Is it gambling, or is it gaming? Mortal sin versus healthy entertainment?
While gaming has evolved as an entertainment business, many people still feel that casinos do whatever is possible "to separate you from your money." Fool analyst Mathew Emmert's excellent article yesterday on Vegas Psychology and his first trip to Las Vegas bears this out.
And then there's this one: Reuters reported this morning that the American Indian-run Isleta Casino Resort in New Mexico had pulled a "controversial TV ad that promoted gambling as a financial solution to people who are short on cash or deeply in debt."
Forget the absurdity of that particular ad for a moment.
According to Harrah's Entertainment's
Realize that the bulk of Mandalay Resort Group's
Even the stuff inside the casinos is more entertaining than threatening.
Take the new video slots for example. These machines -- including International Game Technology's
The bottom line is that many casinos today don't market strictly to "losers." With the obvious exception of that particular casino in New Mexico, many operators today compete by offering entertainment value for your dollar.
Give us your take on the Gamblin' Fools discussion board.
Fool contributor Jeff Hwang owns shares of Ameristar Casinos and Electronic Arts.