Aiming to capture new market segments with any differentiation point possible, the hospitality industry is radically reshaping itself to keep up with the expectations of its clientele. This requires a parallel shift from a design and construction perspective. While efficiency is consistently important, design-driven amenities and an elevated guest experience have become focal points.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the gaming industry.
As states relax regulations regarding gaming and the construction of casinos, the number of projects is expected to continue to increase, reflecting the overall 3.5% year-over-year industry growth reported by the American Gaming Association.
While casino resorts fall under the hospitality umbrella, there is a distinctly different approach given the complexity of a gaming project. Let’s explain.
Casino Construction: Cut from a Different Deck
Two significant elements contributing to the difference between a casino resort and typical hotel project are the relative speed in which they must be delivered and the heightened expectations for amenities and the guest experience.
Speed to Market
On any project, time is money. However, no place is that truer than on a casino project, as the ability to complete a new build or renovation directly impacts hotel AND gaming revenues. The 24-7 nature of a casino resort requires construction managers to leverage all available tools to deliver the project expeditiously, which on average is 10% to 15% faster than a comparable non-gaming hospitality project.
How can this be achieved?
When working on the expansion at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Suffolk leveraged virtual design and construction to not only inform the project execution plan, but also to meet the originally agreed upon Q4 2019 grand opening. The use of the model through Suffolk’s plan and control platform provided a predictable sequence of work on the expansive project which included 12 individual components ranging from the now iconic guitar tower to the Hard Rock Live performance venue.
An Elevated Guest Experience
While speed to market remains critical in the gaming industry, guest amenities are becoming more and more grandiose. Casino properties are increasingly interested in positioning themselves as destination resorts to compete with world-class hotels. This alters the design and construction mindset, as the builder is no longer accounting only for casino-specific amenities such as private player clubs for high rollers. Amenities now include high-end retail and fine dining restaurants, resort-style pools and lagoons, and performance venues worthy of drawing top talent from all over the world.
And while the guest experience once the new property is turned over for occupancy is important, the builder must also account for the guest experience DURING construction. To accommodate the high expectations, it is important to use virtual reality technology, which draws from the model to provide visualization on the guest experience during and after construction is complete. This technology allows for the seamless sequencing of construction activities in coordination with a facility’s operations staff to avoid any disruption to the guest experience. It also enables the owner to select finishes and property details more effectively than traditional methods may typically allow.
Coming Up Aces: Striking the Right Balance
It goes without saying that any casino project requires the right balance between speed to market and the guest experience, and there is no overstating the importance of preconstruction efforts, proper planning and the infusion of practical technologies to aid in the process. But with the right focus and expertise, a builder can deliver on these lofty expectations. The result? A smooth construction process that delivers a world-class destination offering the best of the best to its guests.
