The Potential Economic Benefits of Casino Tourism

Casino

The Potential Economic Benefits of Casino Tourism

Casino

A pair of aces, scattered poker chips and a toy aeroplane on a green felt poker table.

The Potential Economic Benefits of Casino Tourism

Casino

A panoramic view of the bright neon lights of the Las Vegas strip casinos at night.

Since their inception, casinos have always been a key attraction to their host cities because of their ability to draw crowds. Gambling enthusiasts travel far and wide to tick off some of their casino bucket list destinations, with Las Vegas, Macau, and Atlantic City being some of the top ones. Although there’s the option to step into an online casino at any time, thanks to technological advancements, the appeal of land-based casinos still exists.

For some, nothing quite compares to the thrilling nightlife, opulence, and bright lights that are widely associated with casinos. Needless to say, the intrigue does a lot for casino tourism, boosting local economies and encouraging a mix of cultures and traditions from all corners of the earth. 

How Casinos Help To Boost Local Economies

A casino’s impact on the local economy is mainly through its ability to pull numbers, which has a far-reaching effect. By attracting tourists to their host cities, casinos also boost employment opportunities and grow the hospitality industry. In most cases, people who reside outside the so-called gambling capitals of the world want to enjoy the full casino experience when they reach these host cities. This means that neighboring accommodation options, places of dining and entertainment, as well as other surrounding tourist attractions, will also benefit.

The casino effect typically makes patrons want to spend money on more than just spinning the reels or getting comfortable around the casino tables. This is one of the reasons why casino hospitality is key for a thriving local economy. Countless casino hotel options have emerged in recent years to cater to this demand, in turn, creating several revenue-generating avenues for the local economy. Apart from taxes, operating fees, and any other state-required fees, casinos also provide a demand for other surrounding businesses that may offer complementary services.

All in all, the economic benefits of casinos extend far beyond the reels and tables, as they create employment opportunities and boost investor confidence.

The Positive Impacts of Casinos on Different Sectors

A view of the downtown city skyline in Macau at sunset

When there’s an influx of people to a particular destination, it creates a demand for certain goods and services. This encourages the government and external stakeholders and investors to pay closer attention to local services and sectors.

  • Hospitality: The hospitality chain involves a long line of service providers, all of which benefit when tourists visit casinos and require additional goods and services. Existing lodging options in surrounding areas appreciate the rush and increased business that results from tourists visiting the area as it leads to a higher occupancy rate.
  • Entertainment: No casino experience is ever complete without food and entertainment, which is why casinos make a point of including these in their establishments. Some casinos enlist the services of local entertainers and live performers, which introduces them to a larger audience and ultimately improves their personal brand awareness. Local shopping malls and retailers also benefit from casino tourism because people staying for a couple of days or weeks are bound to want to see what else the area has to offer.
  • Transportation: Not all tourists travel to casino destinations by personal vehicles; some fly in or use other forms of public transport, resulting in an increased demand for these modes of transport. This means airports and local shuttle and transport services enjoy more activity and a higher demand when tourists make their way to the host cities.

Mutual Benefits for Casinos and Other Industries

Strategic partnerships between the casino industry and other industries can be mutually beneficial in the sense that it’s possible to find common ground so that all can enjoy the benefits of casino tourism. Apart from the sectors and industries already mentioned, there’s room for partnerships with the real estate industry as well, for example. Property prices in popular tourist destinations are generally higher because there’s an evident interest in the area.

Las Vegas and Atlantic City are just two examples of cities that have seen an upward trajectory in property prices and valuations. This is thanks to the influx of people who either make these cities their festive season destinations of choice or choose to enjoy their vacations there throughout the year.

An industry that, at face value, poses a threat to land-based casinos is the tech industry. The popular belief is that digital advancements and tech are threatening physical casinos, which isn’t entirely true. Casinos that have both physical properties and an online presence, such as Borgata, can capitalize on and leverage the interest in both. There’s room to offer incentives for online gamblers who wish to try out the real-life casino experience, and vice versa.

It’s clear that while a lot of native casinos may be transitioning online, brick-and-mortar and online casinos can co-exist with them. Much like other industries, it’s all about finding common ground, offering complimentary services, and establishing partnerships that will encourage growth in all related industries.

Enjoy an Assortment of Casino Games at Borgata Online

A very happy and excited woman smiling and clutching her winnings at a slot machine.

While there are pros and cons to everything, the mass appeal and allure of the bright lights and gambling atmosphere can’t be denied. The good news is that there’s an equally exciting alternative online, highlighting how the gambling industry has done well to accommodate even those who can’t make it to physical casino establishments. To enjoy some of the most-loved casino games such as online poker, online blackjack, themed online slots, and more, register at Borgata Online to discover a whole new world of exciting gambling.