After the success of Goodfellas, Casino, Scorsese’s second gangster epic from a non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi, seemed like a sure bet. Starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in their most iconic roles, it offered a healthy return on investment for Universal. Its themes of violence, profanity and corruption rang true, even in a time when the likes of Quentin Tarantino was taking advantage of a newfound taste for violent, mob-centric filmmaking.
Casino is the story of a gambling hall where everything is for sale, and a world of corruption that ensnares gamblers and others with its tendrils. The movie lays bare a Vegas underworld with connections to politicians, law enforcement and mafia groups as far-flung as the Chicago Outfit and the Kansas City Mob.
The key to casino marketing is to have a holistic approach that includes gaming, luxurious hotel and spa offerings, top-notch restaurants and live entertainment. Consumers trust each other more than they do brands, which is why word of mouth and positive reviews are such important factors. Displaying positive feedback from satisfied guests and lucky winners is a great way to encourage people to visit and stay at your casino. Using social media to promote your casino and its amenities, events and promotions can be another way to drive interest from consumers who may not have heard of you otherwise. Also consider geo-targeting and other location-based marketing tactics to boost local awareness.