An Associated Press report receiving a lot of coverage in the US says that a major advantage land-based casinos have enjoyed over online casinos may be about to change due to the current US economic slowdown.
‘Comps’, or what is known as freebies in the form of meals, entertainment, accommodation and, in some cases, money, is a Vegas tradition extended to regular land casino players and has been difficult to duplicate in the online sector of the gaming industry. However, the current economic gloom descending on the US seems to be putting pressure on this practice as casino operators mull the financial benefits of continuing to offer up comps.
According to the report, comps in Atlantic City may have declined by as much as 24% in the last year.
The report may offer an insight into the current direction in the bingo industry where land-based bingo, particularly in the UK, has seen a drastic drop in attendance while online bingo has been a growth, albeit niche part of the online gaming industry. Online bingo halls offer bingo bonuses and promotions as part of their general marketing strategies while land-based bingo halls can go a step further in providing extras such as drinks and meals, etc.
For those who play online bingo though, the allure of playing from the comfort of their own home is seen as a major advantage, especially since the implementation of the smoking ban in the UK.
Concerted efforts by land-based bingo operators have, so far, failed to stem the tide to players leaving for the online variation. As an potential economic downturn starts to bite, what advantage land-based bingo halls may have in offering ‘freebies’ to players may simply become economically untenable, as is happening to their land-based casino cousins in the US.
Written by Bingo Lady
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