Most people looking to enjoy a hard-earned vacation envision themselves sipping an ice-cold drink in the shade of a leafy palm tree on a secluded beach. Those who love playing online casino games? They’re likely to see themselves living their best lives at a lavish casino resort!
Casino tourism (where tourists visit a specific destination with gambling intended as the main feature on their vacation itinerary) has been exceptionally popular for many decades, with casino resorts all around the globe drawing in millions of travelers every year. But has the advancement in technology and the convenience of online gaming impacted the popularity of casino resorts? Read on to find out.
A brief history of casino resorts
The first hotel resort was named El Rancho Vegas and was opened in 1941 following the legalization of gambling in the US. It was pioneered by Thomas Hull and built on the now infamous Las Vegas Strip. The El Rancho Vegas certainly welcomed its fair share of tourists. Still, casino tourism didn’t really take off until 1946, when notorious Vegas gangster Bugsy Siegel opened his resort, The Flamingo. From that point onwards, more resorts (funded by the mob) started popping up across Las Vegas. They’ve only grown larger and more luxurious over time.
Kirk Kerkorian was the man who founded the MGM Grand Hotel in 1966. It made waves at the time and spearheaded the MGM empire’s growth in the following decades. By the 1990s, the larger resorts dominated this US gambling mecca, and casino tourism finally reached its peak.
MGM Resorts International has played a massive role in kick-starting and keeping casino tourism alive. Did you know the MGM portfolio comprises 29 unique hotel and destination-gaming offerings in the US and Macau? These include some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry, such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA and Park MGM.
Amenities to get excited about at casino resorts
Most casino resorts have exceeded expectations in providing guests with easy access to absolutely everything they could ever need to maximize their vacation experience. For example, along with a vibrant, bustling casino, you’ll likely find plenty of four- and five-star restaurants within the casino resort complex, onsite spas, swimming pools, fitness centers and entertainment offerings.
There’s even more entertainment available outside the center stage of the casino. One can enjoy plenty of nightlife activities including theater productions, nightclubs and bars, and much more.
How online casinos transformed the industry
A few decades ago, casinos weren’t as widespread and accessible as they are today. Because of this, casino establishments worked hard to spur casino tourism even further. With the advancement of technology and the introduction of the internet into everyday life for both work and pleasure, the gambling industry has changed a great deal.
Nowadays, gamblers no longer have to drive very far to play their favorite casino table games and slot machines. They don’t even have to leave their houses! You can access online casinos and real money casino games from the comfort of your own home, which begs the question: is there any point to traveling to a casino resort for a gambling-focused vacation? The answer is a resounding “yes!” – and we’ll tell you why.
Why casino resorts are still trendy
Ultimately, there’s a vast difference between playing casino games online in your spare time and taking a vacation somewhere special where you can gamble and soak in luxury as your budget and bankroll will allow. Online casinos simply can’t provide the same level of experience as an in-person gambling getaway at an exclusive casino resort can!
Along with being surrounded by the spinning sound effects of slot machines and the excited chatter of other gamblers on the casino floor, there’s the added advantage of being able to take part in other enthralling travel activities during your vacation. This is especially true if you book a stay at a casino resort in a city or country that you’ve never visited before. You’ll find it a welcome indulgence to be able to spend your days sightseeing and your evenings making bets, spinning reels and building friendships with like-minded gambling enthusiasts.
The bottom line is that casino tourism allows you to do more than play casino games. It’s about treating yourself to a multi-faceted experience that’s sure to be one you won’t quickly forget!