The demographics of visitors to casinos have long skewed older but this is starting to change. Casinos are realizing the need to attract younger players to have sustainable businesses well into the future. By integrating new technology and understanding the needs of younger generations, operators are realizing that they are able to draw younger visitors.
AGA study
An American Gaming Association (AGA) study shows that the average age of casino visitors is decreasing. Over 2,000 Americans were asked questions about the gaming industry. The age of visitors to casinos appears to have dropped over four consecutive years. In 2023, the average age of visitors was 42 compared with almost 50 years of age on average in 2019.
One of the reasons for this is that casinos are investing a large amount of money in becoming more than just gambling facilities. PA casinos invested $250 million in the past three years. Brick-and-mortar casinos are also quickly realizing that introducing mobile gaming can engage younger players. They enjoy the convenience of using mobile apps on their phones to play at PA casinos online.
What attracts younger people?
In the AGA survey, most participants agreed that the entertainment provided by casinos is innovative and that they offered good value for money in comparison to other forms of entertainment. Upscale restaurants at casinos attract millennials looking for new experiences. Venues for live music, comedy shows, etc. also attract young people. Luxury hotels, pools, and spas are other attractions at casino resorts.
Casinos are leveraging big data
Physical casinos offer players loyalty cards. This means they can collect data about the behavior of players, including how much they spend and which games they like to play. Online casinos also use data to collect information and to understand more about their audiences. They can use this data to create marketing campaigns that target a younger crowd.
For example, younger online players are aware of the risks of identity theft, and more so they want to play at internet casinos that offer better online safety. Younger players also want a more customizable gambling experience, and casinos need to deliver this.
Integrating AR and VR
The experience of playing at an online casino will become more and more immersive with the introduction of AR and VR. Young people are usually at the forefront when it comes to tech adoption. With the type of casino market growth happening at present, casinos need to consider using innovative technology like AR and VR. This means they will be able to offer more realistic experiences for online players. Casinos must adapt and be ready to invest in new technology if they hope to remain competitive in the future.
