Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

In Slump, Vegas Pushes Escapism

Marketing gamble by casinos is coming back to haunt them

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 10, 2008 11:27 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Las Vegas has enthusiastically promoted itself to travelers interested in pastimes other than gambling in recent years, but now that economic woes are tightening leisure budgets, Sin City is taking a hit, reports Advertising Age. With visitor volume and gaming revenue down, casinos are scrambling to respond. One has a less-than-subtle new slogan: "Shut up & play."

Hotels are slashing room rates, and the big names on the Strip are emphasizing service and focusing on wealthy customers. Other hotels have begun relying more on loyalty programs and direct mailing to draw in guests. And the tourism bureau has a new slogan, too: "Crazy times call for crazy fun."

Picture 284
Picture 284   (©wickedchimp)
The Bellagio Hotel Casino is one of the handful of Las Vegas stalwarts where other forms of revenue outweigh gambling money.
The Bellagio Hotel Casino is one of the handful of Las Vegas stalwarts where other forms of revenue outweigh gambling money.   (©wickedchimp)
Between a struggling economy and still-high fuel prices, it's harder than ever to draw people to Las Vegas.
Between a struggling economy and still-high fuel prices, it's harder than ever to draw people to Las Vegas.   (©crazbabe21)
In this photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Madonna performs during her Sticky & Sweet tour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.
In this photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Madonna performs during her Sticky & Sweet tour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Brian Jones)
Picture 300
Picture 300   (©wickedchimp)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Vegas will have it rough through 2010
Las Vegas Sun

For tourists, things are normal, even cheaper
Associated Press

Hurt is on for Trump, Harrah's
Reuters

Nevada's biggest cash inflow lately: Obama campaign
Wall Street Journal

Money • Media

 
advertising • gambling • Las Vegas • casino • economy • financial crisis

More Newser Stories

MGM Wants to Blow Up Never-Opened Vegas Hotel

Steve Wynn: Businesses 'Frightened to Death' of Obama

Two Gamblers Take NJ Casino for $11M

Las Vegas to Lose No. 2 Gambling Spot to...

NJ Casinos Hope to Boost Gambling— With Bustiers
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne