by Gary Galonek | Feb 16, 2023 | Attract Players to Casino, Casino, Casino event, Casino Gaming, casino loyalty, Casino Promotion, Casino Rewards, Casino Shopping Events, Casino Traffic
A recent letter to the editor of the Arizona Gaming Guide lamented the fact that gifts, like “comped” meals and drinks, that were once perceived to be truly “free”, now come with a strings attached. Instead of awarding everyone that registers for the gift of the month when they walk through the door (if you visit any casino you will see those blenders, blankets and massage guns being caried away from some ballroom), they now generally come with the caveat related to earning points that day to receive them. And how do you earn those points? By wagering of course, or spending money on some other casino offerings.
“Skimpflation” has been described as reducing the quality of products but keeping them at the same price. The “earn to win” trend I describe above directly relates to the Skimpflation model. I.e., receive the same value gift you would have normally received for your loyalty, but now you must pay more (with your time or money) to actually earn it.
Hopefully inflation will be tamped down throughout 2023 and casino operators won’t feel the need to squeeze more dollars out of their guests to give them the level of rewards they have come to enjoy. This pay-to-play model is far less effective and can actually have a negative effect on customer loyalty if guests feel like they are being nickeled and dimed. The lifetime value of each loyal customer is far to important to risk by skimping on the awards.
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by Gary Galonek | Jan 14, 2015 | Blog, Gaming
For decades that Aquinnah tribe (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head)of Martha’s Vineyard has been trying to assert their rights to develop a casino on the island. The appetite for gaming licenses seems to be waning with the granting of a license to MGM in Springfield, and a still contentious license to Wynn in Everett, with the 3rd resort casino license still to be determined in Southeastern, MA but being “held” for the Mashpee Wampanoags (no relation to the Aquinnah’s). In addition, the slots only license was granted to Penn Gaming for the now under construction “racino” at the former Plainridge Racecourse harness Race Track. This case remains in U.S. District Court. Stay tuned.
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by Gary Galonek | Oct 30, 2014 | Blog
A corporate wellness program with strong incentives can go a long way towards supporting your employees in adopting new habits and managing their health. When these programs succeed, everybody wins. That’s why All Star encourages our clients to incorporate wellness into their employee-focused reward program — and to boost the effectiveness of their existing wellness efforts by adding attractive incentives.
Gary Galonek's participation at the Northeast Utilities Hartford half-marathon.
by Gary Galonek | Oct 3, 2014 | Blog
Channeling Jack Nicholson, Ronald Reagan with a dash of Clint Eastwood, Steve Wynn proved why he is truly a legend in the gaming industry.
A large crowd gathered for the keynote address at the gambling industry’s 2014 G2E Global Gaming Expo as he spoke of the industries challenges and the importance of creating unique experience to keep visitors coming back. He reiterated what we already knew to be the case that’s a non-gaming amenities have always been more important in keeping the industry viable than what he termed just slot boxes. “It’s about things that give people a chance to live big,” Wynn said. That’s why they come to Las Vegas, he said. “If you give it to ’em, you’re going to be OK.”
Recognizing that the casino competition continues to grow as more states have legalized casino gambling, an emphasis on non-gambling revenue sources including restaurants, shopping and entertainment is what will win the day for the industry.
He had tremendous praise for the folks in Massachusetts who he called brilliant minds in the application process that afforded him what he considers to be an amazing opportunity in Boston. His 1.6 billion dollar projects international players and provides non-gaming amenities the likes of which have not been seen in the region. He also took a strong position opposed to the expansion of internet gaming as does Sheldon Adleson, another pioneer in Las Vegas and international gaming locals.
by Gary Galonek | Sep 25, 2014 | Blog
In the high stakes world of casino licensing, one can assume that the art of bluffing is employed from time to time. Could that be the case with Suffolk Downs and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission? With Suffolk and partner Mohegan Sun having lost out to Steve Wynn for the Eastern casino license rumors began to immediately swirl of the demise of Suffolk Downs, the last of the permanent Thoroughbred Race Tracks in New England. However, given that Suffolk Downs was originally scheduled to shut down soon anyway, one must wonder if the threat of a permanent shutdown is a ploy to get a piece of the gaming revenue from the other three licensed properties to help bolster purses and keep them viable is the hope. I viable race track across the river from a resort casino destination might be a win-win for Wynn and Boston, so stay tuned!
Suffolk Downs to close Oct. 4 – CDC Gaming Reports article
