For many decades, Las Vegas casinos have enforced some very strict no-photo policies on their casino floors. The idea was that it would prevent inventive casino cheats from using information gleaned from snapshots in their schemes. Now, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is experimenting with a new selfie-friendly casino photo policy that’s aimed at drawing in a younger crowd to its gaming floor.
Earlier this month, the MGM Grand rolled out a new guest photography, filming and streaming policy that allows players to shoot short videos, snapshots, and selfies; even when they’re at the gaming table.
“Our filming and streaming policies are designed to enhance our guests’ experience as they play slot machines, table games and poker while minimizing disruption to our guests and the normal operation of our casino,” an MGM official told the Las Vegas Review Journal.
“We’re thrilled to see the excitement of our players as they enjoy our gaming options and strive to be a social media-friendly environment. However, we are mindful of the privacy and safety of all our guests, and our policies reflect that balance,” he added.
The new policy comes with a few catches, though. All photos must be for personal use only and must not be disruptive. MGM staff will be determining what is disruptive and they’ve got plenty of leeway in determining what a “disruption” looks like. Players are also prohibited from using tripods on the casino floor.
MGM Grand officials are hoping that the new selfie-friendly policies will draw in a stream of influencers that will in turn draw in even more younger, social media-friendly players. As of this writing, the policy is being rolled at the MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, New York-New York, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Park MGM properties in Las Vegas.
If successful, MGM plans on implementing the policy nationwide.