Skill-based Slots could hit Nevada Casinos by Early 2016

Not long ago, the Nevada Gaming Control Board approved a measure that will bring skill-based slots to the state’s casinos. Following their latest move, one gamemaker believes that these slots games will hit Nevada casinos by 2016.

The Gaming Control Board must approve language changes to the legislation that allows for skill-based slots. The 5-member plans to discuss the matter on Sept. 17th, during the Global Gaming Expo, where many of the latest slots developments are showcased.

Eric Meyerhofer, CEO of Gambit Gaming, says that once the changes are approved, “the store is open for business, so to speak.”

Meyerhofer has a big stake in this matter because his company is currently developing skill-based games that are very similar to Angry Birds and Battleship. He predicts that once the latest language changes are approved, people will be playing skill-based slots by early or mid-2016.

Aside from helping bring skill to slots, the Gaming Control Board also wants to stamp out any type of marketing that could be considered geared towards kids. They’ve recommended that the bill contain an excerpt(s) preventing marketing efforts that could attract people under the age of 21.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, little is known about exactly what kind of skill-based themes will be introduced to Nevada casinos. A couple of proposed ideas include a pinball-type game along with first-person-shooter bonus rounds. There could be a concession to remove technical standards for certain games if there’s good reason to do so – allowing for a larger variety of skill-based games.

Whatever the case may be, Nevada is eager to bring more-modern forms of gaming to their casinos in hopes of enticing younger generations. Nevada slots revenue has dropped 20% from 2007 to 2014, and overall casino revenue has fallen from $12.9 billion to $11 million in the same span.

The widespread belief is that younger people don’t want to play classic slot machines that merely involve pushing a button; instead, they crave more action that incorporates skill elements, much like smartphone and console gaming. So the hope is that bringing skill-based slots to Nevada helps move casino revenue in an upward direction again.

Currently, only 37% of overall Las Vegas revenue comes from casino games, while the remaining amount comes from nightclubs, resorts, restaurants, shopping and other non-gaming entertainment.