Las Vegas is the Unites States gambling capital and the success of the industry has been a great teaching tool for other countries.
Legalized gambling began in 1931, at the same time that the Hoover Dam was constructed. As a result, thousands of workers from the dam to Vegas to enjoy gambling with the money they earned. At this time, the downtown hub of the city was Fremont Street.
The Vegas Strip was born in 1941 when the first hotel casino opened. The El Rancho Vegas resort helped popularize gambling and attracted tourists to the area. The success of the resort led to others being built. Until the 1970s, Nevada was the only state in the country with any form of legal gambling. This was the start of a massive industry that continues to be one of the largest in the world.
The UK does have an active gambling industry, but when it comes to land casino options, there is no comparison. Las Vegas casinos far outperform those in the UK, but some things could be changed. The UK can learn some key things that could help improve the industry and help generate additional revenue for the country.
Possible Changes in the UK
The UK does have a growing industry, though there are some things it can learn from the gambling capital of the US. One thing that could improve the number of patrons at land casinos would be to relax the current dress code. In Las Vegas, just about anything can be worn on the gaming floors. In the UK, there are strict codes in place. Many casinos will turn away those who are not wearing collared shirts. By easing up on the dress code, a more relaxing atmosphere is created, which will appeal to more people.
They say size matters, and when it comes to casino settings, this is true. Much of the success experienced by Vegas casinos has been due to the sheer size of the establishments. Operators can offer a huge array of games that entice more players. In the UK, traditional games are easy to find, but there are limited variations, especially when it comes to poker and blackjack. Since these two games rake in revenue for the casino, the UK industry could be more successful by expanding game options.
This also holds true for slots. One of the largest casinos in the UK, Aspers Casino, only offers 150 slot games. Meanwhile, venues in Vegas have thousands of machines readily available for players. Unfortunately, this is not something that operators can control. The UK has strict regulations in place that limit the number of gaming machines that are allowed in a venue. The maximum number is 150.
Casinos attract all types of players, from casual slot fans to those looking to enter high-stakes tournaments. Unfortunately, casinos in the UK have limited poker events. In most cases, there is a small tournament during the week and one larger one on Sunday. In Vegas, tournaments are always available and they are the highlight for many players. Professionals travel the world to go to Vegas casinos just to take part in prestigious tournaments.
British Government Needs a New Model to Compete
Casinos in the UK will never be able to rival what is offered in Vegas unless there are regulatory changes. The strict limitation on slot machines means that most games in UK casinos are low-margin table games. If the government were to allow an increase in the number of slot machines, there would be larger casinos, increased revenues, more entertainment, and added amenities for guests. This would allow the UK to benefit from a robust sector, similar to that of Vegas.
While the UK has many restrictions for land-based operators to ensure player protection, the country has had great success with online casinos. Many players turn to licensed websites like Vegas Now to enjoy access to thousands of slot games that can be played at home. These sites provide players with a chance to play games they would not have access to at a local venue. The industry relies heavily on online slot games and operators provide a wide variety of options while promoting responsible gambling.
UK gamblers want variety, which is what they will get when accessing an online website. Since these games cannot be found at land-based casinos in the UK this time, online gambling has become the preference for thousands of players in the country. In addition to the vast number of games offered, the sites also offer rewarding bonuses and promotions that appeal to players. Online casino games play a key role in the success of the industry, but until regulatory changes are made, the UK will always trail behind Vegas in terms of live gambling experiences.
