The pandemic has necessitated layout and operational changes in casino resorts , but how many of them will be permanent ?
By Roger Gros
Today ’ s casino experience — post Covid reopenings — is nothing like it was intended to be . The excitement of a slot jackpot can now only be celebrated from six feet away . Table game players are often separated from other players and the dealer by a Plexiglas shield . And in many jurisdictions , takeout from casino restaurants to your room is the best choice . And always masks are mandatory .
What does this mean for the future of casinos ? Their business models aren ’ t built for today ’ s realities . With no entertainment , no meetings or conventions , no special events , and an underperforming gaming floor as a result of these restrictions , how will casinos survive ? And with demographics changing , how can casinos meet the expectations of their younger clientele ?
Casino architects and designers believe there is a way out . While these current constraints are onerous , shows and conventions and full-service F & B will eventually return . But what will be the experience , and how will casino executives decide how to best serve their best customers ?
Gaming Floor Redux
Even before Covid , the casino floor was changing . Increased competition and interactive alternatives made the casino floor less congested , more flexible and slowly evolving .
Brett Ewing , a principal with the Cuningham Group , says the extra space will allow for more comfort for players .
“ One of our clients had some extra back-of-the-house space ,” he says . “ They took down the walls , laid down some carpet and spread their machines out . Short rows , small carousels , no Plexiglas . Customers really appreciated the fact that they spread it out , and they lost very few games .
“ The key is flexibility . Our clients are going to want to pivot as they see new trends evolve and it becomes more clear about what their customers are looking for . There are important densities to consider when you ’ re talking about the relationship of table games to slot machines . We need to figure out where the critical mass is for the energy of the casino to be fully involved .”
Mike Larson , an architect and project director for JCJ , predicts the slot floor will change markedly .
“ We ’ ll see a regrouping of the way slots are laid out ,” he says . “ We ’ ll largely eliminate side-by-side slot machines . It will also free up space for other uses . The real opportunity is how to use the extra space in a flexible nature to give your guests a way to enjoy themselves that may not be traditional for a casino floor .
“ Fewer players at tables could become the norm or at least an option . There are people who enjoy the extra space . But how do you create energy
Every other slot machine is turned off at most casinos due to Covid-19
on the floor with fewer players ? We ’ ve been talking about how you could change the actual tables . What innovations could be introduced that could integrate technology that would make it easier to play and prevent the spread of germs ?”
Tom Sykes , a principal with SOSH Architects , believes there needs to be more radical changes on the casino floor .
“ There needs to be a great emphasis on familiarization and comfort with remote gaming , and gaming in whatever place you ’ re located in the casino ,” he says . “ There needs to be an interface that will kick in that will link interactive and in person gambling or even gambling from your home .” Nick Schoenfeldt , a principal with TBE Architects , believes the space
18 CASINO STYLE 2020