As gambling became more popular, with many states issuing gambling licences, more casinos began to improve their aesthetics. Thus, casinos have become landmarks of fine and contemporary art. Even as gaming activities have become more prevalent online, new casinos have been able to retain the unique aesthetics of physical betting houses with more fun designs.
This article journeys down memory lanes to highlight the impact of art in the gaming industry. Future projections of the possible influence of art on online betting are also discussed.
Art Installations
The intersection between artworks and gambling houses began during the Renaissance. During this era, Caravaggio and Georges de La Tour were two artists who depicted the perception of gambling culture in their artworks. Their artwork had a moral undertone about what was perceived as the negative effect of gambling.
In the 19th century, there was a shift in public perception of betting houses. Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas were two of the most popular artists in that era to represent the romantic fascination of gambling in their works. However, their paintings also had a moral undertone about the pros and cons of gambling.
In the 21st century, creators have found a way to add a digital twist to their masterpieces in both physical and iGaming platforms. Today, some of the masterpieces from different eras can be found in these prestigious casinos:
- Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, has a quartet by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a single woman’s restroom by Scott Hove, and ‘Wish you were here!’ by Olivia Steele.
- The Hippodrome in London has one of the largest modern masterpieces in the world by digital artist Thomas D. Grey.
- The Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas has pieces by Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney.
- The Wynn Palace, Macau, has pieces by Jeff Koon’s Tulips, Asian rugs, Buccleuch vases, and Liao Yibai.
Aesthetic Appeal
The first impression any player has of a betting club is its visual appearance. Hence, casinos invest heavily in colours and designs to enhance their appeal.
Apart from shaping the club’s design, artworks also sets the tone and atmosphere of the club. A club that is embellished with traditional contemporary artworks creates an atmosphere of rich cultural heritage. A club with more modern graphic design created an innovative and creative atmosphere. A club with different masterpieces will also appeal to a broader audience, as different players will be able to relate to different pieces, thus creating a sense of inclusivity.
Physical casinos notably have paintings, sculptures, and murals that create an immersive setting that resonates well with the players and fosters a sense of escapism. This creates a location that is visually and psychologically as thrilling as the games.
On the other hand, iGaming platforms employ highly skilled designers to ensure optimal visual appeal with high-quality games, animations, and virtual reality (VR). These iGaming platforms often have captivating backgrounds that increase players’ engagement and enhance their gaming experience.
Artists and Collaboration
To successfully infuse art into the gaming scene, gaming houses and artists had to build a rapport. Thus, it’s not uncommon to see a casino with a gallery of different artistic pieces from various contemporary creators. The Bellagio Gallery in Las Vegas is a good example here. The gallery houses different new and old paintings and sculptures of reputable and up-and-coming creators from forged partnerships with other galleries. Some of its popular pieces are from renowned artists Andy Warhol, Faberge, and Yasuaki Onishi.
This collaboration bridges the gap that existed between the 17th-century artist and the betting houses. Now, both parties have collaborated to improve the overall experience of bettors.
Conclusion
Thanks to the collaboration between artists and gaming houses, players can now enjoy beautiful artworks and their favourite games simultaneously. It is human nature to desire beauty in every sphere of life; hence, gamblers are gladly embracing the results of this collaboration. With the progress made so far, art and gaming are forever intertwined. We can expect to see more creative and innovative masterpieces.