EDITOR ’ S LETTER
A GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PUBLICATION 2023
Roger Gros , Publisher | rgros @ ggbmagazine . com twitter : @ GlobalGamingBiz
Time to Change
Marjorie Preston , Editor | mpreston @ ggbmagazine . com
Jess Marquez , Managing Editor jmarquez @ ggbmagazine . com
Monica Cooley , Art Director mcooley @ ggbmagazine . com
Marjorie Preston , Editor
Stop me if you ’ ve heard this one .
In 2018 , a group of Las Vegas casino operators supposedly banned NBA star Charles Barkley from their all-you-can-eat buffets because — well , because of all he could eat . One executive was quoted as saying , “ David Copperfield isn ’ t this good at making stuff disappear .” Another said , “ I don ’ t care how much the man loses , it doesn ’ t make up for all the shrimp and lobster he eats .”
Barkley himself — the famous Round Mound of Rebound — reportedly took it in stride , saying , “ I didn ’ t mean to bite that nice lady from Omaha ’ s hand . But everyone knows to be careful when reaching for shrimp .”
This story , apocryphal or otherwise , sums up the casino buffet of old , which basically dared diners to see how many chicken wings , crab legs and plates of pasta they could consume in one sitting .
Covid-19 changed all that . In its wake , dozens of buffets closed , in Vegas and elsewhere , due to health concerns , then because cost-conscious operators realized the model had become too inefficient and wasteful . The buffet changed because times changed , and our industry has to change with them .
Even so , a number of high-end buffets are not only back , but doing better than ever . Our cover story on page 16 explains why . It also lists ways the onetime loss-leader can be a moneymaker , not only through hiking the price but trimming the waste . ( Among the suggestions : use smaller plates , utensils and serving vessels ; pre-plate food or prepare it on the spot ; and go trayless , to keep guests from loading up on goodies they can ’ t possibly consume — unless they ’ re Charles Barkley ).
The feature also explains how food halls have succeeded buffets as the F & B outlet of choice at some resorts . Finally , it shares tips on creating an optimal atmosphere for guests , based on your restaurant type .
Speaking of restaurants , what do your hungry customers really want : a celebrity-chef restaurant , where the name , service , menu and vibe are already pre-sold ? Or a whole new F & B adventure , specific to your resort or brand , that you can grow from the ground up ? Both have their risks and rewards . Read about them in our story on page 22 .
After guests have enjoyed your casino floor , concert venue , nightclub and other attractions , they may need a change of pace . How better to serve them than with an ultra-spa or pool ? Such retreats — from sumptuous to sporty to spectacular — are a perfect way to kick back , unwind and indulge . For more , see page 28 .
Video walls have also become part of the contemporary resort experience . These dynamic features come in all shapes and sizes , and can be as large or small as your space and budget permit . Far more than an Instagrammable backdrop , video walls are a great way to promote special events , offer loyalty perks , and sell dining , retail and hotel options . For more on these colorful displays , see page 32 .
Finally , Cynthia Hallett of Americans for Non-Smokers ’ Rights explains how casinos can eliminate indoor smoking sections without fear of losing revenue or alienating guests who smoke . This pivotal change is good for customers and employees , and may actually boost your profitability .
It ’ s been said that change is the only constant in life , and those who adapt are quicker to reap the rewards of success . This issue of Casino Style is all about change . We hope you enjoy it .
Terri Brady , Sales & Marketing Director tbrady @ ggbmagazine . com
Becky Kingman-Gros , Chief Operating Officer bkingros @ ggbmagazine . com
Lisa Johnson , Communications Advisor lisa @ lisajohnsoncommunications . com twitter : @ LisaJohnsonPR
Columnists Carl Long
Contributing Editors Dave Bontempo twitter : @ bontempomedia Cynthia Hallett | Bill Sokolic twitter : @ downbeachfilm
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni , President , Armeni Enterprises
• Mark A . Birtha , Senior Vice President & General Manager , Hard Rock International
• Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs , President , Lifescapes International
• Nicholas Casiello Jr ., Shareholder , Fox Rothschild
• Jeffrey Compton , Publisher , CDC E-Reports twitter : @ CDCNewswire
• Dean Macomber , President , Macomber International , Inc .
• Stephen Martino , Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer , MGM Resorts International , twitter : @ stephenmartino
• Jim Rafferty , President , Rafferty & Associates
• Thomas Reilly , Vice President Systems Sales , Scientific Games
• Michael Soll , President , The Innovation Group
• Katherine Spilde , Executive Director , Sycuan Gaming Institute , San Diego State University , twitter : @ kspilde
• Ernie Stevens , Jr ., Chairman , National Indian Gaming Association twitter : @ NIGA1985
• Roy Student , President , Applied Management Strategies
•
David D . Waddell , Partner Regulatory Management Counselors PC
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The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor .
Copyright 2023 Global Gaming Business LLC . Boulder City , NV 89005
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Casino Connection International , LLC . Printed in Nevada , USA . Postmaster : Send Change of Address forms to : 1000 Nevada Way , Suite 204 , Boulder City , NV 89005
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4 CASINO STYLE 2023