Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | December 2013 20 IN FOCUS in Las Vegas and will probably come to Macau at some point. When you develop a resort today, you need to find a strategic position it can successfully operate from. There is no more ‘build it and they will come,’ where the developer decides for the customer what the customer wants. ” In the US, the segment that seems to be garnering the most attention from developers in established markets are the Generation X and Y consumers, who are desperately needed to replace a quickly aging player base. It also helps that these groups have already proven they can be lucrative to casino resorts if they so desire—a recent article in The New Yorker delved into the Las Vegas dance club and DJ scene and described how these facilities were generating millions of dollars in yearly revenue for gaming properties. To attract younger clientele, future casino resorts will have to be designed with something in mind besides the casino; in a word, entertainment. “Ask a 50-year-old casino resort customer what they expect from the resort experience and they will answer a good players club, a desire to be comped, better odds at the machines and so on,” Lovat said. “Ask the same question to someone from Generation X or Y, and they’ll say a good bar or a premium location.” Indeed, non-gaming amenities are starting to take precedence in casino design. “If tax rates allow, we will feature more restaurants The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s US$550 million open-air retail, dining and entertainment district located on the Las Vegas Strip, will open its first phase this month. Economic Realities Design choices—such as building materials selection, installation and maintenance—can create a significant economic impact for casinos as well as help operators to understand the replacement requirements of materials, finishes and building systems. Looking at both holistically can provide long-term economic efficiencies for the building owner. As those who’ve worked on the owner’s side know, selecting poorly engineered or less-than-durablematerials comes with a heavy price tag. Alternatively, using the right, durable finishes not only creates a fresh look for a longer period of time, but it also decreases upkeep, serving as an added protection to exposed corners and materials. Additionally, direct engagement and early dialogue between the design team and the operations and maintenance staff about how a facility will be maintained can lead to the development of simple strategies and design choices that increase the durability and lifespan of materials. Bringing the individuals with on-the- ground knowledge to the table ensures early identification of the needs and challenges of the space. This allows the owner/designer team to implement a collaborative solution prior to opening day. The owners of the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino engaged in a vigorous dialogue with our design team about not only the visual, but also the functional aspects of materials, fixtures and furnishings. Without compromising design, our team was able to place cost- efficient, durable HVAC andwiring for the casino’s gaming equipment under the floor to improve the air quality of the space. And for the price-conscious owner/designer teams, sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to produce an innovative and visually pleasing environment. At Saratoga Casino located in Blackhawk, Colorado, for example, glass water bottles from the Saratoga Springs water company were repurposed to create an elaborate and decorative chandelier. Listen and Learn One of the most successful strategies for casino owners is to implement deep, wide-ranging and active engagement throughout Not only does Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino showcase efficient design, it was also modeled to reflect the culture and heritage of the Gila River Indian community.