The last major collision that changed the course of the gaming industry was two decades ago when amenities overtook the gaming floor. Entertainment and hospitality amenities that were once peripheral were suddenly understood to be revenue heroes. This changed not only the way we prioritized and planned, but also the way we designed, placing a renewed focus on guest-centric spaces. The quest to find the “next big thing” in this industry is never ending, but it would be difficult to pinpoint another shift in the industry that has had such an impact since then—though this may soon change. With 740 million users on LinkedIn and 2.8 billion users on Facebook we are constantly hearing people talk grander, talk louder, and certainly talk more often about what is happening in our industry. Often we are just using different words and different tones to talk about the same ideas—both big and small. At times these narratives feel like the “Grand Opening” banner on a local restaurant that has been hanging for so long that it is weather worn. That sign may soon change. When integrated resorts inevitably begin to capitalize on the collision of two classic American pastimes—sports and gaming—we will see the industry transform in a whole new way.
Big-League Combat: A History
We are in the advent of renewing the vows of a historic marriage. Las Vegas is no stranger to athletics; during the mid-century it took the reins from New York as the home of bigleague combat sports. Las Vegas became the fighting capital of the world. This small little town in the middle of the desert gained an abundance of exposure due to promotions within the boxing community.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY BOB GDOWSKI IN THE 2022 SPRING EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.