The American Gaming Association (AGA) published a study that reported the average age for casino visitors has decreased over the last several years.
With the rising popularity of PA casinos online, retail facilities have had to reinvent themselves over the years to be more than gambling establishments. Many casinos offer multiple entertainment options for a wide range of guests to enjoy.
Age of Pennsylvania casino visitors continues to drop
The stereotype of the average person visiting a Pennsylvania casino has changed in recent years. Because of all the extra amenities casinos provide other than gaming, they have brought in a younger demographic.
The AGA conducted a study involving 2,002 Americans in August, asking various questions about the gaming industry. It concluded that 102 million adult Americans, or 41% of the population, visited a casino for gambling or other entertainment purposes in the past 12 months, up from 28% in 2021. The study said:
“The resurgence in visitation has been driven by an influx of young adults embracing legal, regulated gaming options. The average age of casino-goers has fallen for four consecutive years, from 49.6 in 2019 to 42 in 2023.”
While the age of visitors is declining, the majority involved in the survey spoke highly of casino entertainment:
- 87% of casino visitors consider the entertainment provided by casinos innovative
- 83% believe that casinos offer good value for money compared to other entertainment options
- 83% say casinos bring entertainment and dining options to areas or regions that might not otherwise be able to attract them
- 83% agree casinos increase tourism and bring conventions and meetings to areas where they are located
Examples of Pennsylvania casinos attracting a younger demographic
While visitation is up and back to pre-pandemic levels, PA casinos invested $250 million over the past three years to reinvent themselves into more than just gambling facilities.
Restaurants have been a common theme added in PA casinos to bring in more people, specifically a younger audience. Rivers Casino Philadelphia recently opened Martorano’s Prime, an upscale Italian steakhouse. The owner, Steve Martorano, is a celebrity chef from Philadelphia with restaurant locations all over the country.
Former general manager Justin Moore also catered to the younger demographic with specific events, like New Year’s Eve 2022. He told PlayPennsylvania back in January:
“We find that all guests are looking for great value and younger guests, in particular, gravitate towards experiential entertainment. That’s something we were conscious of when we designed our New Year’s Eve weekend, that’s an ’80s-themed rewind celebration.”
Mohegan Pennsylvania underwent a $10 million renovation project that included bars, entertainment venues for live music and Topgolf Swing Suites.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh opened a new hotel last fall, while its other location in Philadelphia, plans to open a luxury hotel this year. Parx Casino Bensalem also intends to build a 300-room hotel with two restaurants, including one on the rooftop.
With several casinos having hotels, pools and spas, they are proving to supply more than just gambling, which in turn brings in younger clientele consistently.
