All Star Incentive Marketing

Android gaining ground against Apple in the Tablet marketplace

Allison Wooten — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:52:54 +0000

Looks like the Android tablets are starting to sneak up on Apple in the tablet arena. According to the latest Strategy Analytics report Android tablets have increased their share of the market by 10%, up to 39%, in the fourth quarter. Leading the growth for the Android systems is the Amazon Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Asus tablets. Tablet shipments (both Apple and Android based tablets) reached 27 million units shipped during the fourth quarter, that is a 150% increase from 2011.

The New King of Queens?

Gary Galonek — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:22:06 +0000

After dropping our daughter off at JFK Airport in Queens last Thursday, my wife and I made our way over to the new $830 million Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, about a 15 minute drive with the right traffic conditions to the East side of Manhattan. As is typical with most racinos, a glitzy Las Vegas style building is attached to the aged and storied grandstands that front the original race track. Developer Genting New York did a nice job with this facility, and they have certainly taken a bite out of their Yonkers rival Empire City at Yonkers Raceway. Whether the pie gets bigger allowing both to flourish remains to be seen. One thing seems obvious to this writer, however. Electronic table games don’t cut it for the traditional table games player that still makes up a significant percentage of the gaming population. Surrounded by states with table games in PA, CT, and even in New York’s own Indian gaming facilities, legislation that allows them to compete in this area is sure to be considered.

All Star Continues to Actively Support Mohegan Sun

Heidi Chatfield — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:16:46 +0000

Since 2007, Mohegan Sun has retained All Star Incentive Marketing to assist with seasonal event and promotions gift sourcing. Today, All Star continues to actively support Mohegan Sun’s effort to create positive gifting experiences.

One of the more unique and inspiring ideas to brighten the day of casino patrons at the 2011 Mohegan Sun Mother’s Day event was the “Just Add Ice – Orchid” offering. This idea originated when All Star’s Vice President of Marketing & Operations presented a “Just Add Ice – Orchid” as a birthday gift to All Star’s Premium Sales Manager. Mohegan Sun wanted to pursue a similar option for their 2011 Holiday appreciation event. This time, the product of choice was Poinsettias. An order of 5,000 Poinsettias was placed and delivered to Mohegan Sun in time for the 2011 Holiday season.

The idea was so well received, that this new cheerful theme is being considered by Mohegan Sun for use in future customer loyalty promotions. Utilizing cutting edge merchandise, incomparable product sourcing, and exceptional customer service, All Star continues to prove that desirable and innovative merchandise awards are one of the best ways to engage, motivate and reward® customers.

To view the full case study, click here.

Employee Loyalty in Good Times and Bad

Tara Linton — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:02:27 +0000

A recent Forbes article speaks to a new wave of employee confidence to which company executives should take note. In an economy that continues to struggle (with slight improvements) – employees are finding their confidence and slowly emerging from the “I’m just happy to have this job” fog. Companies need to recognize that to motivate their employees to not just work harder but simply stay on the job – incentives are critical.

The article discusses the need for companies to launch incentives before their employees launch themselves into a new job. What’s unfortunate here is that companies do not already have these incentives in place. While times of economic struggle often cause companies to tighten their belts — these are the times when incentive programs are needed most and instead of being cut – should be embraced and enhanced.

When employees see their co-workers packing up their desks and being walked out the door – they need to be reminded that despite tough changes – they themselves still have value and are needed at the company. What some executives don’t realize is that employees do not inherently know this and need to be reminded often – which is exactly the type of impact incentives can have.

The author also makes mention of wellness programs. Many companies have begun implementing wellness initiatives and are best served when they opt to tie it in with an overall incentive program. Wellness and incentives are not mutually exclusive. When tied together these two initiatives can further engage employees and remind them that the grass is not always greener.

2.27 – 2.28, 2012 Florida Gaming Summit

Heidi Chatfield — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:34:50 +0000

Visit the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL…

The 7th Annual Florida Gaming Summit returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida February 27-28.

All eyes are on Florida right now as legislation is contemplated that would create three 2 billion $ resorts with an ultra friendly 10% tax rate and there has never been a more important time to hear the insider views on the future of gaming in Florida.

