The Growing Trend of Compact Gambling Venues

Compact Gaming Establishments: General Info

They can have different areas and equipment. As a rule, these are smaller halls in which card games are held, and bets in slot machines are accepted.

Requirements for the premises, the number of rooms, and the hardware vary depending on the jurisdiction.

For example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) describes the features of smaller casinos as follows:

1. Dimensions. The area of ​​the establishment must be no less than 500 sqm and no more than 1,500 sqm. It should also include several separate zones.
2. Equipment used. The casino has slots in categories B (traditional solutions), C (gambling cabinets with a minimum bet of £1), and D (Coin Pushers). Entertainment in the first category should not be represented more widely than card and roulette tables installed in the casino (their number must not exceed 80).

Owners of such locations in the UK can also accept bets on virtual sports, races, competitions, and other events (for example, election results).

The key difference between smaller gambling establishments is their compactness compared to large complexes. The latter consists of several halls, spacious lounge zones, restrooms, bars, and office facilities. Often, these premises are part of world-class hotels, so they have tens or hundreds of accommodations at their disposal.

Compact casinos differ from large ones both in area and content. They are less spacious but have an authentic atmosphere.

Where to Find Such Locations

They are extremely in demand in many countries with a legalised land-based entertainment sector and centuries-old traditions.

United Kingdom

It is rightfully considered the birthplace of establishments that work in this format.

Casinos appeared in Britain hundreds of years ago when there were no large-scale centres like Las Vegas or Macau. The local population happily gathered in small groups, visited gambling halls, and, of course, placed bets.

Today, the following types of companies are allowed to provide their services in the jurisdiction:

• casinos;
• sweepstakes;
• bingo halls;
• AGCs;
• member clubs;
• family entertainment centres (FECs);
• pubs;
• road fairs.

Ireland

The country has centuries-old traditions in regard to gambling. Despite this, the operation of land-based and online casinos is prohibited here. Therefore, entrepreneurs open smaller locations with slot machines and card and poker tables and call them “private clubs”.

India

In the region, offline entertainment for money is allowed in only 5 states:

• Sikkim;
• Meghalaya;
• Goa;
• Daman;
• Diu.

It is in these areas that most of the compact gambling establishments are located. They attract both locals and foreigners.

For example, in Goa, there are several clubs onshore and on ships sailing along the Mandovi River. The most famous of them is the Palms Casino, located near the La Calypso Getaway beach. The brand offers 20 slot machines, 7 tables for roulette, and 4 more to play Teen Patti.

The location attracts tourists due to the low entry fee. It is only 1,000 Indian rupees ($11.96) per person. For this sum, the guests get access to all available games, free snacks and soft drinks. The local chef prepares vegetarian or traditional dishes, so guests can have fun and eat well.

USA

The activities of land-based entertainment firms in the United States are legalised in 30 states with different laws, local flair, and standard of living.

It is in this country that you can see a sharp contrast between large casino centres (in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Oklahoma City) and smaller premises on reserves. The latter has been run by Native Americans for many years.

According to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), this kind of business brought 244 tribal peoples revenue of $41.9 billion in 2023. The earnings from the GGR tax were 43% of all gambling proceeds in the US, the highest rates for the entire observation period.

Thus, smaller betting clubs in the country are not only attractive objects for tourists but also an important source of income for the native population. Such locations operate in Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and other states.

Why Compact Gambling Premises are Gaining Popularity

Every year, they are becoming more in demand both among visitors and investors.

Optimisation of Start-Up Costs

This is one of the main reasons why entrepreneurs pay attention to smaller casinos. According to experts, opening a large one will cost at least $1 billion.

The main items of expenditure are:

• purchase or lease of land;
• construction of premises;
• purchase of the necessary equipment (including computers and video cameras);
• licence and insurance payments.

Only a few businessmen can afford such huge financial inputs. Therefore, the launch of large-scale projects is the prerogative of well-known gaming corporations.

The decision to open a compact establishment will require much less money at the start. Thus, in the USA, it will be enough to invest from $50,000 to $100,000.

The key expenditures are finding and renting suitable premises, repair work, and equipment installation. Operators will also need to obtain a permit and reserve insurance contributions in a dedicated bank account.

Minimum Maintenance Costs

In a smaller casino, current management expenses (payment of utility bills and salaries, implementation of several hardware repairs, and cleaning) will be much lower than those in a large entertainment centre.

For example, the compactness of the halls and the correct arrangement of equipment will reduce the electricity and heating costs. Companies of this kind do not require many staff. It is enough to hire several administrators, a croupier, and a security guard.

Support for Local Communities

Authorities are willing to issue licences for opening offline casinos.

The decision to launch such projects means:

• a huge flow of investments in the region;
• creation of jobs;
• construction of a support infrastructure;
• increase in budget revenues in the form of taxes and fees.

In addition, such establishments are gladly visited by travellers. This factor significantly increases the tourist appeal of the city or area.

Today, it is quite difficult to launch a casino in Las Vegas, Macau, and other world-class centres (due to the high cost of land and its rent, the long waiting for permission, as well as a huge rush around these locations).

It is better for entrepreneurs to pay attention to promising regions. Here, it is much easier and faster to obtain a certificate, organise the brand’s work, and get the first profit.

Authentic Atmosphere

Many large complexes are opened under a franchise. This means that operators are limited in design, zoning, and purchasing slot machines.

There is no such requirement in compact gambling halls. Their owners can make the premises look as they wish, independently select and order equipment, come up with lighting ideas, etc. All this makes the location original and helps to create a pleasant ambience.

The Main Things about Smaller Casinos

In recent years, they have become a trendy way of running the entertainment business.

Key aspects that operators need to take into account:

• Such establishments are limited in area and the amount of equipment installed. They may look like a spacious hall or be divided into several zones for visitors and service personnel. Each jurisdiction has its rules and requirements for compact gaming venues.
• The key advantage of such enterprises is the optimisation of management costs. Besides, local authorities are more willing to issue licences for projects of this kind, expecting an inflow of investments and the creation of jobs in the region.
• Smaller casinos are in great demand in the UK, Ireland, the USA, India, and other countries with legalised offline betting.

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