Are casinos taking a big gamble when purchasing live UFC pay-per-view events?
According to recent feedback we’ve received, it’s a resounding no. In fact, we’re told the UFC is a very good bet.
Recently, SunRay Park & Casino in Farmington, NM, shared their success story with us. We’ve been fortune enough to deliver close to 100 live pay-per-view events to the casino. They told us UFC pay-per-view events are very important to them and their local customers.
“I would recommend any casino or sports bar to try purchasing a UFC event and see what revenue surprises are ahead,” said Anthony Montano, marketing manager for SunRay Park & Casino.
UFC HELPING CASINO PROMOTIONS
Below is some information that Montano shared with us regarding monthly UFC pay-per-view events at SunRay Park & Casino:
- A Good Investment – “The cost for the event compared to other pay per views is very fair,” said Montano. “And that gives our customers a smile to enter at a fair price. The dollar amount that comes through the gate allows us to break even on the contract. After alcohol and food sales, the event does get us in the black in revenues.”
- Casino Participation – SunRay Park & Casino says 80% of the UFC patrons go to the casino prior and after the event, which is another addition to their revenue and a great return on their investment.
- Live Simulcast Horse Racing – At SunRay Park & Casino, they provide live simulcast horse racing seven days a week. “We not only introduce our patrons to our UFC venues, but we have created promotions that allows them to go place a wager on the horses, which in turn has created some new business.”
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the UFC’s fan base creates a desirable demographic for casinos.
According to a study published by Scarborough Sports Marketing, the MMA fan is young, wealthy and high-tech. Their survey concluded that 67% of males between 18 and 34 identify themselves as fans of MMA sports. Also, MMA fans are 15% more likely to be making $75,000 or more annually.
And with the popularity of UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and the rise of other female fighters, more women have joined the UFC excitement.
“It is a bit younger (crowd) than boxing, but they go to the restaurants and in the casino,” said Richard Sturm, president of entertainment and sports for MGM Mirage, to mmaweekly.com. “That’s the
kind of crowd we’re looking for.”
If you’re looking for that desirable crowd and would like to know more about live UFC pay-per-view events, please leave a comment below or contact us at CustomerFirst@JoeHandPromotions.com.