Logos are everywhere. Accordingly, every business in various industries has them to differentiate itself from the rest of the competition.
When it comes to entertainment, particularly the casino industry, casinos often utilize memorable logos to create an identity and a sense of professionalism to draw in varied audiences. Correspondingly, few logos have achieved iconic status, and one of them is the roaring lion of MGM Resorts. This logo, with its fierce yet regal presence, has transcended from a mere branding element and has become a symbol of luxury and entertainment.
Below, let us explore the origins of MGM Resorts’ logo and dive into the lore of how it became the face of luxury and entertainment in the casino world.
Origin of the Lion Logo
Before MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) was established, the lion logo presently associated with it was originally intended for the Goldwyn Pictures Corporation. The idea was to place a live lion inside the logo to bring it to life on film, which they actually did, and it was used from 1916 to 1924. After that, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation partnered with Marcus Leow’s Metro Pictures and Louis B. Mayer’s Company, thus creating the M-G-M studios that people know today.
Over the years, the lion sequence went through several transformations, with different roaring lions used to portray the symbol of the studios. However, it was Leo the Lion who reigned as the brand’s symbol since 1957. Accordingly, Leo the lion logo set the tone of grandeur to characterize the high level of entertainment produced by the studio.
As MGM Studios expanded into other sectors, which include casinos in the 70s, the lion logo continued to be its symbolic brand representing luxury and high-quality casino gaming entertainment. Upon its transition to the hospitality and casino industry, the lion logo served as a bridge between the glamour of Hollywood and the lavish experiences awaiting guests in its casinos.
Marketing and Branding Behind The Lion
The roaring lion is more than just imposing imagery. It serves as a marketing tool used by MGM to create an association of luxury and excitement.
Just like how certain Australian online casinos became synonymous with generous online pokies bonuses that can be easily availed of by avid casino gamers, the MGM lion’s use in its promotional campaigns, especially in its online casinos, has made it a consistent and recognizable brand identity symbolizing the grandeur of the service and entertainment it provides. Accordingly, its resorts even bore lion statues signifying opulence to all hotel guests and casino gamers.
Over the years, the lion logo evolved subtly, but the lion remains its focal point. MGM introduced various design elements to keep up with the times, including color schemes, typography, and proportions. Yet, despite the modern features introduced, the lion logo remains recognizable and can easily be associated with MGM Resorts. With its constant use, from its casino chips to its playing cards to its promotional billboards and lion statues, the lion logo became its reliable branding, reassuring any casino gamer who sees it that they are in a territory that provides luxurious and thrilling entertainment. The lion emblem then became synonymous with quality dining, vibrant nightlife, and exciting casino floors.
Aside from the success it garnered as MGM Resorts’ branding identity, the roaring lion has become widely recognized in popular culture, reinforcing its position as an emblem of luxury and entertainment. Films, television shows, and other forms of media have frequently referenced the lion logo, solidifying its reputation and further elevating MGM Resorts as the epitome of an upscale entertainment experience.
The Lion’s Legacy and Future
The MGM’s lion is more than just an anecdote; rather, it is a testament to creativity and vision.
Despite the influences of modernity, the roaring lion’s legacy remains strong for MGM Resorts. This shows that MGM is committed to adapting to the changing landscape of entertainment while remaining true to its core values, representing the lion as one that is synonymous with luxury and exhilaration.
The roaring lion transcended from a mere graphic element for its film studios to something that represented a legacy of excellence and an enduring symbol of luxury and entertainment in the casino world. As MGM Resorts moves forward, the lion is expected to continue to roar to further its legacy of providing unforgettable experiences, not just in films but also in its resorts and casinos, destined to shape the future of entertainment and hospitality.
Accordingly, the roaring lion is MGM’s emblem, inviting all casino gamers to experience luxury, entertainment, and rich history where dreams come alive and a thrilling experience awaits.
