How Art and Gambling Have Developed a Mutual Relationship

Art and gambling have always had an imperceptible connection, both exist in their own space but overlap on occasion.

When combining these two words you may subconsciously think of six dogs playing a highly-contested game of poker. But there is a more subtle connection that exists, one that is mutually beneficial for both parties.

When you first step onto the woven-wool carpet of a casino you are with a lavish sense of richness, both homonyms of the word are applicable. From the swirling pattern design beneath your feet to the swooning cocktail waitress' at your side, the atmosphere has a vintage air about it.

This is not by mistake, this is what makes a trip to the casino so appealing. An overlooked aspect that helps magnify the ambience is the art in place around the area. Casinos not only use it to add to the environment but are now holding exhibitions to attract more customers.

This also opens a gateway for new potential art lovers who may have before been too intimidated to visit a museum. Museums have also taken a big hit due to the rise of the internet. In 2021, the most popular global art museums welcomed 71 million visitors, a huge deficit when compared to 230 million in 2019.

Here are some of the best examples of casinos holding art exhibitions:

Beyond van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

The Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City held the illustrious art exhibition in July and August 2022. The gallery was not your typical experience, by using technology visitors were able to experience one of the greatest artists ever in a new light.

Over 300 of Van Gogh's works were digitally projected onto the ceiling, floor and walls, totally engrossing visitors into his life. Music was also woven into the exhibition to captivate the audience. The event was held above the casino floor, in a 30,000 square feet ballroom.

The exhibition drew in huge crowds of people, both art lovers who never regularly visit casinos and gamblers who have never explored art before.

Online casinos have become so popular over the past decade that it has decreased the number of visitors to land-based casinos. The enhancement of technology has led to the quality of online casinos improving, especially in the slots section. There are also more bonuses available like progressive jackpots with the most popular ones listed here, at sites like BetMGM and WynnBET.

New initiatives like this art exhibition can help bring in a new customer base, helping land-based casinos improve.

In an interview with the associated press, casino president Joe Lupo praised the success of the exhibition and referenced how it can help acquire new visitors.

“You need to try different experiential things to help the city acquire new visitation, whether it’s art or some other experience to acquire that person who doesn't look at Atlantic City as just a gaming destination."

By collaborating, both the casino and art worlds have found a way to mutually benefit from one another.