Casinos are undoubtedly big money. They are traditionally showcases for wealth, glamour and a lifestyle of carefree exuberance. Every gambler is aware, at least on some level, that they stand gambling mere floors above a vault containing hundreds of millions of dollars.
With this awareness comes the phantasmal promise that they could win it all. The combination of overwhelming money and style is intoxicating. This idealized concept is also slowly eroding. The live dealer casinos no longer attract as many dedicated gamblers. A plurality of people who enjoy cards and games of chance are now moving online.
With them go professionals who make a living off cards. Why would a gambler choose to buy plane tickets or take the time to drive to a designated gambling area when they could get their fix at home? At home, the chairs are more comfortable, the security is lighter and the drinks are cheaper.
This doesn't mean that live dealer casinos are going to die out. The allure of casino lifestyle is still too great. People willing to pay a little extra for the thrill will still make the trip. There is, however, a breaking point for every wallet. Live dealer casinos are fully aware of this phenomenon. They have taken increasingly deliberate steps to compensate for lost revenue. This goes beyond simply adding Kids' shows and lion fights. While modern casinos hardly seem complete without a big name singer, they have to take remarkable fiscal steps as well.
Flights into Las Vegas, for example, are heavily subsidized. This keeps plane ticket costs low so a trip to Las Vegas seems roughly as expensive as a trip to a more local casino. Casinos also regularly retain the services of psychologists. There are some people who have made careers out of teaching casinos the science of behaviorism. Essentially, teaching them how to generate addict-like behavior in humans. Knowing exactly how many slot machines should be loose or how often to hand out a free room is broken down into an exact science. These practices generate a noticeable increase in revenue. All of this is done to keep the cash flowing and to maintain the mystique of the live dealer casino.
While online venues might still ensnare some of the market, physical casinos still have the edge. In the end, it's just more fun to play craps at a live dealer casinos full table than on a computer.
