaming that must market to convention and business meeting groups to be successful.

Revel in Atlantic City may off set the market slightly. Pennsylvania should withstand them and maintain a period of growth consistent with the economy. The growth should range up to 3% each year

for the next 3-4 years before saturation.

Valley Forge and Revel Casino

Valley Forge Casino opened on Saturday night. They have a resort license and are a category three gaming establishment. They are smaller than the typical Pennsylvania Casinos because they are limited by the amount of slot machines and table games they can offer.  They can have no more than 500 slot machines and 50 table games. The table games offering can expand if they choose to do a tournament for poker or blackjack.
The one thing that the gaming public will have a hard time accepting about Valley Forge is that it requires a membership, that one be a guest of the hotel or an expenditure of 10 dollars or more at the mall. Most people are accustom to just walking in and playing.
I think there is a market for Valley Forge. They can be exclusive in what they do and advertise effectively. They can be similar to Boyd's of Philadelphia in the clothing field. This spot is for a select group.

Revel is a combination of something old and a lot of things new. The old is the Borgata principle that they have offering that are exclusive to them. Revel is renting space to the top restaurant and chefs.
If that not enough,they are going after the hottest entertainment. Revel is having Beyonce as the headliner on Memorial Day Weekend. There is more focus on the amenities than the gaming.
The gaming floor is small in comparison to other casinos in Atlantic City. They instead wanted to stagger the public with the decor and breathtaking architecture. Revel is the first casino to embrace the ocean view front.
They have taken the approach of being a smoke free environment. How that  will be accepted by the gaming public remains to be seen. It is a winner from the position of the workers.
The term limits Revel has imposed on certain positions with the company also is uncharted. These concepts allow Revel to add an influx of new blood and energy to the work environment..
                        Change is good. It is the future. Game On at both of these properties.

Social Media and Networking Event at Philadelphia Inquirer

The event gave information to aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs.Most of the crowd indicated they had a presence on Facebook.Only a third of the people stated they use Twitter. The event was attended by over 100 people.

The panel encourage the attendees to use all social media outlets to reach their customers. Facebook has the largest audience. One of every nine people in the world are on Facebook.

The use of apps and mobile communication will be critical to all business owners regardless of size.

I Phone and I Pad usage will alter how we reach and interact with our customers. The B2B model will

change as technology changes. It does take time to build your customer base.Develop a social media strategy and revamp it to match your customer's needs. Offer value and content and your brand will create a lasting image that people will talk about.

Thanks to Peco and Philly.com for hosting the event.

Game Changers

At the conference I attended last week, I learned quite a bit about online gaming,marketing and social
media. Two things that make you a game changer are the following:


Where are you?  Are you a 1,9 or 90?  One represent the percentage of the population that creates
content. Nine is reflective of the percentile that copies or emulates the content of others. Ninety is the rest of the world that are standing on the sidelines watching. Which ONE are you?


Secondly, you must be a visionary. Try looking at what may be ahead and ask yourself if you fit the
future. Imagine having a time machine and knowing that the stock market was going to collapse. You would act accordingly and adjust your finances. So without the aid of a time machine, obtain data and play what if. Prepare yourself as though you know that your projection will come true and wait for your opportunity.  When it materializes, you are already there.

                                                               A Game Changer

Vegas and Sportbetting

Las Vegas loves March Madness.  The NCAA Basketball Tournament allows for people from all over
the country to come to town with the same vigor as attending the actual game. All the games are on
the television monitors. You can wager on any game that does not involve a team from Nevada.

The difference in the time zone gives players the opportunity to bet all day. Games start at 9:00 am and last until 10:00 pm.

The crowds and the revenue are only surpass by Superbowl weekend. The first weekend is the best because of the buffet of games to choose from. The restaurants and sportsbooks are buzzing with excitement. You actually think you are at the games. Get your bet down early. You make get shut out
or shouted at for being slow in making your bets.

                                                  I wish we had it in New Jersey.

Last 23 hours!

Atlantic City Revenue is going in the wrong direction. After one month of a increase in revenue,the celebration was short lived. February 2012 was not good despite having an additional day in comparison to a year ago.
One player won over 2,000,000 at blackjack at the Tropicana. Although this is part of their strategy to accept large wagers, They may have to rethink this policy with this player. If they held 14%, including a loss of this magnitude, what would the percentage without his play?
Atlantic City is under scrutiny for having rooms that are modestly priced during the week.I like this strategy. I would rather make some money than no money. If the room is empty I get nothing. But if the room is occupied. I can make at least 30 to 90 dollars,not including tax. The guest will probably eat and shop at my property. Any gaming dollars are extra.
               
                                         Check for Big East Champion Selection.

I Gaming North America, Las Vegas and best moment of past 7 days

The I Gaming North America 2012 was one of the best conferences that I have ever attended. I learn a lot about the importance of social media and online gaming. This market has limitless position and is underused by Casinos. My thought is that the industry does not know how and has never utilize this

medium.

Gaming has relied on what has worked and how does this effect my bottom line. This way of thinking
will have to change to embrace the new customer.

Las Vegas is still a captivating city. I got a chance to see Aria and the Wynn Property. I was impressed with both. The Staff of Aria is motivated by the support of the executive team. The Wynn was unique with the color scheme of the dealers shirts and the carpet on the gaming floor. I enjoyed the buffet at Paris and the "World Greatest Hot Sandwich at Planet Hollywood. I was able to win a few dollars so I paid for my trip minus 100 dollars.

My Best moment of the week was coming home! It was nice to see John Avello, Art Manteris and
Vic Salerno, all men that mentor and guided me. But being away for 6 days make you appreciate your own bed and refrigerator better than anything you can experience else where.