The Future Is Social: Designing the Next Generation of Casino Experiences
Casinos have long been defined by energy, excitement, and entertainment—but today, it’s the experience of that energy that’s evolving. That’s exactly what HBG Design Principal Paul Bell explored during his panel at the 2025 Global Gaming Expo. If you missed the session, here’s a quick recap.
Designing for Connection: The Rise of the Social Casino
Today’s players are looking for more than a place to play—they’re seeking vibe, community, and culture.
Industry data shows that over 80% of Millennials and Gen Z say non-gaming amenities are a major factor in where they choose to visit. And it’s not just about amenities—it’s about the experience they create.
HBG Design’s recent work with leading tribal and commercial resorts reflects these emerging trends, blending hospitality, entertainment, and social design into every guest touchpoint.
- Hangout Destinations: The Heartbeat of the Casino
Modern casino resorts are creating spaces where the main attraction is simply being there.
- At Live! Casino, the central bar acts as a stage—a centerpiece of energy and entertainment, with lighting and music driving a sense of excitement.
- Atlantis Casino’s Moon Bar and Bar Sol offer perfect vantage points for guests who want to be part of the buzz without playing.
- WinStar Casino’s Sessions Lounge captures a timeless social vibe, where the atmosphere itself is the experience.
These spaces thrive on design that promotes interaction, visibility, and inclusivity—places where guests can see and feel the energy of the resort.
- Summer Fun All Year: Water as a Social Magnet
From poolscapes to resort-level amenities, water is the new lifestyle anchor.
- The Cascades Pool Complex at WinStar Casino Resort transforms the property into a true resort destination, inviting guests to extend their stays beyond the gaming floor.
- At Sycuan Casino Resort, family-friendly and adult-only zones, plus a lazy river, create dynamic spaces for day-to-night socializing.
- The Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino places the poolscape in full view from the casino floor—seamlessly connecting gaming energy with leisure and relaxation.
These amenities capture a “daylife” energy—fun, shareable, and effortlessly social.
- Events as Lifestyle Engines
Events are no longer side attractions; they’re the core of the modern casino identity.
- Gun Lake Casino’s robust entertainment programming offers non-gaming attractions that keep guests coming back again and again.
- WinStar Casino Resort’s Lucas Oil Live has become a regional destination—an immersive, tech-forward performance venue that builds brand recognition and loyalty through memorable, shareable experiences.
These spaces turn entertainment into community, and casinos into hubs of cultural connection.
The Takeaway: Designing for Vibe, Not Just Volume
The future of gaming hospitality is about more than competition—it’s about connection.
Today’s guests want to feel part of something—whether it’s the energy of a live event, the relaxation of a poolside lounge, or the atmosphere of a central bar pulsing with life.
At HBG Design, we’re helping our clients lead this transformation—designing immersive, social, and lifestyle-driven environments that turn casinos into destinations of choice for the next generation of players.
Because the future of gaming isn’t about where you play—it’s about where you belong.
As Seen in Casino Style: Live! Casino Louisiana
HBG Design is proud to share the latest Casino Style Magazine feature highlighting Live! Casino Louisiana—a transformative new land-based casino in Bossier City that’s redefining the regional gaming experience in North Louisiana.
Developed by The Cordish Companies and designed by HBG Design in collaboration with architect-of-record KdG, a Shive-Hattery company, Live! Casino Louisiana rises from the shell of the former Diamond Jacks property with a fresh identity rooted in bold vision and local energy. The design—led by HBG Principal Paul Bell, AIA—draws direct inspiration from the dynamic flow of the nearby Red River, informing a guest experience that is both visually fluid and emotionally vibrant.
From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in a high-energy, art-forward environment, beginning with a show-stopping LED media ribbon that flows from the porte-cochere through the casino’s entry sequence—creating a signature Instagrammable moment that sets the tone for what’s inside.
Inside, every detail—from the vibrant, curving casino floor to the whirlpool-inspired Center Bar and the luxury of the High Limit area—is designed to evoke motion, discovery, and elevated entertainment. This project exemplifies HBG Design’s ability to create contextually inspired, guest-centric experiences that not only transform properties—but elevate their market impact.
