Bridging the intimidating gap between the inexperienced and the seasoned, a city casino flips norms by offering free gaming lessons, thus attracting new players, fostering a sense of community, and underlining responsible gaming in an industry that’s hankering for fresh patronage.
Amid the flashing neon lights, the sound of spinning reels, and the clink of chips on green felt tables, a casino in the heart of the city is breaking new ground by offering gaming lessons free of charge. The program, Learn to Play, Win Big, aims to attract new players to the lavish casino environment, as well as educating people on the techniques behind casino games.
Twice a week, the casino opens its game rooms to newcomers and gambling enthusiasts for these educational sessions hosted by professional dealers. Over the course of the program, learners are introduced to a variety of casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots. The strategy is clear – teach people to play, imbue them with confidence, and they will flock to the gaming tables to put their skills into practice.
Benjamin Foster, the casino’s General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the innovative program. He said: “We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. By educating players about the games and fostering a sense of community, we not only attract new customers, but we also create more knowledgeable, responsible gamblers.”
Indeed, educational offerings have proved highly effective for businesses in enhancing patronage. According to a report by Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics company, the availability of personalized experiences, like training or workshops, influences the choice of 61% of consumers.
In the casino industry, where intimidation and fear of the unknown can deter new customers, the initiative is being recognized as a groundbreaking strategy. Veteran casino visitors might find it hard to recall their first experience in the overwhelming casino environment. Inexperienced players are often overwhelmed by the combination of elaborate protocols, high stakes, and experienced competitors. Foster’s casino aims to simplify that process, thus creating a more inclusive gambling environment.
The program is not only aimed at total beginners. Seasoned gamblers seeking to expand their gaming repertoire could also find the free lessons beneficial. In fact, the more knowledgeable players become, the more they tend to play, and the longer they stick around, which fortifies the gaming industry’s bottom line.
In response to allegations that the casino is promoting problematic gambling habits, Foster explained: “Our aim is not to foster gambling addiction but to promote an understanding of the games. We adhere to a strict responsible gambling policy, and our training program is designed with that in mind.”
In line with Foster’s point, the casino has a dedicated ‘BeGambleAware’ campaign prominently displayed in its premises and website, designed to promote safe practices and minimize gambling-related harm.
The Learn to Play, Win Big initiative emerges in a time when such inclusion efforts in the gambling industry are essential. According to the American Gaming Association, casino attendance has been on a steady decline, particularly amongst millennials. Therefore, strategies aimed at harnessing new clientele while fostering a safe and responsible gaming environment are increasingly in demand.
Currently, the casino’s free gaming lessons are standing room only, indicating the success of Foster’s strategy. The casino environment, once replete with hesitations and anxieties for newcomers, is now alive with the buzz of learners eager to roll the dice and spin the wheel.
As the Learn to Play, Win Big initiative continues to garner attention, other casinos may soon follow suit, creating an industry where anyone can be at ease navigating the lavish carpets of a casino. This inventive approach may just be the game-changer the industry needs.
Sources:
Nielsen. “What’s in Store for Online Grocery Shopping.” Jan 2018, www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/whats-in-store-for-online-grocery-shopping/
American Gaming Association. “State of the States 2018: The AGA Survey of the Casino Industry.” Oct 2018, www.americangaming.org/new/state-of-the-states-2018/
BeGambleAware Campaign, www.begambleaware.org/.
