The casino industry has evolved in the recent past due to the adoption of new technologies, changes in player’s choices and the trends in the markets. Another emerging trend that is evident in the current world is the increase in skill-based casino games. Unlike normal games that are based on the luck factor, skilled games contain aspects through which one can determine the results of the games. This article aims to explain what skill-based casino games are, why they are popular, help you discover a wide range of diverse casino games and what this phenomenon implies for the further evolution of gambling.
The Characteristics of Skill-Based Games
Skill-based casino games find themselves between conventional casino games and video games, thus attracting more diverse customers, including the youth. The consumers of the current generation and the subsequent ones, the millennials and Gen Z, who have been exposed to video games and other interactive media since childhood, want more involvement and participation in the gaming process. Random number games such as slot games which are popular in most casinos do not necessarily involve as much skill as the mentioned players would prefer.
The outcome is that skill-based games offer players a way of getting a similar feeling as in the case of video games when they can achieve something. These games are, therefore, entertaining and enjoyable due to the inclusion of aspects like strategy, speed and decision-making. Some examples of such games include “Danger Arena” and “Zombie Blackjack” where the player has to complete certain tasks, shoot something or make certain moves to win and thus combining the elements of gaming with gambling.
The Come up of Skill-Based Games
Skill-based gambling has not come out of the blue; elements of skill have always been in games like poker or blackjack. Nevertheless, the current trend of skill-based games in casinos is a result of a strategic attempt at reaching the youthful population. New games and collaboration between developers and casinos are aimed at delivering gameplay that has both the elements of traditional casino games and video games.
One of the earliest examples in this regard was GameCo and Gamblit Gaming which introduced gambling arcade games. These machines come with games that are similar to video games, only that they incorporate the aspect of gambling to make a profit. Pilot implementations and some casinos’ experiences have been positive, which led to the expansion of the audience and the development of new games.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Several issues are associated with skill-based games that are introduced into casinos, especially legal issues. Regular casino games are very controlled to guarantee that their consumers are treated fairly and that the results of the games are purely random. Competency-based games, however, bring randomness in player results depending on the player’s competence and this may pose a challenge to regulators.
The issues that need to be considered by regulators include the aspect of game design, fairness and the issue of whether it is gambling or gaming. For instance, how much level of skill does a game have to possess to be classified as a skill-based game rather than a chance-based game? The answers to these questions are not easy and imply the reconsideration of the current gambling legislation regarding the classification of skill-based games.
Impact on Casino Revenue
The transition to skill-based games can also be explained by looking at the monetary aspect. Some of the most popular games that are offered in the conventional casinos are the slots and they have been losing their appeal amongst the young citizens. Through the introduction of skill-based games, casinos hope to lure this population segment in the hopes of increasing traffic and earnings.
Also, skill-based games can cause more time and money spent on the game since the player is learning and mastering new skills. Such games that are based on a certain level of player’s control are more likely to be entertaining and keep the players involved rather than the games of chance, where the outcome cannot be influenced in any way.
The Future of Skill-Based Gaming
Skill-based casino games are expected to grow in the future and there are more innovations to look forward to in the future. Further developments in these games will be in the application of virtual reality (VR) and or augmented reality (AR) to increase the interaction. Imagine a real-life casino game where you can physically get up and move around and also within the game and make it more of a skill-based game.
Also, it is possible to enhance the personalization of skill-based games due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI algorithms can regulate the complexity of the game and the tasks within it based on the player’s skill; this means that every player will be occupied in the game.
In the future, the relations between these two types of companies will be critical for the evolution of the industry. Casinos should therefore maintain the conventional games while at the same time introducing new skill-based games for the various clientele. Additionally, there will be a need to ensure that there is constant communication with the regulators so that such games can be ascertained to be fair and do not in any way contravene the law.
The development of skill-based casino games can be placed down to the attempts to attract the youth and enthusiasts of technology to gambling. Due to the current advancements in technology and changes in the legal framework of the world, skill-based games are expected to evolve as the future of the casino business, which will certainly be entertaining for all participants.