New Slots For the Video Game Generation
Slot machines have been around for over a century and during that time there have been many technological changes. Mechanical slot machines have been replaced by sophisticated computerized slot games. Now slot games are undergoing a generational shift. A new class of slot machines has been designed to appeal to younger players who grew up playing video games. The new games have an added feature; the element of skill.
Adding features designed to add an element of hand eye coordination is just one of the ways game developers are trying to broaden the appeal of the new games. In addition to devices that provide extra payoffs for playing dexterity game manufacturers have created communal games that link several machines together and add an element of competition. The new slot machines are especially popular with players under 40. Game manufacturers are adding new games with joysticks similar to those found on video games. Other new games will allow players to play in tandem or against one another.
Gambling statistics show that players 21 to 40 who came of age as states were legalizing gambling have fewer moral qualms about gambling and find it perfectly acceptable. Many baby boomers and their parents are opposed to gambling on moral grounds but young people are visiting Las Vegas and Atlantic City in record numbers. Younger players tend to spend less time in the casinos and are after entertainment. George Maloof Jr., president of the Palms Casino Resort, stated “Younger players come to town to party. They drink, they go to nightclubs, they go to the after-hours clubs, they check out the pool for the scene there. Gambling in general is not high on their agenda.”
Gambling still pays the bills at casinos and slots account for a large share of casino revenues. Slots are sometimes referred to as “beautiful vaults” in the gambling industry and generate about three quarters of the $60 billion in gambling revenue generated by American casinos annually. Game manufacturers are going to great lengths to provide casinos with new slot machines designed to appeal to younger players. Casinos spend billions every year expanding their operations and opening casinos in new markets. Frank Legato, managing editor of Global Gaming Business, stated “With all the growth going on, every casino has to bring in new players or we’ll see a drop in everyone’s market share. It’s critical to keep bringing new players into casinos rather than recycle those who are already there.”
The new slot game should start appearing in casinos very soon and it will be very interesting to see just how successful they are in attracting young players.