The Florida Gaming Summit is the perfect venue to discuss current events impacting the state’s gaming industry and examine what the future might hold for gaming in the Sunshine State. Hundreds of enthusiastic attendees have attended this popular conference every year, and the seventh edition in February is sure to be another hit. Gaming Operators, Regulators, Investors, Tribal gaming leaders, Attorneys, Architects, vendors and other industry related professionals will be in attendance. If you are involved in gaming in Florida or are interested in becoming involved, you need to have a presence at Florida Gaming Summit.

4.1 – 4.4, 2012 NIGA

Heidi Chatfield — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:31:46 +0000

Visit NIGA at the San Diego Convention Center in California…

As the only Trade Show & Convention created by the Trade Association of the Indian Gaming Industry, the National Indian Gaming Association, Indian Gaming ’12 is Specific to Indian Gaming. We have a niche in the market of gaming and take the time and care to develop the 4 days of events so that they are relevant to Indian Gaming and the related issues.

The attendees are the “Who’s Who of Indian Gaming!” Tribal leaders, Tribal Council members and delegates, Indian Gaming professionals and staff members. They come for the association’s Annual Membership Meeting, training, networking and fun! NIGA sets the standard for networking and training in Indian Gaming with innovative and comprehensive topics recognized for their excellence. Attendees come year after year for this one-stop-shopping on the latest in everything in the industry

The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), established in 1985, is a non-profit organization of 184 Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the country. The common commitment and purpose of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development.

5.8 – 5.10, 2012 Southern Gaming Summit

Heidi Chatfield — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:25:40 +0000

Visit the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, MS…

The Southern Gaming Summit is the premier gaming conference in the region featuring insightful educational sessions along with a dynamic exhibit hall showcasing the latest gaming products. Who Attends Southern Gaming Summit? Executives and officials from all types of gaming operations, including commercial and tribal casinos, racetracks, racetrack casinos and charitable gaming; Regulators and legislators interested in the gaming industry Local officials, including tourism and hospitality leaders, who understand the importance of the gaming and hospitality industries; Consultants and analysts who follow gaming and know the value of this large regional gaming market; and Gaming and hospitality industry suppliers who want to reach an audience of thousands in the exhibit hall. All of these professionals all come together in Biloxi, where Southern hospitality meets unparalleled educational and networking opportunities.

Zynga to enter internet gaming business?

Ed Galonek, Jr. — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:19:41 +0000

In the ever-changing e-gambling industry, Zynga could be positioned to make the most noise. With over 63 million daily active users of the online game “FarmVille” alone, Zynga could make a huge splash quickly if they decide to jump into gaming.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204301404577173173534535212.html

Look Who’s #2!

Gary Galonek — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:33:25 +0000

If you ask someone to name the states with the largest annual gaming revenue most people in the know (even non-gamblers) would say “Nevada” and “New Jersey”. Not so fast; make way for….Pennsylvania. Hard to believe a state known for places like the Poconos and Amish Country has overtaken New Jersey with greater than 3 billion in revenue from its 10 operating casinos. An 11^th will come on board as Valley Forge opens in the spring, and 3 other awarded licenses have yet to announce plans. But with Atlantic City’s most anticipated opening since The Borgata opened – the long awaited Revel on the Northern most end of the Boardwalk – perhaps New Jersey can win back that #2 spot in 2013.

Pa. is now the country’s No. 2 state for casino revenue

Looking for a Unique Way to Reward Your Casino Patrons?

Timothy Towle — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:14:00 +0000

In the ever-changing gaming industry, it can be difficult to keep your players coming back. One of the best ways to create a memorable, positive gaming experience for your patrons is to host a Shopping Event.

A Shopping Event for your guests has many benefits:

Increasing traffic at your property
Improving your customer’s experience
Building your customer relationships
Reducing your point liability
Giving the gift of choice

Allowing a guest to redeem their points for fabulous merchandise will create an emotional attachment to your property. The guests that do attend will be treated to an experience they won’t soon forget.

Click here to learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of running Special Events.