The Global Gaming Expo was held last month, and all the buzz around the show was on the slots which are taking a steer from online casinos by targeting younger players and running Internet based progressive jackpots. The big guns were all there: International Game Technology, Bally Technologies, Aristocrat Technologies and WMS Gaming — and while their main market in land based casinos is the over-65s, they are increasingly coming up with games that will appeal to a yournger audience.
One of the new developments is the so called “server-based” slots which allows casinos to download games on demand and run off the cuff tournaments — all ideas that have migrated across from the online slots world. With the new machines you´ll be able to flip into a new game in around 20 seconds. You´ll also be able to order drinks on a touch screen pad, as well as manage your finances and book tickets for shows at the casino resorts. No need to get off your stool then!
In the drive to attract younger players, the manufacturers have taken inspiration from the gaming sector, so now you´ll be able to play in a community with other gamblers and play a bonus round together or win a series of jackpots. There´s a slot where players at a line of machines can compete in a boat race for instance.
3-D effects are all in and the sound effects become ever more realistic.
Then there´s the themed or licensed games like “Jaws” and “Sopranos”, another “Star Wars” and even a Star Trek machine.
Most industry watchers agree that the traditionally slow to evolve land-based casino market is having to be more creative in the face of ever increasing competition from online casinos.
