How Casinos Incorporate Local Culture Into Their Designs

Throughout the global rise of casinos in the 60s and 70s, a key feature behind these new phenomenon’s was that each casino seemed to have a theme. Take Vegas as an example, the Venetian is filled with its own canals and is its own mini Venice. Over the road is Caesars Palace which takes you back to Ancient Rome.

Whereas all of these casinos still very much hold pride of place in today’s casino landscape, newer casinos are keen to incorporate local culture into their designs. 

Not only does local culture appeal to local residents but it can also have huge spiritual and religious meaning. Let’s explore this in more detail. 

Macau is the Vegas of the East but is keen to not forget Oriental roots

Whilst nobody can deny that Vegas is the unrivalled home of world gambling, one city which wanted to rival that of Sin City was Macau.

Located in China, Macau was billed as the Vegas of the East and would aim to attract tourists from across China, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia and New Zealand. 

Having developed into one of the biggest gambling hubs in the world, Western corporations were keen to get in on the action and before long some of the biggest names in the business were setting up shop. 

Whilst the investment into Macau was always going to be welcomed, those who owned the casinos knew that homage to Chinese roots needed to be adhered to and there are several local touches that have been weaved into Macau casino design. 

The most notable example is The Grand Lisboa. Opened back in 2007, the hotel is the perfect blend of modern meets tradition. 

The structure of the hotel is designed in the shape of a lotus which is a symbol for purity and prosperity.

Not only that, the interiors of casinos in Macau are heavily influenced by their Chinese roots and as well as popular Chinese gambling games taking centre stage, food and drink offerings are heavily catered for Chinese audiences. 

Macau has become known as the Vegas of the East but with its insistence and focus on integrating its own touches and values, it very much has its own identity.

Blending in with the local community is essential 

Casinos can often be owned by huge corporations which can often distance themselves from local communities where their casinos are built. However, one thing that casino owners have been keen to implement and drive into their designs is a local touch. 

Often casino owners will consult with local designers and businesses to ensure that it is tapping into local culture when it comes to shaping their designs. 

Casinos in Africa might be owned by western conglomerates but in South Africa’s Sun City African touches are prevalent throughout designs and just like their Chinese counterparts, food and drink is served with an African bias in mind. 

The same can be said of casinos in Australia and New Zealand. Despite the casinos in these countries having a western feel about them, small delicate details regarding their Māori and Aboriginal routes are always visible and they make these casinos and their designs very different from other casinos around the world.