Casinos: We admit it we are starting to target younger gamblers

The Casino Industry is finally admitting that it is going after younger gamblers - those in the 25-39 year old age group according to a survey conducted by the US peak body for the gaming industry, the American Gaming Association.

The survey found that 71% of industry respondents said that there is currently a "permanent shift" occurring in tailoring casino design, services and products to appeal to the 25-39 year old demographic.

The "young, hip crowd" is even further catered to with the battle of the Las Vegas casinos The Hard Rock and The Palms serving up rock bands, night clubs and pool parties (Vegas is in the middle of the desert, so it is hot most of the time.) to its "sexually uninhibited" 21-45 target audience.

Gaming industry experts claim that this may be a dilemma for slot manufacturers as most themes for current machines use older themes such as 'wheel of fortune' or 'The Beverly Hillbillies' but and example of overcoming this is Playboy slot machines promoted by Pamela Anderson . Also targeting the male market are the upcoming Hooters Casino, an Hugh Heffner setting up a Playboy Mansion on top of a Las Vegas casinos hotel tower.

The issue with this is once captured, these gamblers may be affected for life. It may be a smart move for casino operators but it may set a tempting example for operators around the world and if successful can only mean more of the same here.

Gambling is showing some of its true face - sleazy, tempting and 'bad' unfortunately at this moment of time people want to be 'bad' however they don't understand that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas - debts, broken relationships and a gambling problem can follow you home no matter how far away from Vegas you live.

GG