STATESIDE
Conversely, the “left” rejected gaming because they felt a paternalistic need to protect potential problem gamblers from themselves. This younger generation doesn’t view gaming
through a morality lens. Instead, gaming is just another leisure activity. However, current and future operators should not rest too easy since today’s millennial lifestyles and habits come with a downside. They seem to need interaction with others less than prior generations with fewer recreational options. Multiple studies reveal a disturbing
percentage of young men in particular feel lonely and friendless. If these numbers are true and hold, the next 10 to 20 years could have dramatic impact on casino operations and hotel amenities that rely on customers being on site to gamble, dine or shop. Think about the dynamic at a blackjack, poker
or craps table. Slot machines are a more solitary experience. If millennials choose to somewhat abandon games requiring group participation, it will spell trouble for operators and manufacturers. Last spring, Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) surveyed Atlantic City college students online. The unscientific voluntary poll revealed some relevant data and trends. Only 502 students – 356 women and 146 men – responded. It concluded:
were the most popular (52%), followed by lottery (43%), table games (28%) and sports betting (28%).
sports. Professional [American] football was the number one sports betting wager, with almost half of bets placed by mobile betting. More than half (60%) said the 2018 Supreme Court decision had no effect on their wagering activity.
• Of the 64% who reported past gambling, land-based slots • One-fifth admitted to underage gambling, primarily on
• Three in 10 reported gambling problems, which correlates
to the general population, but most acknowledged they gambled primarily for amusement and social interaction. I am concerned that a large percentage of students feel
little need or desire to physically travel to a casino. Operators have poured hundreds of millions into building and renovating their properties and must get a return on their investments.
Gaming and technology executives recognize this trend. At the June East Coast Gaming Congress, some predicted that 90 per cent of American sports betting will be done online or by mobile phone over the next five to 10 years. In its first 12 months, New Jersey took in $3 billion in
sports bets, but 80% were online. Atlantic City’s revenues have even surpassed Nevada in some recent months. That means that despite constructing and promoting new sports betting lounges, like the $20-plus million for Borgata and Bally’s expanded sportsbooks, just $600 million has been bet onsite. The original assumption was that, like in Nevada where millions go for the overall experience, customers would want to patronize a sportsbook, watch the games and then play or eat elsewhere at the property. Atlantic City and other sportsbook jurisdictions may have to rethink their strategies and develop new ways to incorporate both onsite and remote revenue opportunities. This scenario reminds me of the old 1980s coin-op days when the introduction of home video games severely affected street location businesses. I worry this new solitary gaming technology, where personal devices are used almost anywhere, will have similar repercussions. Even adjusted for a margin of error, the Stockton survey should be a wakeup call to operators. They clearly have their work cut out for them.
SEPTEMBER 2019 15
Monika Wisniewska/Adobe Stock
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