What is the Future of Land-Based Casinos?

By Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US Updated: 07/17/2023

Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US See Full Bio

Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more – Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.

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Future of Land-Based Casinos

• Future of Land-Based Gambling
• Future of Casinos: What to Know
• The Role of Technology
• Upcoming Regulations and Policies
• Sustainability in Casino Operations
• Emerging Market Trends
• Frequently Asked Questions

Land-based casinos have taken a bit of a hit in the last ten years due to the increase in popularity of online gambling, but they’re still a key part of the gambling industry. However, as technology continues to advance, and consumer preferences evolve, it is true that land-based casinos are under constant threat, and many are trying to combat this by undergoing significant transformations. In this blog, we’ll look at the future of land-based casinos and how they’re adapting.

Future of Land-Based Gambling

The future of land-based gambling is, for some, unclear. This industry, with its rich history and unmistakable appeal, has demonstrated an incredible capacity for adaptation and growth. However, the internet continues to threaten the profitability of land-based casinos, and now that online gambling is legal in most US states, many land-based casinos across the US are having to adapt.

Technological advancements, shifting societal norms, and new operational practices are also changing the traditional land-based gambling sector. To kick things off, let’s take a look at a brief overview of what’s going on.

Future of Casinos: What to Know

Looking at the future of casinos, it soon becomes clear that things are moving at a fast pace. Still, today, casinos continue to be dynamic entertainment venues that provide a diverse range of services to cater to all visitors. One trend we’ve seen recently is land-based casinos placing more of an emphasis on non-gaming facilities like restaurants, retail, spas, and concert venues. These aim to entice more visitors by offering them more than just gambling.

It’s also noteworthy that the casino industry’s audience is changing. With the rise of millennial and Gen Z visitors, many venues have started placing an emphasis on shifting towards creating more interactive and immersive gaming experiences. Skill-based games, for example, which blend the thrill of gambling with the excitement of video gaming, are gaining popularity.

Sports betting, since its legal expansion in the U.S., has also grown significantly, and many land-based casinos have attempted to capitalize on this by building on-site sportsbooks.

However, it can’t be disputed that land-based casinos face a significant challenge from the rise of online gambling platforms. Online gambling offers much more convenience, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. They also offer a broader array of games, tend to boast better payouts, and can reward players with more generous bonuses and promotions. Some of the top live dealer casinos also emulate the land-based casino games experience through your browser.

In the era of social distancing, the appeal of online casinos has further increased. With lower operating costs, online platforms can offer more competitive odds and bonuses, making it harder for traditional, land-based casinos to retain their clientele. The digital transition in gambling is definitely hurting many brick-and-mortar venues, and the future of casinos could be in trouble if they don’t adapt. Let’s look at how they’re doing so.

The Role of Technology

When discussing the future of the casino industry, it’s important not to overlook the huge impact of technology. When looking at the future of casinos, technology is probably the single most decisive factor at play.

Why? Well, first, advancements in data analytics are allowing casinos to understand their customers better. Many land-based casinos now give out rewards cards, which can track player preferences, predict game demand, and help the casino better understand how visitors want to gamble. This trend will likely continue to increase, and some casinos have already started offering personalized gaming experiences.

Another way technology is being used by land-based casinos is through the integration of digital payment systems. These methods allow casinos to reduce their dependence on physical cash. Using systems like Google Pay and Apple Pay, commonly used at the fastest payout online casinos, visitors can use digital payment methods to get casino chips.

Another thing we’re noticing is the rise of smart, connected gaming machines that use state-of-the-art technologies like virtual and augmented reality. These machines offer immersive experiences that go beyond that of a traditional slot machine or table game, and while they’re yet to catch on in a mainstream way, it’s something many land-based casinos are looking at.

While the future of the casino industry can look bleak on the offset, if land-based casinos are happy to embrace change, rather than fight it, they can continue driving players through the door and competing with the online industry.

Upcoming Regulations and Policies

Regulation is a key aspect in the future of land-based casinos. Indeed, many land-based casinos were the ones fighting against the legalization of online gambling, as they knew it would greatly eat into their profit margins. However, in the US, the online gambling world is slowly opening up, and land-based casinos now realize it’s better to embrace, rather than fight this. Land-based casinos have been doing this in a number of ways.

One approach has been to launch their own online gambling platforms, integrating into their existing operations. For example, MGM Resorts launched the BetMGM app, allowing players to place sports bets online and play casino games, with loyalty points automatically credited to/from their land-based account.

Some land-based casinos have also embraced live dealer games, which continue to be increasingly popular online. The Golden Nugget, for instance, built their own live dealer games studio and now broadcasts from it to online casinos – cashing in on the trend.

With more legal US online casinos opening their doors than ever, land-based casinos will need to continue to keep up. In our opinion, the best method is to simply launch their own online gambling operations – especially as they already have a physical track record which is always appealing to players.

Sustainability in Casino Operations

Non-related to online gambling, but increasingly important from an environmental point of view, is sustainability. This is an emerging trend that promises significant benefits for pretty much everyone involved.

Today, land-based casinos are increasingly using energy-efficient technologies and promoting waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Whether it’s solar power installations or water-saving fixtures, many of the big players in the industry are making pretty decent efforts to lower their carbon footprints, and, of course, this also saves them money, too.

When constructing new facilities, casinos have also started to use sustainable designs, utilizing environmentally friendly materials, incorporating efficient HVAC systems, and some even go as far as to develop their buildings around the requirements to get certified by bodies like LEED.

US casinos could do with looking at the City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines, as it serves as an excellent example. They’ve incorporated sustainable design elements such as rainwater harvesting and green rooftops to lower their carbon footprint, save costs, and become more eco-friendly.

One thing we have seen in the US – particularly tribal casinos – is engaging with local communities, often to support environmental initiatives like sponsoring tree planting campaigns, wildlife conservation projects, and educational programs. The Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, as an example, has even set up an environmental education center to promote awareness and conservation efforts.

Through these sustainable practices, casinos are showing that they’re serious about their carbon footprint – something that the younger generation tends to care a lot about. Of course, there are financial incentives at play, too – but this is where it really becomes a win-win for all involved.

Emerging Market Trends

As we look towards the future of land-based casinos, a few key trends continue to stand out. The first is the continuation of merging gambling facilities with general entertainment facilities. Casinos are becoming huge entertainment venues, offering dining, shopping, shows, and more alongside their gaming options. This is something that online gambling sites can’t compete with, so casinos are increasingly using this to their advantage.

Another trend is the increasing popularity of sports betting, especially in regions where recent legal changes have opened the industry up completely. Provided they’re able to receive a sports betting license, casinos can begin offering players sports betting facilities alongside their standard casino games.

Additionally, the industry is becoming more inclusive and diverse. There’s a growing recognition of the need to cater to a broader demographic, including younger players and women, with games, bonuses and promotions, and marketing materials tailored to these groups.

Finally, there’s a strong focus on leveraging technology to enhance the gaming experience and improve operational efficiency. This includes everything from data analytics and AI to IoT and cashless payment systems.

Here’s a snapshot of these trends in a table: