Millennial Demographic Demands Better Slot Machines

Traditional slot machines are losing popularity among younger players.

According to an article in The Washington Post, millenial demographic demands better and more innovative slot machines. Turns out, younger gamblers are attracted by table games, whereas older punters are not enough to keep the numerous slot stools filled.

Information show that just in the last 15 months the three main casinos in Maryland – Hollywood Casino Perryville, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and Maryland Live – have decided to remove 1,350 slot machines in order to make room for more table games, entertainment amenities, restaurants and etc. This number is, in fact, 16% cut to their slots offer and it gives a clear picture of the situation.

As it is highlighted in the text, the main reason for this new trend is the demand of the gambling demographic of the future which is called as the millennials. According to the article, new generations are less and less interested in trying their luck on the slot reels.

This situation should be possibly worrying for state governments too since slot machines are commonly taxed at a higher rate than the rest casino games. As a result, the decrease of popularity of slots will have some implications for them as well.

Number of Slot Machines Declines in Nevada Too

Similar to what is happening in Maryland’s casinos, the number of slot machines have been declining in Nevada too. To give readers a better image of the situation, in 2001 the total number of slots was high 217,000, whereas in 2014 it has fallen to 175,000.

Another thing that has been falling together with the number of slot machines is the profit by slots. Therefore, between 2007, when the revenues were high, and 2014 slots earnings have noted a fall of 20%. The same thing has been noticed in the online gambling industry as well and experts have already urged slot developers to quickly react on changing tastes.

One of the moves that are supposed to help slot machines to maintain their position is the recent legislative move in Nevada that allowed development of interactive slot machines. It is believed that with the use of latest technology slot machines may be reborn in a way that meets the expectations of younger players.

The bill was signed by Governor Brian Sandoval and hence made it possible for slot designers to use their imagination and produce interactive products. The best way of capturing younger generations’ attention is by developing slots that will mirror video games.

Slots Have to Be Improved As Soon As Possible

The newspaper asked Eric Meyerhofer, Gamblit Gaming CEO, for his opinion on the trend. He said that traditional slot games are mainly attractive to players in late forties to seventies, whereas younger players seem to avoid them.

His opinion is that mobile technology, graphics, animations and sounds have reached new heights that should be incorporated into slots. “Everyone is seeing the same issue,” he explained. “The current products are not interactive. They don’t capture your imagination,” Meyerhofer concluded.