The film Casino is a riveting look at the history of Vegas and its corrupt underbelly. It is also a cautionary tale of what can happen when greed, treachery, and avarice reign supreme. Although the movie may be a little over the top in some scenes (for instance, the torture of a man using a vice, De Niro’s car bomb, and Sharon Stone’s drug overdose), Scorsese was faithfully portraying the reality that existed at the time.
Gambling predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at the earliest archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. However, the casino as an institution where patrons could find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof didn’t really take off until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. During this time, Italian aristocrats frequently hosted gambling parties at their houses, known as ridotti.
In order for casinos to remain profitable, they must offer inducements for big bettors. These incentives can include free spectacular entertainment, limousine transportation, and even free rooms for the night. However, the vast majority of revenue is generated by slot machines. Inducements for these games are more subtle, with slot machines often displaying themes of films, video games, and other popular culture.
Getting to know your audience is vital in casino marketing, but it is not enough to understand their demographics. You must also understand their motivations and pain points. This will allow you to target the most relevant ads to them and attract the right kind of players.