Oldies and Slots: A Match Made in Heaven
Step into any casino, anywhere in the world, navigate to the slot machines and we can guarantee the average player age will be Jurassic. Oldies and slots go together like adult diapers and your granny. Of all the table and floor games on offer, for some reason, it’s the slots machines that have a magnetic pull on oldies and not just their Zimmers. So what’s the deal with slots and the older generation. Let’s have a look and see the reasons…
Nostalgia
It’s true that the basic design of slots has pretty much remained the same over all these years. Yes, there are those will funky video screens, with lots of lights and noises. But your average senior will gravitate towards those simpler machines, often with a pull handle rather than buttons. For many older people that were a part of the social life and so there will always be those searching out these machines due to a nostalgic feeling.
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Escapism
For many of the older generation, life can be one permeated with loneliness. The kids have gone, work is over and so there are a couple of huge holes that need filling. Taking the odd trip to the casino and playing on the slots allows them to interact and meet other people who may be in a similar predicament.
Oldies and Slots: Low Bets
Most older folks don’t have much money to throw around. And the great thing about slot machines is that they don’t need to be played like a big roller. There are the ever-popular penny slots, where the maximum bid is just $0.05 and these represent a good way to have fun and for oldies and slots not to break the bank. Though they can still win big with jackpot slots.
Easy Playing
Casino table games can appear to be intimidating for many people. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, along with a good understanding of the rules, then you’re probably going to shy away from table games. But with oldies and slots, you’re left to your own devices. There’s no real skill or concentration required. You don’t have to learn any jackpot winning strategies. So these machines are a fun and stress-free way of passing time.
Oldies and Slots: Free Drinks
It’s common knowledge, that many oldies (especially the men) go to the casino for free drinks. If you sign up for a player’s card, then you’ll receive comps for drinks and maybe even a meal, depending on your slot machine playing style. And if you’re spending the afternoon sitting in front of a slots machine, then it’s a pleasant interruption to have the cocktail waitress bring you a welcoming drink.
They’re User Friendly
Unfortunately, the older you get, the duller the senses get as well. Your ears, eyes, and reflexes are no longer the lightning-quick tools they once were. And that’s were playing slots comes into its own. All those senses are redundant and have no bearing on the gameplay. Whether you play fast or slow, the result is not dependent on your speed.
Oldies and Slots: They’re Addictive
This is an unsavory truth, but truth never the less. These slots machines, are by design, going to become addictive. Though the wins are random, they come at enough intervals to keep the player’s “reward” function on high alert. In fact, so effective are these slot machine designs in keeping players playing, that certain behavioral techniques have been copied onto dating apps
Targeted Marketing
Everyone with a grandparent knows that they have a lot of time on their hands. Well, casinos know this as well and make up their targeted ads to cater for this fact. This can include vouchers and coupons that can be redeemed at the casino. There is any number of bonuses and promotions on offer, and all with the express intent to encourage that certain elderly demographic to make the trip to their local casino.
They’re Sociable
This is one of the most important points. Playing games together at the casino is, in itself, a social activity. Many homes for the elderly will organize day trips to the casino for this reason. It’s a fun day out, with a shared activity. Once you enter the casino, then the slots are there right in front of you. They have the instant appeal of being straightforwards and easy to both muster and lay.
Oldies and Slots: Marginalization
You might be surprised as to how many of the older generation feel excluded from the rest of society and/or a burden to their families. But in the casino, surrounded by like-minded and sympathetic people, it’s easy to feel good about one’s self. You can feel that oldies and slots are the perfect mix.
Casinos Will Need To Work Harder To Attract A Younger Crowd
In 2016, a survey showed that non-millennials are more likely to spend their time gambling than Millennials. Gambling only appealed to 21% of those asked who were under 35 years of age. Above this age and the appeal doubled. For casinos, these figures are troubling. Obviously, younger people have a greater percentage of disposable income. But, though they are happy to spend in clubs and bars, going to the casino appears to have little appeal for youth.
For many of the older generation, gambling can be more or less central to their pastimes. Going out to the bingo hall is a prime example. In fact, a cheap night out with a group of friends and having a flutter at the same time appears to be the main driving force behind the blue rinse brigade. With the muscles and the mind beginning to tire, this simpler form of gambling, whether slots or bingo, allows the lost feeling of youth to return coupled with the thrill of the risk. To that end, you’ll always find oldies and slots together with on the casino floor.