Read more in Casino Style Magazine’s June 2025 issue to see how Live! Casino Louisiana is sparking a new era of gaming in the South—with a signature look and feel that only HBG Design can deliver.
👉 Read the full article: “Red River Energy” at Casino Style Magazine
IGA Tradeshow and Conference Recap: HBG Design Shines in San Diego!
What a fantastic week in San Diego at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Conference (IGA)! Our team made a bold statement this year, showcasing HBG Design’s thought leadership, immersive exhibit design, and next-level hospitality.
Educational IGA Conference Panel
We kicked things off with a packed house at our educational session, “Scaling Your Casino Operations for Success,” which drew over 75 attendees! The panel was expertly moderated by our very own Danny Valle, Principal, and featured a powerhouse group of speakers:
- Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
- Evan Anderson, Director of Preconstruction, Connect Advisors
- Robert Blankmeyer, Operations Manager, PCL Construction Services Inc.
The panel offered incredible insights into the challenges and strategies behind expanding and optimizing casino operations—from capital planning to execution.
A Booth to Remember
We debuted our new interactive tradeshow booth, located right near the entrance—and you couldn’t miss it! A jumbo screen showcased some of our most exciting recent projects, and a touchscreen kiosk gave attendees a deeper dive into HBG’s Event Center Design portfolio, the Gun Lake Casino expansion, Pool and Spa concepts, and our master planning expertise. A big shoutout to Kelly DeVine, Ray Mabry, and Joe Baruffaldi for representing HBG at the booth and connecting with clients and industry partners throughout the show!
Party on the Harbor
Of course, no IGA week would be complete without our legendary industry party, and this year’s event was one for the books! We co-hosted with FS Advisors, Connect Advisors, Western Alliance Bank, Procopio, GMA, and Yates Construction aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 3-story yacht docked in the beautiful San Diego Harbor. Over 500 guests joined us for cocktails, networking, and stunning sunset views from the open deck. It was truly a night to remember!
From our high-energy panel to our eye-catching booth and unforgettable party, the 2025 IGA Tradeshow was a huge success that continues to position HBG Design as a top firm in Indian Gaming. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event a standout moment for our team and our brand!
Designing In Cost Efficiencies: From Tribal Government Gaming
GGB's Tribal Government Gaming asked designers how to create efficiencies in casino resort design...
Read Insights from HBG Design President, Nathan Peak
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
Navigating the Realities of Rising Costs
With costs rising, resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development. Nathan Peak, AIA, President and Practice Leader at HBG Design, emphasizes the importance of prioritization:
“To navigate cost challenges effectively,” Peak says, “owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience. Striking the right balance is key.”
A Proactive Approach to Design and Planning
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success.
“The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost, the better the outcomes—and the smoother the process."
Similarly, Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan:
“By prioritizing phased planning, the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion. This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience."
Designing Out Excess, Designing In Functionality
Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle. Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement. Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas:
"Superfluous spaces don’t just drive costs up, they create operational inefficiencies. Back-of-house areas such as storage rooms, staff break areas, and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality.”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving. Creative seating arrangements, adaptable F&B service models, and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience.
“We’ll all get through these challenges, but it will require Owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design,” concludes Peak.
Indian Gaming Asks the Experts: Kelly DeVine
Long-term growth planning helps tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start.
“It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.” - Kelly DeVine, Principal, HBG Design
Jan/Feb 2025
- INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE -
By Kelly DeVine, as seen in Indian Gaming Magazine:
As we look ahead, we’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even reimagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that have always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing a big uptick in requests for 20-year master plans. These plans help tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. Casino developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination with environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big—considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements—lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style. These innovations are a win-win for owners and guests alike.
Celebrating the Live! Casino Louisiana Grand Opening
Project Grand Opening Celebration for Live! Bossier City Casino & Hotel - Casino designed by HBG Design
HBG Design was thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City, Louisiana, on February 13!
Perched along the scenic Red River, this transformation of the former Diamond Jacks Casino by The Cordish Companies delivers an electrifying gaming and entertainment experience. The 47,000+ SF gaming floor boasts 1,000+ slots, electronic table games, and 40+ live-action tables—designed to flow like the river itself, culminating in a striking whirlpool-inspired canopy at the center bar.
