“June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” the memorable song from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel, is an optimistic tribute to the coming of summer. Not so optimistic, it seems, is the anticipation of jackpots in modern-day Las Vegas… at least not big ones.
It’s not like the old days of Las Vegas, when big and frequent jackpots were won and publicized (whatever happened to those oversized checks?). Sure, there still are the wide-area progressive jackpot systems, such as Megabucks, that feature big payouts. But the individual machines in casinos don’t seem to pay out as much as they did before the corporations took over the Strip and Downtown.
If the era of big jackpots is over, maybe it’s time to offer slot machine promotions as a way to create new excitement in the gaming world. Here are some ideas for slot machine promotions:
• Eco-friendly slot machine. Win a jackpot, receive a certificate to plant 100 trees anywhere in the world. The winners help nurture the planet.
• MAGA-Bucks slot machines. Marketed to Trump supporters, with half the winning jackpot going to Donald.
• Holiday specific slot machines programmed to pay jackpots on specific holidays. Perfect for those slower holidays in Las Vegas, such as Christmas, when the jackpot is a bonsai Christmas tree (perfect size to bring home and show your friends) and Thanksgiving, which rewards players with a turkey.
• The Smell-O-Vision jackpot. This concept takes its cue from the old movie theater gimmick. In addition to the visual stimulation, players will be able to smell the money.
• Facetime Winner slot machine. Any winner of a major jackpot is automatically connected online from the slot machine screen to family and friends, who can share your experience (but not your winnings) in real time.
• Opposite jackpots. In the summer, the big winner gets a trip to Antarctica; in the winter, the big winner is off to the Bahamas.
• Siri slot machine. Perfect design for the current generation. No handles, no buttons. Just say “Hey Siri, roll the reels!”
• Strip Headliner Slots. A great example would be “Lady Gaga” slot machines, which won’t pay jackpots in cash, but in chips with Gaga’s image.
• The “Fruit of the Month” slot machine. If three fruits line up you win a jackpot. But each month the fruit changes: cherries, melons, pineapples, and plums. The variety concept keeps the casinos’ frequent players happy. And they get paid in cash, with a basket of fruit thrown in for good measure (and effective marketing).
• And finally, for masochistic players, a twist on the theme here: The “Adele” slot machine. Lights flash and bells ring, but the jackpot is cancelled (due to creative differences).
Which casinos will step up to the plate and push some of these promotions? Whichever one does will definitely be generating some reel marketing!
And, not just in June.
