Economic Outlook of the Tri-Cities

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

You don't think having two casinos would be MORE of a draw to people outside the immediate area? Admittedly I don't go to casinos often but I do know that having multiple casinos in Tunica MS is the thing that made that area a draw. I think having more than one casino would help to make an area more of a 'destination'.
I've thought about visiting the lone casino over in NC, but just can't get excited over such a drive for what doesn't sound very exciting. Multiple casinos in an area that also offers other entertainment sounds a lot more appealing.

Yeah, I agree with @seriousconversation about this as well, I just don't think 2 can survive in this area. It's questionable if just one can.

I don't think a casino fits in well with the area's demographics either. Granted, they will target tourists, but is there enough interest and demand, in this day and age where gambling is available almost everywhere virtually ?

We will see, but ideally, only one should move forward--the Pinnacle location most likely.

[DubbleT]

I don't know how big of a draw casinos are any more. (Tunica used to draw people from as far away as Atlanta on a regular basis) But to me a single casino isn't a draw, it's a way to make money off the locals and that's it. It would be like going to an amusement park with just one roller coaster. It's more likely to draw visitors from out of the area if there are more options, not fewer. Gambling is just a part of the casino destination, the food, the shows, the excitement of the venues need to be a part of the overall experience too. I looked for something like that in this area when I moved here and there isn't anything that even comes close around this part of the country that I could find.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

I don't know how big of a draw casinos are any more. (Tunica used to draw people from as far away as Atlanta on a regular basis) But to me a single casino isn't a draw, it's a way to make money off the locals and that's it. It would be like going to an amusement park with just one roller coaster. It's more likely to draw visitors from out of the area if there are more options, not fewer. Gambling is just a part of the casino destination, the food, the shows, the excitement of the venues need to be a part of the overall experience too. I looked for something like that in this area when I moved here and there isn't anything that even comes close around this part of the country that I could find.

I agree.

I've spent maybe two hours gambling on casino floors my whole life. I've never found it interesting in the way that a video game or even a movie can suck me in. Harrah's Cherokee has an event center that gets fairly big name concerts that I like a few times a year.

When I lived in Indianapolis, my then girlfriend lived in a Rust Belt town with similar demographics to Bristol, but didn't have any of Bristol's newer development. The casino there was basically the center of the town's social life. The buffet was swarmed every Sunday after church. They had horse racing, so people would watch that there, even if they really weren't gambling much. They had other events too. I don't know how much they did in gambling business, but the restaurant was doing very well.

[Serious Conversation]

The Cabela's at The Falls in Bristol, VA is closing.

https://wcyb.com/news/local/bristol-...rJCJHwSm4ezMcA

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by Serious Conversation

The Cabela's at The Falls in Bristol, VA is closing.

https://wcyb.com/news/local/bristol-...rJCJHwSm4ezMcA

Must explain why the restaurant/bowling area closed at Bass Pro at the Pinnacle. To make room for the Cabela's transition into that store.