As the landscape of casino entertainment evolves, industry leaders are redefining how venues attract talent and engage audiences. With a competitive booking scene and shifting artist preferences, this transformation is marked by technological advancements, evolving demographics, and innovative deal structures. Panel discussions at Pollstar Live! 2025 highlight these changes through insights from seasoned professionals across the spectrum of venue management, booking agencies, and production.
This evolution includes adapting to retirements within longstanding acts and integrating fresh talent into programming calendars. Venues like MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, Choctaw Casino & Resort in Oklahoma, and Thunder Valley Casino Resort near Sacramento showcase diverse performances while emphasizing profitability over traditional loss-leader models. Moderated by Christian Printup, VP of Entertainment at Foxwoods Resort Casino, the panel delves into technology's role in reshaping experiences, altering booking strategies, and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Redefining Talent Acquisition and Venue Appeal
In an era where casinos have transformed from mere gambling destinations to premier entertainment hubs, attracting top-tier talent has become paramount. Industry experts share insights on how perceptions about casinos as performance venues have shifted dramatically. Once considered a final stop for fading artists, today’s casinos offer state-of-the-art facilities that rival traditional concert halls. This change in perspective aligns with the growing demand for hard-ticket events rather than merely serving as promotional tools for other casino amenities.
Joe Moallempour of Danny Wimmer Presents highlights the paradigm shift in agency attitudes towards casino bookings. He explains that instead of being viewed as places where careers end, casinos now play a crucial role in artists' touring schedules. With luxurious accommodations and exceptional hospitality packages, venues provide unique value propositions that other concert locations cannot match. These advantages extend beyond mere lodging; they encompass comprehensive VIP experiences, including premium dining options and exclusive access to shows. As such, casinos increasingly position themselves as desirable partners for both established and emerging acts seeking profitable engagements.
Embracing Technology and Diversifying Offerings
Beyond physical infrastructure improvements, modern casinos embrace cutting-edge technologies to enhance their offerings. From digital marketing campaigns to interactive fan experiences, technological innovations drive growth in the entertainment sector. Christian Printup underscores the importance of understanding how these advancements influence everything from booking processes to audience engagement strategies. By leveraging data analytics and social media platforms, casinos can better target specific demographics and tailor content accordingly.
Paul Davis of MGM Resorts exemplifies this approach through successful residencies featuring globally recognized artists such as Usher. His team utilizes advanced ticketing systems and immersive audiovisual presentations to create unforgettable moments for attendees. Similarly, Deana Baker at Choctaw Casino & Resort demonstrates how regional venues adapt by hosting eclectic lineups ranging from pop sensations like Halsey to rock legends like The Black Keys. Meanwhile, Kell Houston discusses expanding amphitheater capacities while maintaining intimate atmospheres conducive to memorable performances. Together, these approaches reflect broader trends toward diversification and personalization within the casino entertainment realm. Additionally, Dan Boyle of WME brings agent perspectives regarding artist representation amidst these transformations, ensuring balanced negotiations benefit all parties involved.