My GGB colleague Richard Schuetz has written eloquently about the dangers of second-hand smoke in casinos for both employees and customers. There are few businesses that still allow indoor smoking. Casinos, especially in Las Vegas, appear to be the last bastions.
But if smoking is banned here, the existential question becomes: how will Las Vegas differentiate itself from other tourist destinations? We used to be known as Sin City, but after the “family friendly” phase a few decades ago, that title no longer fits. What other options does Las Vegas have to set us apart from the crowd?
Here are some things to consider as the smoke eventually clears throughout the gaming capital of the world:
- Sports Capital of the WorldFootball, hockey, basketball and soon-to-be baseball. We can truly promote ourselves as a sports mecca. And just to top it off, we’ll easily claim the title once all resorts offer pickleball.
- World’s Largest Cue BallThat’s not suggesting that we need to have pool halls throughout Las Vegas. We already have the world’s largest cue ball. It’s called the Sphere.
- Wedding/ Divorce Capital of the WorldLas Vegas’ status as the world’s most desirable wedding location was first recognized on September 23, 1953, when the London Daily Herald referred to the city as the “Wedding Capital of the World” in an article about Las Vegas weddings. We’ve held that coveted title for 70 years! While Reno is considered the “Divorce Capital of the World,” there’s nothing wrong with a little geographical appropriation to make it work here. The marketing campaign would offer wedding/divorce packages (prepaid, of course) and that would guarantee at least two trips to Las Vegas (hopefully spaced out by a few decades).
- Culture and Excessive GamblingHere’s a combination that can’t be beat: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and your favorite casino. Just talk to your casino host after playing for several hours (and losing). You’ll get two free tickets to an uplifting Broadway production. Can’t get this combo anywhere else in the world.
- Free ParkingThat would be déjà vu all over again. It wasn’t that long ago that Las Vegas was famous for free parking. Bean counters took over and chose profit over customer service. Most casinos are back to charging for parking, including the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. (Should they be renamed the Nickel and Dime?) Why not be daring and let your customers park for free? How many other destinations are offering this?
- Mob Without the MuseumBring back the mob? Old-timers would rejoice, but casinos, most of which are publicly owned, would have a hard time with regulators. How about just calling a property the Mob Resort and Casino? The name alone would work for Las Vegas.
While Las Vegas has yet to give up smoking in casinos, it needs ideas like these to take the place of a habit that most people don’t like. Las Vegas has to keep its edge, and there are no ifs, ands, or butts about it.
