Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN AUG 2021 48 Resorts World Las Vegas launched a cashless wagering and resorts services app upon opening in June. / Image: Megan Blair. リゾートワールド・ラスベガスは、6月のオープンと同時に賭け金のキャッシュレス化とリゾートサービスアプリをローンチした。写真：Megan Blair。 E ven before the global pandemic struck, the conventional IR business model was in need of revision to remain viable and keep pace with development of the digital economy. The events of the past 18 months have accelerated this pivotal change towards digital service delivery across the business sector. With forced closures during lockdowns, overall reduced footfall and limited in-person marketing, the over-reliance of the IR industry on traditional property revenue streams has come to the fore. The need for alternative channels of customer engagement has become clear, as has the need for diversification of business activities into new digital sectors to leverage the growing digital entertainment market. The IRmodel itself appears to be at a turning point. The offline property-based format is poised to be superseded by a new structure, in which IR operators emerge as entertainment platform providers, offering online to offline services throughout the customer journey at home and in resort. The key to success lies in creating a platform ecosystemwith a combination of selected digital and physical assets, alongside strategic entertainment and content partners. The target portfolio encompasses remote gaming, online sports betting, e-gaming, resort casinos and in-market entertainment providers. Operators will thereby be in a position to offer end-to-end service delivery for all gaming and entertainment needs, maximizing cross-selling opportunities across the platform to existing user bases and increasing share of wallet ALL-IN DIGITAL