Some people are real innovators -- out of the box thinkers. Taking a problem and thinking of a creative solution to fix it. Where do they come up with those ideas? And most importantly, how should it be implemented?
One such problem is with the casino floor and its layout. What's the problem? Maybe for many of us familiar with the industry, nothing. But there is a significant population that is NOT familiar with the industry. Newbie gamblers. To them, that first (or second or third) time they enter a casino, they'll likely be perplexed. What do I play? How? Should I ask for help or just guess? This will surely cause a bout of anxiety. And if they're not happy with that first experience, they may give up on casinos for good.
That is something we, as industry insiders, do not want. We should help these young and potential lifelong players feel good and welcome to casinos and gambling. How, you ask?
Just ask Dan Savage, vice president of marketing for Bally Technologies. This is something he's given that out-of-the-box thought to. You see, Savage is an extreme skiier and has some very interesting thoughts on our industry and what he'd like to change. After reading and editing our Managing Editor Krista Reiner's June profile on Dan Savage, I knew he was on to something.
One of his thoughts is to rearrange the casino floor into areas of expertise, similar to ski runs, starting with the green and easiest all the way to the master level of the double black diamond. He thinks this will ease new players into the games and encourage them to play at their own skill level, instead of having to sit next to "Mr. Casino" at the closest blackjack table.
This idea is just fantastic. For new players, it'd be a relief to have a patient dealer guide them though a game. Or even just to be among other inexperienced gamblers would take the pressure off. This would increase their confidence as well as gameplay. Then, when they figure out which games they like and are good at, they can move on to the blue runs. The intermediate level places them with similar skilled players where they can work a little bit on strategy. By the time they are at the black diamond areas, they'll be playing competitively.
What do you think? Will this work? Is there a different idea? Please feel free to discuss in the comment section. And in the meantime, give that profile a read and see what else Savage has to say.
To read Krista's interview with Dan Savage, click here.
Comments
Extreme Layouts
There are lots of great ideas that involve changing the floor plan that would be wonderful if you had unlimited space, tables, slots and/or personnel. While I think it would be great to create a beginners area - I would hate to have to staff such an area specifically for that. How would you keep the "Mr. Casino" out? You can't. The way that this is currently done and works pretty well is by setting table limits - or in the case of slots by denominational areas. Novice players typically don't want to sit down on a high stakes game or drop into the high limit salon - so they gravitate to low limit and denom. games.
for the new player - I think it is more about making them comfortable with the place when they walk in the door. Can they find their way around and find their way out? Can the find a landmark where they can meet their friends? When they get there are the chairs and tables and slots clean and comfortable. In short - can they find their way around, find what they are looking for (even if they don't know what it is), can they find their friends, the rest room, the dining room and the exit? Can they do all these things in a comfortable and welcoming environment?
Rather than a ski hill - I think more in terms of a great department store. Do I know which exit to take to the parking lot, can I find what I'm looking for easily, can I find a rest room without riding three escalators, are the aisles wide enough to not make physical contact with people, can I get through the merchandise, can I find a place to try it on and purchase and can I find my spousal unit and the exit to my car? Along the way I can be enticed with targets of opportunity for the "impulse buy".
Post new comment