One way for casinos to attract customers today is to use celebrities to endorse them. Many well-known celebrities, from George Clooney to Christiano Ronaldo, appear in casino advertising. It is common for celebrities to endorse products or services. Many industries throughout the ages have used celebrities to market everything from cars to cigarettes, and casinos are no exception.
Active participation by celebrities
The connection of celebrities with casinos is not a new one. Using a celebrity’s face in advertisements was common, but now they are participating more actively. Celebrities usually host poker tournaments or poker nights. With online casinos becoming increasingly popular, public perception about gambling is changing. Now, online gambling is allowed in Michigan and several other U.S. states.
When people see a celebrity, they look up to them. If celebs urge people to give casino games a try, they are likely to do it. Partnering with celebrities, especially those with a good reputation, helps to build credibility with consumers.
Glamor and luxury
Celebrities exude glamor and live a life of luxury that causes envy in many people. Casinos have the same kind of glamorous allure. The connection between the two is not an unexpected one. Celebrities embody success and can live a high life. Casinos are places where players can make unexpected wins that allow them to live like celebrities.
Famous athletes in the world of soccer or any other sport can help online casinos attract a lot of attention. Promoting online casinos and sports betting allows them to generate income while not playing. It’s also a way to stay in the public eye and engage with fans.
Social media influencers
Celebrities typically have huge fan bases. Today, they are known for having a significant number of social media followers. They have great influence over their followers who respect their point of view. This can propel any product they endorse into the stratosphere. The richest celebs have the type of power and influence that casinos can capitalize on.
Top celebrity endorsements
From famous actors to world-class athletes, the list of celebrities endorsing casino brands is a lengthy one. The partnership with a celebrity is often accompanied by flashy events and campaigns. Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton, Mike Tyson, Neymar Jr., and Nicky Minaj are just a handful of the celebrities who advertise online casinos or some form of betting.
In 2015, Christiano Ronaldo became a global brand ambassador for a poker site, and many new players joined the site to play poker. Mike Tyson, a world champion of professional boxing, is a well-known global brand ambassador for a sports betting site.
Nicki Minaj is a successful artist and rap icon who became the global ambassador of a sports gambling brand in 2022. She is also an investor and the creative director of its magazine. Paris Hilton has been the face of several online casino brand advertisements over the years.
Endorsements from such high-profile celebrities can be an effective way for casinos to raise awareness and develop a more extensive customer base.
A balance between benefits and risks
The partnership of celebrities and casinos carries benefits and risks. The image of a celebrity can be tainted by being associated with a casino that uses unethical practices or becomes involved in a controversy. This could have a backlash that may have a negative influence on their fans. Both parties must exercise caution and responsibility for the partnership to be positive.
The glitzy ads featuring celebrities winning at casinos can fuel unrealistic expectations. Gambling awareness advocates criticize celebrity endorsements that propagate the notion that everyone wins all the time. The familiarity and perceived trustworthiness of their favorite celebrities could convince vulnerable populations to try gambling. This is why governments and regulatory bodies are paying attention to drawing up more stringent regulations.