Led by Architect-of-Record KdG, a division of Shive-Hattery, with HBG Design leading casino design, the property also features a luxurious 550-room hotel, vibrant dining venues, a sportsbook/bar, a resort pool, a fitness center, and a dynamic 25,000-SF event center for top-tier entertainment, meetings, and conferences. Live! Bossier City is igniting a thrilling new era of gaming and entertainment, redefining the region’s hospitality scene!
Eagle Mountain's Successful Year One: Featured in Indian Gaming
Celebrating Eagle Mountain's Successful Year
Click Here to Read the Feature Article in Indian Gaming Magazine's June/July Design/Build Issue
Celebrating its first full year in operation, the Tule River Tribe's relocation of its Eagle Mountain Casino from the original reservation location to a more accessible and visible site in Porterville, California, represents a significant milestone in the tribe’s history. Driven by a blend of strategic, economic, and site motivations, the casino relocation became a transformative initiative that unlocked new opportunities for community growth and market differentiation through cultural integration. Featuring architectural and interior design by HBG Design, the new Eagle Mountain Casino is well-positioned to capture vast market opportunities from local customers and traffic traveling among the region’s major cities.
Drawing from unique regional elements and the tribe’s rich cultural heritage, the design team at HBG Design set out to create an entertainment escape with an authentic sense of character that connects people to place. The new Eagle Mountain Casino provides over 100,000 square feet of amenity features that include 1,750 slots, 20 table games, multiple dining venues including the Ember center bar, the Redwood Taphouse, The River Steakhouse, the Acorn Diner, Yokuts Coffee House, and the Cedar Food Court, as well as a 2,000-seat event center. These amenities not only enhance the casino's entertainment appeal, but also address community wishes, such as meeting a need for a large venue space that could cater to sporting and entertainment events.
Inspired by relaxed lodge aesthetics, the casino’s design expression exudes a sense of comfort, approachability, and hospitality. The tribe’s indigenous homeland is where the Great Sequoia tree grows. The Sequoia’s canopy, trunk, and roots became inspirational elements to link the story of the tribe's culture and heritage to the design aesthetics, from the arrival experience to the art, patterns, and imagery within. Soaring vertical features recall the majesty of the Giant Sequoia and the Golden Eagle. Entry water features and flowing forms recall the winding Tule River and organic curves of nature.
Inside, guests are greeted by a grand redwood carving of the tribal Big Foot pictograph, known as “Big Foot Hairy Man”, symbolizing the tribe's deep-rooted traditions. Carved by Bill Farmer, a Tule River Tribal Member, the material for the Big Foot carving came from a giant Redwood that had fallen across one of the roads on the Tule Reservation.
Historical tribal basket patterns adorn custom pendent light fixtures, ceilings soffits, and custom terrazzo floor medallions, serving as a wayfinding guide toward the entertainment offerings within.
The Flight of the Butterfly and Quail Tufts is a prominent Tule River tribal motif that intertwines through the casino culminating at the Ember Bar ceiling soffit with a silhouette mountain design that mimics the regional landscape. The vertical Ember bar design represents the elements of wood and fire, symbolizing hospitality, a place where the community can gather, relax, and socialize.
The HBG Design team is honored to have worked alongside the Tule River Tribe since 2015 in the design and delivery of the new Eagle Mountain Casino. Throughout the process, Tule River stakeholders immersed HBG designers in tribal culture and heritage research and graciously embraced conceptual storytelling as it extends into the architectural and interior design aesthetic. This personal integration creates a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience for Eagle Mountain Casino guests. #Eagle Mountain's Successful Year One
Transforming Gun Lake Casino into a Resort Entertainment Oasis
HBG Design is counting down to the 2025 opening of the Gun Lake Casino Phase 5 expansion! In a series of project features with HBG Associate and Lead Architectural Designer, Thor Harland, AIA, we will focus on each of the unique amenity designs that promise to make the Gun Lake resort entertainment guest experience like no other in the regional resort market. This month, discover HBG’s intricate design of the eagerly anticipated Wawye Oasis event and pool environment at Gun Lake. The stunning climate-controlled domed structure will captivate guests, transitioning seamlessly from a serene pool oasis by day to a dynamic performance complex by night. Located in Wayland, Michigan, near Lake Michigan, the new Wawye Oasis demanded meticulous planning and innovative architectural and engineering solutions to mitigate humidity and the area’s frigid and windy weather patterns.
