As I trod each day to read my various blogs of which I'm a member, in addition to the other pieces of media that I read to keep up to date on various specials, promotions, packages, shows, etc, for casinos across the world I'm amazed. My amazement comes from one thing. All of these publications are concentrating on one thing...The effect the failing economy is having on gaming. Whether I'm looking at a trade magazine, a blog or a local newspaper from one of the jurisdictions that fancy my interest the news is seemingly gloom and doom. A trend that is concerning, but worth discussing.
One of my recent posts talked about the issues in Atlantic City New Jersey. Atlantic City has seen numbers of gaming win fall to it's lowest since casino gambling was first legalized back in the 1970's. As I wrote in that post amazingly the infastructure of Atlantic City the very employees and politicians that count on the industry to support them almost seem to be biting their nose to spite their own face. Partly this is to blame for a push to a smoking ban, as I wrote, but dare I even say, a push to an Atlantic City that has no real definition. Why do I say dare I say? Mainly b/c Atlantic City, a city that is pushing a major and legalized vice is also fighting tooth and nail through police policy as well as newspaper and public relations to show that they are fighting against such things as, "the oldest profession in the world. I know, I know, how dare I. Issue is, let's get it straight, gambling is a vice. For God's sake they have a disclosure on the bottom of most ads for casinos saying, in small print mind you, "Gambling Problem Call 1800-XXX-XXXX. What's the confusion? I mean seriously.
The issues don't stop there. In reading more articles I can across a story that says that the gold standard, for lack of a better phrase, in the casino and gaming industry, Nevada, is reporting Gaming win down to results comprable to 2006 !!!
The story is the same in almost every jurisdiction one way or the other. The main issue is people don't have money. They are spending less. My biggest frustration is when I see things like in Atlantic City where the people that bare to get the most benefit from the industry are clipping their own wings.
One shining silver lining about all of this is with capitalism usually comes innovation. Further, innovation usually benefits the consumer. Look for more interesting packages, discounts and other cool things being offered by casinos across the country. My hope is that very soon I'll be able to be reporting about these soon and stop talking about the drag the gaming industry seems to be caught.
Till then, happy hunting.
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