Casinos' Tactless Promotions Prove Unattractive
21 July 2005
This year, the Avi Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada sent out and e-mail to its customers advertising a weekend package for those interested in receiving a concealed weapon permit. The deal included two nights at the hotel, firing range qualification, classroom instructions as well as a state gun permit, all for the low price of $149.
This promotion is doubly inappropriate, considering that three people were killed and dozens injured during a gunfight at another local casino called Harrah’s Laughlin. This promotion was therefore considered by many to be one of the worst marketing attempts of the past year.
Many such tactless marketing campaigns seem to have angered and offended not just portions of the population that oppose casinos, but also members of the community at large.
Dennis Conrad, a marketing consultant based in Reno, spoke of the successes and failures of casino media campaigns at Casino Marketing 2005, a conference that took place in Las Vegas this week. He said that successful marketing campaigns generally outnumber the tacky, less successful variety, but he still feels that many casinos are having difficulty coming up with effective media campaigns.
Conrad was most impressed with marketing campaigns launched by Harrah’s, as well as a poker fantasy camp that was held at the Palms in Las Vegas. This was hosted by professional poker player Howard Lederer and Conrad said it gave players the opportunity to mingle with the pros.
He also feels that merchandising is the “next wave” in the casino industry today, as people want to buy more products that are associated with casinos.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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