Promoting OKC Through National TV Ads

[JOHNINSOKC]

After the passage of the hotel tax proposal, I started thinking about the extra funds that will go to the CVB and thought that maybe it would be a great idea to use the money for national commercials that promote this city as a destination. I really believe that running those on the major networks would be the best way to get the word out the renaissance that is happening here. We need to have a separate advertisement from the state one that runs currently. I think it hurts the city when the focus is solely on the state as a whole because you are promoting Tulsa as well. OKC is THE destination in Oklahoma. Any opinions??

[mranderson]

As long as they stop promoting Oklahoma City as hickville and cowtown USA, That would be fine.

[metro]

I think it would be an excellent tool, they can show the progress of MAPS and such...

[Midtowner]

What is there to ensure that 4/11 of that money goes to the CVB?

All I saw on the ballot was that the money goes for 'tourism purposes'. What I liked the least is that there was no effort to get the sample ballot to the public. In fact, I've spent darned near half an hour trying to find a sample ballot from Tuesday.

I can only hope that this money is spent in the most honest possible way.

[Luke]

I think a national ad campaign that is smart, witty and shows off the new OKC would be great. It has to be done in a non-cheesy way.

Think of commercials that sell stuff well and get that agency to do one for OKC. So, what are some commercials that you think are good at... well, commercializing?

[Patrick]

Just think of all of the Dallas and San Antonio commercials that are viewed in this market. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could start airing ads in their markets? Lol!

[Luke]

I remember seeing a billboard in Dallas a looooong time ago when I was a kid (even then I loved Oklahoma and didn't much care for texas). The billboard had a picture of a compass and simply said "Oklahoma: Why the compass points North"

I got a kick out of it. There's another one that was kinda witty that I'm trying to remember, but I just can't... I'll think of it and when I do I'll post it.

[JOHNINSOKC]

Personally, I'm tired of seeing all the billboards that promote everything in Dallas/Ft Worth and Tunica. I think the billboards should be outside the metro area on the way to Dallas, not at I-35 and S.E. 15TH street. We are basically hurting our tourism potential by advertising other destinations. If OKC were a MAJOR tourist city like Nashville, for example, then that might be different. Our tourism base needs all the help it can get right now without sending people elsewhere.

[mranderson]

Give it time. I would bet that when the casino's in Oklahoma are nearly ready to open, those billboards will also feature OUR casinos.

Also a way to look at it. Nothing wrong with Tunica. It is the second best gaming town I have seen. Some people tour them all. So, ours would only enhance the rest and promote us.

[Patrick]

I think it only makes sense for these CVB's to locate billboards in town. Why would they try to attract someone whose already on their way to Dallas? Using the same approach, we should locate billboards in th heart of Dallas and other cities, advertising our attractions, most notably, Bricktown, the fastest growing entertainment district in the southwest! Hopefully soon, like Tunica, we'll be able to attract people via our casinos. I've noticed Cherokee Casino is advertising quite heavily in our market, now that they've opened their new casino resort. Just think if Thunderbird Casino opened a story hotel and added more to their casino. We could be advertising in Dallas.

[Midtowner]

I think it only makes sense for these CVB's to locate billboards in town. Why would they try to attract someone whose already on their way to Dallas? Using the same approach, we should locate billboards in th heart of Dallas and other cities, advertising our attractions, most notably, Bricktown, the fastest growing entertainment district in the southwest! Hopefully soon, like Tunica, we'll be able to attract people via our casinos. I've noticed Cherokee Casino is advertising quite heavily in our market, now that they've opened their new casino resort. Just think if Thunderbird Casino opened a story hotel and added more to their casino. We could be advertising in Dallas.

Y'all are plagued with small thinking -- I say legalize gaming in the state, set up Vegas-style regulation and open up Casinos in Bricktown! You want instant prosperity? Instant tourism? There it is. The "Heartland" really doesn't have a "Vegas". We could easily bit it.

Anyone who thinks keeping gaming out of OKC is making the teenciest weenciest difference in the number of Oklahoma citizens that gamble must have their head in the sand. Every single one of us is within 45 minutes of a Casino right where they sit -- or even closer if one wants to play on the internet.

They must be perfectly content to continue to ignore what could be as big a deal as the oil industry once was for our state.

[mranderson]

Y'all are plagued with small thinking -- I say legalize gaming in the state, set up Vegas-style regulation and open up Casinos in Bricktown! You want instant prosperity? Instant tourism? There it is. The "Heartland" really doesn't have a "Vegas". We could easily bit it.

Anyone who thinks keeping gaming out of OKC is making the teenciest weenciest difference in the number of Oklahoma citizens that gamble must have their head in the sand. Every single one of us is within 45 minutes of a Casino right where they sit -- or even closer if one wants to play on the internet.

They must be perfectly content to continue to ignore what could be as big a deal as the oil industry once was for our state.

On this we agree. Stop being selfish. You might not like to do it, and that is your right, but it is MY money and MY right to do it if I wish. THAT is called FREEDOM!

[floater]

The "Heartland" really doesn't have a "Vegas".

Yes, there is, in terms of shows -- Branson. But why not have the gaming component in OKC and partner with Branson to develop a package deal and have a high speed rail line between the two?

[mranderson]

I want to play "Devil's advocate." As many know, I am in favor of light and high speed rails. However, how many will actually ride a rail from a casino to Branson, some 250 miles away, just to catch a show, then back to Oklahoma City to the casino again?

[Keith]

You are dreaming now. There is NO way that gaming will ever be as big as the oil industry was. Now, I will say that gaming will destroy more families than the oil industry ever did. That will be proven, eventually.

