Casinos are surging throughout the U.S. with the overturning of stringent gambling prohibitions. But although much of the interest appears to center on online casinos, land-based casinos are also taking advantage of the new era of gambling across the nation.
And Americans have shown themselves to be more than willing to put their money where their mouths are. According to Pew Research Center, one in five Americans gambled in some form in the last 12 months.
But alongside an increase in popularity, there’s been an increase in competition, leading to many casinos turning to celebrity endorsements in 2023 to bolster their profiles.
Celebrity Endorsements Attracting Crowds
Celebrity endorsements are nothing new in the gambling sphere. Attracting big names lends some much-needed credibility to raise profiles and encourage local communities to check out a new casino.
One such example in 2023 was the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood launch. As part of ushering in a brand-new era of gambling in Florida, leaders of the Seminole Tribe invited major celebrities as part of their launch.
Names included Jon Bon Jovi, Mike Tyson, Bruno Mars, and Sarah Hyland. Together, they took the first spin of the roulette wheel, the first roll of the craps dice, and the first retail sports bet.
Celebrities like these have a massive influence on the gaming scene because they enable ordinary players to mix with celebrities, and they attract media placements that can provide a jumpstart for any online casino.
The Influence of Celebrities on Casino Culture
Gambling is a multi-billion-dollar business online and offline. Over the years, casinos have opted for various promotions to attract players, whether through bonuses or sponsorships.
Celebrity endorsements have been traditionally reserved for the land-based casinos of Las Vegas, but as online gambling grows, there’s no doubt that celebrity endorsements are gaining greater endorsement in lower-end minimum $1 deposit online casinos.
How Celebrities Influence the Online Gaming Industry in 2023
Celebrities have always been influential when it comes to endorsing and supporting businesses and causes. In 2023, social media influencers also play a role in attracting attention to casino brands.
As online gambling grows in the U.S., with more states legalizing the practice every year, celebrities are also starting to jump in on the action. We’ve already seen countless celebrities in traditional gambling hubs, from Las Vegas to Macau, but 2023 has also seen this extend to the online gambling space.
However, it’s critical to mention that it’s not just about star power but about forming part of a comprehensive marketing strategy to build brand credibility and appeal to ordinary people.
Celebrity Influence on Online Casinos
The gambling business has never been a stranger to celebrity endorsements. It’s long been a technique for reaching potential customers and creating unique experiences for guests.
But in 2023, it’s also been used to target younger generations, who are traditionally more tech-savvy. It’s why some casino brands have invested more in infusing celebrities into their online casino promotions, whether this is via commercials or bonus campaigns.
Some of the most renowned figures who have influenced casino culture include
- Ben Affleck—celebrated actor and director Ben Affleck is not only a household name but also an expert blackjack player. He’s often been found playing high-stakes tables in Las Vegas.
- Paris Hilton—despite her controversial background originating in the 2000s, Paris Hilton’s instant name recognition has made her the ideal figure for casino sponsorship. Like Affleck, she’s also an accomplished blackjack player and has featured in the sponsorships of countless casino businesses.
- Jose Mourinho—captivating soccer manager Jose Mourinho has also made a name for himself in the casino business. He has mainly featured in sports betting campaigns across the world.
In short, celebrity endorsements are as much a part of casino culture as anything else. The difference is that in 2023, they’ve also entered the online gambling space.
A Double-edged Sword
Celebrity influence does have its benefits, but casino operators are also very aware that it’s a double-edged sword.
For one, casinos have to tread extremely carefully with how they use celebrities. They cannot afford to be seen to be using celebrities to diminish the risks that come with gambling. As part of the drive toward responsible gambling, they must tread tentatively to ensure that they are not accused of using glitzy celebrities to encourage problem gamblers.
This is all part of the trust covenant that all players and casinos implicitly have with each other.
Likewise, casinos also have to ensure that the effect of paying a celebrity to come on board and promote their brand is worthwhile financially. With land-based casinos, it nearly always makes sense, but the calculations for online casinos are slightly different.
It’s important for casinos to measure celebrity influencer campaigns with KPIs to guarantee that they are getting a positive return on their investments.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that celebrities have had a massive influence on casino culture and will continue to do so. In 2023, celebrities have once again demonstrated their influence in both land-based and online casinos.
What is your favorite celebrity promotion within online casinos?
