One of the largest and most successful industries in the world is the casino industry, both brick and mortar and online. The physical and online casino industry is currently worth an estimated $227 billion, with online casinos alone bringing in $46 billion of that number. If a person were to compare the casino landscape from 20 years ago to today, it is vastly different as the industry continues to move online.
Even the iconic physical slot machines have been replaced with digitalized slot machines with algorithms predicting a win or loss. Although, in spite of all the technological advancements and the fact that every casino game has now moved online, they’re all practically still the same. It might not be easy to tell they’re the same with the graphics and game modes now offered on popular casinos like Vera & John, according to Manekineko Casino Vera & John offer over 350 slot games. So, it’s clear that slots have stood the test of time no matter the type of casino you play at now, whether in person or at home from your mobile. It is obviously to some degree due to the popularity of the classic casino games, and that they were designed in such a way to withstand the test of time, although there could be other factors that we’re going to look at.
Familiarity
When someone brings up the image of a casino in their mind, many people would think of rows of slot machines, table games such as blackjack, poker and the iconic roulette wheel, even without having visited a casino before or played any of the games. This is because these games have become imprinted on people’s memory, whether it be through books, stories, movies or television series; there is an expectation of what a casino should look like, and as a result, these are the games that are provided. In addition to these games becoming iconic, the online casino industry needs them to maintain their initial success.
This is because the games are familiar to those new to playing casino games, and also for the experienced gamblers moving online, which is critical for online casinos since they are relatively new, and new games might not gain the same traction as the classics.
Some don’t require skill and are fun
Some casino games are designed in such a way to be fun and not require skill, such as slots, which is something that every new gambler needs; a simple game to introduce them to gambling. Games like slots, baccarat and bingo are all engaging yet simple, and offer fast gameplay that doesn’t require much in the way of strategy. These games are perfect for someone just looking to pass the time, or to test their luck.
Although even slot games have changed dramatically over the years to maintain their relevance, whether it be by the added animations or the many themes, such as celebrities, sports or superheroes. Some slot games are even adopting video game themes to appeal to a younger audience, and bingo is vastly different too.
The odds are better
In terms of people wanting to win money, the classic table games give the best odds, even online. Games like blackjack have an average house edge of 0.5%, video poker has a house edge of 0.46% and roulette is 5.26%. To give an example, a person could play blackjack with a $200 bankroll and bet $2 per hand, and be able to play for over 4 hours if they use basic strategy.
This kind of low house edge is extremely appealing for many gamblers, especially those who don’t have a lot of experience. In addition to the house edge, all of the games listed above include a social factor, which is extremely important for the entertainment value of the game.
Things might be changing
With all of that being said, things might be changing though, as the more experienced gamblers become less. Millennials are slowly becoming the main customer base for the casino industry, and because of that, a few games are slowly becoming less popular. Studies show that millennials are interested in games with strategy and skill, and find games like blackjack and slot unfair and uninteresting.
Even Las Vegas is not really a gambling destination anymore, but a party destination, with room revenue from hotels being almost the same as the revenue from casinos, indicating that millennials are more interested in partying than gambling. Online gambling however shows an increase in the popularity of poker and sports betting, virtual and real, amongst millennials. However, traditional, classic casino games are not going anywhere, any time soon.
Be sure to check out gclub for more information about the aforementioned.