My 2 cents.

[JOHNINSOKC]

I believe that if we do a MUCH better job of advertising our city NATIONALLY, we will see far better results. Forget marketing OKC to Dallas. Many people from the metroplex have already been here. Besides, it doesn't help grow our airport when most of those people in Texas drive up I-35. I think the city should really get after places like NYC, LA, mainly the coasts. We have to get away from being a regional city and start trying to attract people from all over the country.

[Midtowner]

You are dreaming now. There is NO way that gaming will ever be as big as the oil industry was. Now, I will say that gaming will destroy more families than the oil industry ever did. That will be proven, eventually.

My 2 cents.

Keith, you're talking about it like it's not here. It's here! Within 45 minutes of where you live. As far as "destroying families". Prove it. Show me one statistic. Do people have problems with gambling? Yes. If someone in Oklahoma has a problem with gambling, do you not think they notice the abundance of casinos right outside city limits? Wake up.

As for not being as big as the oil industry, tell that to Vegas.

If done right, it could absolutely be huge.

[mranderson]

Keith, you're talking about it like it's not here. It's here! Within 45 minutes of where you live. As far as "destroying families". Prove it. Show me one statistic. Do people have problems with gambling? Yes. If someone in Oklahoma has a problem with gambling, do you not think they notice the abundance of casinos right outside city limits? Wake up.

As for not being as big as the oil industry, tell that to Vegas.

If done right, it could absolutely be huge.

To add. I think every state has a provision in the gaming law, Oklahoma is probably no different, that requires a statement on all lottery tickets and in casinos that says to call GA if you have a gambling addiction.

Gambling is similar to other forms of "vice" inwhich it does effect some families, but not everyone who participates. Take alcohol consumption for example. If you drink two stiff drinks, does that make you an alcoholic? I think not.

[Keith]

Yes, MidTowner, I know there are casinos all around OKC. I don't need to "wake up" to what's going on around me. I see the commercials offering everyone chances to make big bucks (which seldom happens) by coming to their casino.

I think it is interesting that Billy Sims has sunk so low, that now he is advertising for casino's.

"To add. I think every state has a provision in the gaming law, Oklahoma is probably no different, that requires a statement on all lottery tickets and in casinos that says to call GA if you have a gambling addiction."

Now, this is funny. Call GA if you have a gambling problem? C'mon, guys, how stupid is that? A large percentage of gambling addicts don't admit that they are an addict, that is, until they have lost their job, family, and home. When that happens they say"Duh...I must have a gambling problem." Too late!!

"If you drink two stiff drinks, does that make you an alcoholic? I think not."

It does make you an alcoholic if you drink two stiff drinks...every thirty minutes. It's not the drink that causes you to be the alcoholic, or the gambling that makes you an addict. It's doing it in excess.

No, Midtowner, I do not have any "statistics" at this time to prove my point, but I don't need any. I've seen it firsthand. I know you are a "statistics" fan, and I'm sure there are some out there, but there is nothing to prove to you, because you are never satisfied with any answer.

Keep dreaming about the Vegas thing.



Gamblers Anonymous came up with 20 questions for you to answer. Only you can answer each question honestly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate an good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Answer yes to any of these, and you are an addict.

[windowphobe]

I think I need a couple of stiff drinks after that.

In regards to gambling, I will say only that there are vices I like better.

[mranderson]

Vices? Working girls, adult videos, casino's and the lottery for me!

[Luke]

I look forward to seeing a high-rise vegas style resort hotel with dining, shopping and of course gaming downtown somewhere or even on the River.

[Midtowner]

I only need two stiff drinks every 45 minute.

So there.

Seriously man, arguing that casinos in Bricktown could be more harmful than our current situation is silly. Just admit that you're wrong. Half the population in the metro area is closer to an indian casino than they are to Bricktown.

Yes, done right, casino resort gaming could be absolutely HUGE for our city. Think about the way the area is set up. Nearly limitless room for expansion and improvement of the district as it takes off. There's already a great selection of alternative non-gambling venues (the ones I'd be using). Casinos in Bricktown just make a heck of a lot of sense.

Like I've said a million times, I'd never darken the door of one of those places unless they were offering free food/drinks. However, I am certainly smart enough to see the huge opportunity that could exist there.

[Keith]

Well, I think it is time, MidTowner to admit you are the one who is wrong on this one. I know, I know, you are always right (sounds like my wife).

If you think that we will be another Vegas, I have some swamp land in Florida I'll sell you .

It's amazing to me that you say you will never darken the doors of a casino unless there is free food or drink. That's what we call a moocher.

Ok, I beat this horse to death, so I am through debating. I actually think I have debated this same subject with you several times already. As you can tell, nothing has changed. As a matter of fact, dream all you want, because that is all it will be .

[floater]

mranderson I want to play "Devil's advocate." As many know, I am in favor of light and high speed rails. However, how many will actually ride a rail from a casino to Branson, some 250 miles away, just to catch a show, then back to Oklahoma City to the casino again?

Not that it matters, but I wasn't really serious about the Branson thing.

Personally, I'm not a fan of casino clustering as an industry. I'm even less a fan of casinos as a pasttime -- to me there's something pathetic about someone whiling away the hours pulling a lever or pushing a button in the hope of a payout. If you're gonna game, play cards or something!!

However, I can tell you that Ohio is missing out on $40 million in tax revenue yearly because its residents have to go elsewhere to game. That makes it an economic issue. And one casino in Bricktown would give people something to do to without the time commitment of eating out or watching a movie. It would help complete Bricktown.