Standard slot machines fading out, AGE panel predicts

Tuesday 14th of August 2018

The standard slot machine maybe a product of the past, with the future gaming floor likely to involve more convergence with the online world, senior gaming machine executives told a panel at the Australasian Gaming Expo in Sydney.

Adrian Halpenny, senior VP Australia and Asia at Scientific Games said consumers are looking for a more integrated experience, including lounges and bars.

Instead of a brand in a box, you can now have an area with multiple entertainment experiences, things you can’t get at home, he said on a talk focused on the product of tomorrow. SG is working on such a concept, known as SG Experiences, he added.

Damian Quayle, chief operating officer of gaming at The Star Sydney, said he was seeing more of a blend of the physical and online product, though he said skill-based gaming was still proving to be a challenge.

According to Quayle, the gaming product of the future isn’t going to be a clean gaming product, such as a standalone slot, or electronic table game, but it will be more of a blend.

Another challenge for game makers will be how to personalize the experience and how to add more interactive features that allows the customer to feel like they are in control. For Chinese players for example, being able to squeeze the cards in baccarat is a key part of the experience.

Quayle said makers need to examine how to include these features in slot machines.

The AGE is now in its 29th year and is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees over the three days of the show.

After a welcome address from Ross Ferrar, CEO, Gaming Technologies Association, the event kicked off with a sold-out exhibition floor and seminar program, organized by Asia Gaming Brief.

“AGE strives to deliver a bigger and better show year on year for all of our stakeholders. With a core focus on technology and the sustainability of the gaming industry, we believe 2018 will deliver maximum value and a truly enjoyable experience for visitors, exhibitors and sponsors,” Ferrar said.