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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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In Slump, Vegas Pushes Escapism

Marketing gamble by casinos is coming back to haunt them

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(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)
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