[toc]The expansion of gambling hinges significantly on acquiring new players. However, the task of attracting these players is far from straightforward.
Both the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the emerging market of skill-based casino games reveal, through their growing pains, the difficulty of achieving growth.
The WSOP is a grand event, but its efforts to expand seem to be faltering. Participation in live tournaments is declining, and customer complaints about issues such as cards are often cited as a deterrent to potential players. On the other hand, skill-based games, which should theoretically attract the younger gambling crowd, are struggling to make a mark among the multitude of standard casino slot machines.
Despite the challenges, both entities are not entirely on the losing end. WSOP.com, the WSOP’s online platform, is consistently improving in terms of player growth. On the other hand, skill-based games are yet to experience similar growth. However, new developments could potentially change the game. The introduction of new machine locations and a new competitor with a popular old game could be just what’s needed to trigger growth.
WSOP has online success and offline problems
Online traffic holding strong
The WSOP’s attendance has been underwhelming up to this point, with almost all live events experiencing a decline from last year. However, the company’s online poker ventures are not facing the same issue.
This summer, the first of three online bracelet events broke the record for the largest regulated online poker prize pool in US history. The event, which had a buy-in of $333 and a guarantee of $333,333, amassed a prize pool of over $750,000, more than doubling the guarantee.
On WSOP.com, traffic remains steady compared to the previous year. In fact, the site experienced an increase in the first week compared to 2016, largely due to the addition of an extra bracelet event. The site’s online poker series is also regularly meeting and exceeding guarantees. Furthermore, online satellites leading into live events have regained popularity.
Despite not yet reaching over 200 concurrent players, the site is expected to break this record at the start of July. The introduction of the 25-seat Main Event satellite and additional bracelet events online could significantly increase traffic to unprecedented levels.
WSOP cards not strong enough
A WSOP wouldn’t be complete without a controversy. This time, the matter at hand is about the Copag cards. The official card provider, after receiving a lot of positive feedback in 2016, is now facing numerous complaints. The current year’s decks are extremely prone to markings. Consequently, the floor staff have to keep replacing the decks, resulting in players losing time and the game’s integrity being threatened.
Players such as Matt Glantz are protesting by boycotting events until WSOP changes the cards. Observations from the floor suggest that the high buy-in events are receiving superior cards. PokerNews has reported that WSOP has received a fresh batch of decks, which they are closely examining.
Skill-based games getting time in the Nevada spotlight
Station Casinos trying out Gamblit tables
Typically, New Jersey is the center of attention when it comes to skill-based gambling games. However, recently, as these games are departing from Atlantic City casinos, more companies from Nevada are trying their luck with the concept.
Despite Caesars’ lack of success with Gamblit gaming tables, Station Casinos is undeterred and has recently integrated these tables into Red Rock Casino and Boulder Station. The casino firm also intends to bring these machines to Green Valley Casino in the future.
Stations is hoping to more effectively attract a younger audience by placing the machines in bars and restaurants, unlike Caesars who integrated the machines with the regular slots.
Scientific Games invading the skill-game space
A company specializing in standard slot games, Scientific Games, is venturing into the skill-based market. Recently, it launched its first skill-based slot which is designed on the theme of the classic video game, Space Invaders, thereby indulging in full nostalgia.
The slot operates similarly to a standard game, but its bonus game requires skill. The bonus game resembles a classic arcade game where a cannon can be used to shoot at oncoming alien invaders.
The slot machine is currently accessible in some casinos in New Jersey. However, those looking to apply their Atari skills in Nevada casinos will have to wait a bit longer.
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