There is an article in the Sun-Sentinel this morning saying the 3 Broward County slot casinos started strong, but have not earned as much as projected.  Of the 3 open, Gulfstream has done the worst (see my write up in a previous post).  While Mardi Gras Gaming and The Isle (Capri Casino) are doing better, they are not bringing in the numbers everyone expected.  Why? 

Gulfstream machines are horrible.  In this location you need 1 cent and 2 cent games.  5 cent are steep for the long term.  This casino also needs to learn how to promote itself.  They were slow to start, thinking that people would just show up.  They also need better restaurants.  Get a NICE cheep buffet.  Not the crap they have now.

Mardi Gras and The Isle are fun.  They are on the right track.  Good machines, good eating venues and low betting slots will prove to be the winners over the long term.  However you need to be an entertainment DESTINATION.

What I don't understand is how all the executives think that people are just going to gamble if you have machines.  We have choices now and the Seminole Indians have been slowly getting South Floridians used to a more upscale, thought out property.  Have the executives and state lawmakers not noticed that Vegas game revenues have slipped over the years?  Everyone's going for the shows, restaurants, night clubs and entertainment factor.

The Hard Rock is a great property.  Shopping, a hotel, concert venue and tons of partying is available.  These casino's need to wake up and start to realize they need to offer more.  Gulfstream has plans of expanding with shopping, hotel, condos and a movie theater.  The Isle is also taking about the same development.  This would be a winning formula, however, the money they receive on the slots is steep as the taxes are the highest in the country.  It makes it hard for the casino companies to re-invest capital.

Lastly, they need to offer more 'comps' of some kind.  The Isle has a great buffet, but the price is kind of steep.  You only get $2 off with a players card which isn't really a big deal.  On a Saturday, I believe the dinner buffet is $21.95 without your card.  Drop it by $10 with your players card and you'll have them lined up.  They need to take the lead by the local Vegas Casinos.  They are constantly competing with the Strip and seem to be holding their own.

The state also needs to relax some of the stupid restrictions.  The ATM rule is stupid.  The limiting of hours is also dumb.  What does it matter if a casino is open 24 hours?  You think that is control?  It's more like controlling failure and giving the winning ticket to the Seminoles.

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment!