Having looked at what the big casinos are doing to survive in the last blog, I thought in this blog I would consider what it is that draws people into casinos and what are the drawbacks? 

My first thought is why do casinos attract such a wide variety of people. Well, to begin with casinos, particularly in Las Vegas, have spectacular architecture. Often the casinos in Las Vegas have themes, like La Venetian and Caesars Palace, and these stunning buildings attract visitor to the each of the casinos, even if it just for a look around and a drink. With the dramatic buildings drawing in potential consumers, the interiors have to manage to keep them inside. To entice them to stay casinos give people the (rather slim) opportunity to earn huge rewards. This (somewhat addictive) entertainment, combined with live shows and popular singers really draws in the crowds and gives people something to do all day. With all this entertainment it is likely, n my opinion, that many people who visit casinos mainly go for the experience. 

Mt next thought is what the drawback of casinos is? 

There are many who claim that casinos bring poverty many customers, which in turn leads to crime in the area. But is there any proof to these claims? 

Mob-infested gambling may belong in the 1930’s, but a different form of crime has been born out of the legalisation of casinos in the 20th century. This crime ranges from petty theft to forging and laundering money. In the US a 41-year-old housekeeper in Bangor, Maine, forged $40,000 in checks belonging to elderly people in the assisted-living home where she worked, then gambled it away at Hollywood Slots. She pleaded guilty, blaming addiction to gambling, and was given a three year jail sentence. This raises the question to whether the casinos deserve some of the blame. The casinos prey on the vulnerable and desperate gambling addicts, and they turn to crime to fuel their financial cancer. 

Whether or not there needs to be more regulation in the casino industry to help prevent the abuses that ravage the USA, for casual visitors to the amazing attractions the casinos provide they pose no real threat. Through my research I now feel that you have to be aware that casinos do, perhaps unwillingly, fuel crime and poverty in the neighbourhoods that surround the casinos.

The Casino Industry today

Although I have never been into a casino, I have been fascinated by them since I was a small boy. Ever since watching James Bond films, the thought of entering and experiencing the luxury casino resorts, like the Monte Carlo Casino, has been a wish of mine.

But what is the casino/gambling industry actually like?

Casinos today provide very wide ranging experiences, from luxury hotel suites and high quality entertainment to fine dining restaurants, as well as the traditional gambling activities like blackjack slot machines and roulette. With such an array of activities casinos have always attracted the rich and famous, and now the less affluent will consider travelling to a casino resort (like Las Vegas) for a holiday.

For example, at La Venetian, Las Vegas, alongside the casino it offers exceptionally lavish suites (a number of them also have marble bathrooms, sunken living rooms in over 1500 feet2), more modest suites, a pool deck, The Canyon Ranch Spa Club, a Madame Tussauds and even gondola rides (well, what did you expect from a place called La Venetian).

But, why have casinos resorted to evolving into hotel and tourist attractions?

Since the industry started to decline, in several countries, after the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008, the industry has had to look for new way in which to attract new consumers. Casino complexes are beginning to harness the growth of the bingo industry and are setting up bingo halls, live entertainment and other attractions.

I think that the expansion of casinos will attract many thousands of customers, who would never have gone to a casino for the traditional casino games. The strategy, which was formed out of necessity because of the declining numbers of people going to casinos, has shown that the industry is highly adaptable to change.

It is easy to see the lure of a casino, and if you have some spare money why not enjoy and indulge yourself?