The MGM Grand at Foxwoods is trying to make its foray into iPhone app store with the upcoming launch of a branded-iPhone app that will be one of the first casino branded-applications in the app store.
The casino says that the app will have a variety of MGM Grand at Foxwoods’-themed games, which will all use play money. I’m assuming these games will be a take on the standard casino activities-blackjack, slots, roulette etc. The game will attempt to simulate all the sights and sounds of an actual casino, trying to immerse users in the environment of the casino at Foxwoods. The app will also have a “resort experience” feature, which gives users the in-depth property tours, with the ability for users to visit Foxwoods hotel rooms, restaurants, retail shops, spas and more. You can also book real spa appointments and read how-to guides on best strategies for various table games at the casino.
The iPhone app seems like combination of a branding gimmick and gaming opportunity. Of course, casino-oriented games aren’t new to the iPhone. Zynga has a popular iPhone app out there and there many apps in the app store that let users play the slots, blackjack, poker and more. What’s interesting is the use of the iPhone app as a branding tool for the resort part of the casino. It looks like there are very few resort and hotel chains which have iPhone apps out there but iPhone apps for popular resorts may be an interesting way to engage consumers. Th only other hotel-oriented iPhone app I could find was the an app for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort in Orlando but something tells me that more of these interactive resort apps may be launched in the future.