MGM Springfield has not had the success it had hoped for when it opened just before Labor Day in 2018. When it opened last August, the casino boasted a gaming floor of 125,000 square feet. It had more than 2,500 slot machines and 140 gaming tables. The casino cost $960 million to build. MGM Resorts hoped to see revenue close to $500 million in the first year. However, the results have been lackluster for the first year. The casino had revenue of around $270 million, barely half of what it had expected.
Now, MGM Springfield is hoping to attract more traffic. One way it plans to do that is by enticing the younger generation. Research shows that the average age of a casino visitor is rising, which is not good news. The casino is banking on younger customers coming in to play in its new stadium gaming facility. If the stadium gaming facility is successful, more casinos may try it.
Stadium Gaming
Stadium gaming or electronic table gaming uses electronic versions of the traditional table games players want in a casino. Players can play electronic versions of slots or video poker — which have been around for more than 20 years. However, now players can play blackjack, baccarat or roulette. Like all electronic games, the outcome of the games is not dealer-based. Instead, a random number generator determines the outcome of the games. These random number generators make sure the games are fair for the casino and the player.
One of the major complaints about electronic games is that they are too slow. Stadium gaming eliminates this. Instead, the hybrid games are fast — much more like live table games. The stadium gaming setup means that players play in a stadium atmosphere with stadium seating. There are several choices players can make. They can choose which game to play. They can also choose to play a game with a live dealer on the screen. Players can view all the action on large screens in the stadium setting. They can also watch the action at their terminals. Players can place bets on the individual player terminals.
Advantages of Stadium Gaming
There are many advantages to the stadium gaming setup. Players love the faster action and speedy payouts. And, because computers handle the payouts, they are fast and accurate. Also, many gamblers can bet on the outcome of a single game in a stadium gambling setup. Multiplayer gaming setups look more like eSports sites and allow many players to participate in the same game. Players also like the lower limits that are common with stadium gaming. The stadium setup is also less intimidating than live dealers, and the user setup is simple.
MGM’s Gamble
The casino saw the numbers favoring stadium gaming and its appeal to younger players and decided to take a shot. It installed a 24-terminal stadium gambling facility with roulette, blackjack, and two types of baccarat games. The casino unveiled the facility for its first anniversary. MGM now can offer as many as 96 games simultaneously. The betting ranges begin at $5 and/or $10.
The casino is hoping that the new stadium setup will attract a large number of young players. Casinos are looking for ways to innovate their traditional setups. Nontraditional setups allow younger players to enjoy casino gambling. The casino is planning to try stadium gaming tournaments in the future.
Other casinos in the United States have only begun talking about stadium gambling. MGM may be able to capitalize on the novelty of stadium gaming. If players like the new setup, MGM can expect its profits to rise, as well as its attendance.
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