Watch the video to see how HBG’s complexity of design thinking transforms the Gun Lake Casino resort into an oasis of entertainment.
The Gun Lake Casino Resort Expansion will feature multiple pools inside a six-story Wawye Oasis with 32,000 square feet of space that can transform into a concert venue, banquet center and entertainment venue. The hotel will consist of 15 floors with 252 rooms including 30 suites, and a two-level suite.
Sure to become a must-see feature, the Wawye Oasis will be a resort pool by day and performance complex by night, the glass-enclosed circular structure will generate an immense sense of energy inside and out, while offering a variety of complementary entertainment and gathering opportunities for resort guests and entertainment-seekers from the region.
- Location: Wayland, Michigan
- Total Phase 5 Project Size: 15 story, 252 room, 30 suite hotel tower with a two-story suite on top floor; 32,000 SF pool and event center environment
- Client: Gun Lake Casino and Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi
The Redefined Atlantis Casino
Welcome to the newly redefined Atlantis Casino at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas. HBG Design is thrilled to have designed this casino transformation, marrying contemporary brand aesthetics with the timeless charm of this iconic resort destination.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND UNVEILS $150 MILLION RESORT-WIDE RENOVATION
Redefined Atlantis Casino, The Royal Guestrooms, Paranza, and Bar Sol Debut at the Iconic Resort
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS (July 9, 2024) – Atlantis Paradise Island, the most iconic resort destination in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, has completed a $150 million resort-wide transformation, including updates to the casino, guestrooms, restaurants and lounges. The resort unveiled refashioned guestrooms at The Royal, Atlantis’ iconic towers; an entirely redefined Atlantis Casino; and Paranza, a new restaurant at The Cove, where the esteemed Michelin-starred chef Michael White brings his culinary mastery to the table. The updates emulate the ethos of Atlantis and include custom fixtures and design details evocative of the ocean and ecosystems found throughout the Bahamas. Other additions include Bar Sol, Cleito’s private gaming, Silan, Perch, the Caribbean’s first Shake Shack, FIELDTRIP, Cartier, Thistle, and coming soon, Christian Louboutin and Paradise Links mini-golf course.
“Atlantis continuously elevates the guest experience, and recent developments at The Royal, Paranza and the Atlantis Casino provide guests with upgraded, modern touches while retaining the resort’s integral identity that visitors know and love,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis. “Atlantis’ experiential-driven programming allows our guests and visitors to create lifelong memories while visiting the resort and the Bahamas. The new designs throughout Atlantis demonstrate our commitment to providing an unsurpassed vacation experience.”
The Redefined Atlantis Casino Introduces a New Look and Bar Sol
The 85-table, 700-game casino, one of Atlantis’ landmark features, is home to four instantly recognizable one-of-a-kind glass sculptures by internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The Sun and The Moon glass installations were created specifically for the Atlantis Casino 25 years ago, uniting color, light, form, and space to deliver a uniquely immersive experience.
By re-lighting the glass sculptures and minimizing the surrounding structure, the new design interacts harmoniously with light and space, which Chihuly is known for in his work.
The custom carpet features 26 shades, drawing on the jewel tones seen in the casino’s recognizable art. Deeply saturated hues and gold accents, combined with shimmering textures and flowing lines, echo the refractions of the sea, adding a sense of place and creating a cohesive, sophisticated look.
The beloved murals throughout the casino have been artfully restored, and nearby light features have been updated to give the spaces a modern yet classic feel incorporating Atlantis’ signature design elements. The ceilings, previously covered by canopies, are now open, creating a more spacious and airier atmosphere with a clear view of the entire casino.
The central Moon Bar inside the casino has been upgraded with a circular deck, allowing guests to take a break from the action or step up to overlook the casino floor.
