A hard-hitting piece from iGaming Business gets right to the point: integrated resorts rarely play well online.
Despite world-class properties and massive investment, most land-based operators still struggle to make meaningful progress in the digital space.
And the reason isn’t a lack of resources — it’s a lack of expertise, knowledge and know-how.
Too many senior executives in traditional casino environments simply don’t understand the digital business model. They view online as an extension of their floor, not as a distinct, tech-driven ecosystem requiring new thinking, talent, and culture.
As the article notes, the Philippines has become a “living laboratory” for this transformation, where digital revenue in well-run digital platforms is already outpacing land-based revenue for the first time.
The lesson for land-based operators is clear: Lose the ego and seek advice from experienced professionals with a background in the digital space. You can’t just bolt on an online offering and expect it to work.
One of the biggest miscalculations I see land-based operators make is contracting with multiple third parties to provide expertise they don’t have in-house. Apart from the lack of control and oversight, after deducting operating costs, marketing costs, gaming and corporate taxes and revenue share compensation, margins are wafer-thin. Success requires digital DNA at the leadership level.
For operators serious about adapting, this is essential reading:
https://lnkd.in/dUu7AE2i