It should come as no surprise that every generation has different preferences when it comes to any hobby, including gambling. Brick and mortar casinos and games like slot machines were popular with the Baby Boomers but today’s Millennials show very little interest in slot machines and gambling in general.
Does the lack of interest mean that the gambling industry will meet its demise with the Millennials? Not really. Check out how casinos are trying to attract the Millennial crowd and why skills-based games might be the answer.
Millennials and Gambling
Unlike the generations before them, Millennials are not flocking to brick and mortar casinos to gamble. While they might go for a quick weekend getaway, eat at a fancy restaurant, catch a show, or even attend an eSports event, visiting a casino might not be at the top of the list.
Understandably, this has many in the casino world a bit worried, but it’s important to remember that change comes with every generation. If we want the Millennials to get interested in casinos, we need to give them a little more of what they want.
So, why aren’t Millennials gambling? There’s a few theories. One gambling expert reminds us that it took the Baby Boomer generation awhile to get interested in brick and mortar casinos and in time, and with age, he suspects the Millennials will be there, too.
Another thing to consider is that while Millennials aren’t sitting at the slot machines or poker tables at a Vegas casino, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t enjoying casinos. Millennials are more likely to learn about online casino games and then try a few out than they are to spend money at an old school slot machine.
Why? Slot machines are all about luck (even though some may argue that there is a strategy involved) and Millennials want the challenge and entertainment of a skill-based game rather than sitting, pushing buttons, and hoping for the best.
More Casinos are Considering Skills Based Games
Skills-based casino games aren’t the magic ticket to luring Millennials to brick and mortar casinos, but it’s definitely worth a try. Casinos don’t need to clear out all the machines and game tables and start anew, but they should think about how they can get a younger demographic to spend more money.
Millennials were raised with technology. It’s not their fault, they just happened to come of age when the tech world was doing some amazing things. Unless you meet a Millennial who’s a retro-fanatic or doesn’t have any interest in technology (think Luddite), a brick and mortar casino is probably going to feel too outdated and boring.
Add some skill-based video games that force players to work together, think quickly, and do some problem-solving, casinos are more likely to have a diverse and captive group of gamblers. Casinos shouldn’t expect change overnight, but making changes that are relevant to the needs and wants of today’s generation can help keep the gambling industry alive for years to come.