The Atlantis Casino has recently opened Bar Sol, inspired by the late Sol Kerzner's passion for Bahamian artists, music, and entertainment. It offers a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and dance beneath a raised stage and DJ booth. The centerpiece of Bar Sol is a restored Chihuly chandelier that exudes warm gold hues, creating a unique ambiance complemented by the venue's lineup of nightly live music performances.
Read the Full Atlantis Press Release Announcement >> Atlantis Bahamas Announces Resort-Wide Renovation
For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island, please visit atlantisbahamas.com.
ATLANTIS PRESS CONTACTS:
Erika Garcia-Lavyne
Atlantis Paradise Island
954-235-1483
[email protected]
Kelly Wells
Eleven Six PR
302-824-4511
[email protected]
Embracing the Resort Side: A Look at HBG Design's Contributions to Non-Gaming Amenities in Tribal Casinos
In the evolving landscape of tribal gaming, non-gaming amenities have emerged as significant profit centers, enhancing the overall guest experience and driving new revenue streams. As the industry shifts towards providing comprehensive entertainment experiences, HBG Design stands at the forefront, partnering with tribal clients to innovate and tailor non-gaming amenities to meet local market demands.
WinStar World Casino & Resort: Setting New Standards
One of the most notable projects by HBG Design is the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Oklahoma. Nathan Peak, Principal and Practice Leader for HBG Design, underscores the critical role of non-gaming amenities in reinforcing overall revenues. At WinStar, HBG Design has introduced several key non-gaming elements, including the Lucas Oil Live facility. This 6,500-seat venue, offering optimal acoustics and aesthetics, caters to the Dallas/Fort Worth market and hosts top-tier performers like Miranda Lambert and Rod Stewart. This project sets a new standard for live entertainment in the region, enhancing the guest experience with VIP event lounge suites and a dynamic LED-lit concourse.
Adjacent to Lucas Oil Live is the Session House Gastropub, seamlessly connecting the entertainment venue to the new 16-story, 304-key contemporary Spa Tower hotel. This integration exemplifies how HBG Design leverages non-gaming amenities to create holistic entertainment environments that attract a diverse array of guests.
Eagle Mountain Casino: Cultural Sensitivity and Unique Design
HBG Design’s commitment to integrating tribal culture and heritage into their projects is evident in the new 105,000-square-foot Eagle Mountain Casino operated by the Tule River Tribe in Porterville, California. Nathan Peak highlights how the design reflects the tribe's cultural symbols, with soaring vertical features recalling the giant sequoia and golden eagle, and flowing forms inspired by the Tule River. This thoughtful incorporation of cultural elements creates a distinctive and immersive environment for guests, setting the casino apart in the competitive market.
Expanding Horizons at Gun Lake Casino
At the Gun Lake Casino in Michigan, HBG Design is pushing the envelope with the Wawye Oasis, a multi-purpose pool and event center atrium complex. This innovative space will offer a climate-controlled indoor environment shaped like a large sun dial, maintaining a cozy 82-degree climate year-round. The versatility of this space, transitioning from a resort pool oasis by day to a dynamic performance complex by night, exemplifies HBG Design’s ability to create multifunctional amenities that maximize return on investment.
Enhancing Convenience with Parking Solutions
Parking facilities are often overlooked but critical components of non-gaming amenities. Nathan Peak emphasizes the importance of parking structures for guest convenience, particularly in regions with adverse weather conditions. HBG Design’s strategic planning ensures that these facilities not only protect guests but also provide quick and easy access to the gaming floor, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience and contributing to the property's profitability.
Conclusion: Innovating for the Future
HBG Design continues to lead the way in integrating non-gaming amenities into tribal casinos, recognizing their crucial role in attracting diverse guests and extending their stay. By blending cultural sensitivity with innovative design and strategic planning, HBG Design helps tribal casinos create unique, immersive experiences that drive revenue and set new industry standards. As the market for non-gaming amenities grows, HBG Design remains dedicated to partnering with tribal clients to deliver tailored solutions that meet their specific revenue objectives and enrich the guest experience.
See full article in Tribal Government Gaming