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Over the past decade, casinos have seen a decline in interest in traditional slot machines, especially from younger demographics. In response, many casinos, including Rabona Casino, have begun implementing skill-based gambling machines that blend entertainment with betting. These new games provide players with more involvement, require some skill, and incorporate popular video game features.

The Emergence of Skill-Based Slots

Casinos have offered skill-based table games like poker and blackjack for decades. However, slot machines have traditionally been games of pure chance. But that’s now changing with the rise of slots that incorporate skill elements.

Key reasons driving this trend:

• Younger casino-goers have grown up playing immersive video games and expect more interactive and exciting gambling experiences
• Skill-based components appeal to players who prefer having some control over game outcomes based on their ability
• By law, these machines must still include predominant elements of chance to be considered gambling games in most jurisdictions

Major Skill-Based Slot Developers

Several casino gaming companies have invested heavily in this emerging genre of slots over the last few years:

• IGT – the largest slot machine manufacturer, offers skill-based games like Centipede and Scrabble
• Gamblit Gaming – focuses exclusively on skill-based slots, including Cannonbeard’s Treasure
• GameCo – creates video game gambling hybrids like Danger Arena and Nothin’ But Net
• Scientific Gaming – develops patented skill-based games, including Space Invaders

Key Game Features

While each developer puts their own spin on the concept, skill-based slots often have some common traits:

• Bonus rounds with skill elements like aiming and shooting instead of just passive-watching
• Mini-games that challenge manual dexterity and quick reflexes
• Strategy considerations around risk-reward trade-offs
• Leaderboards so players can compare their rankings and accomplishments with others

The Intersection of Gaming and Gambling

Key Differences Between Gaming and Gambling:

Gaming	Gambling
Skill & talent play a major role	Chance is a dominant factor
Players wager time	Players wager money
Bragging rights on the line	Financial winnings on the line
Escapism, creativity	Risk, thrill-seeking

So why combine these different forms of entertainment? Casinos aim to capitalize on the crossover appeal. Skill-based wagering draws in video gamers looking for a new challenge with some skin in the iphone slots game. And it provides current casino customers with an alternative to traditional slots.

Early Adoption and Results

These hybrid games first emerged around 2016 but initial offerings failed to resonate strongly. Players were confused by the mashed-up concepts and the games were overly complicated.

Software providers went back to the workshop, and the second wave hitting casino floors now applies lessons learned. The latest skill-based slots aim for an optimal blend of approachable design with recognizable intellectual property.

And several new installations report positive outcomes:

• Skill-based slots account for over 20% of play at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
• 90%+ of players at Resorts World New York City Casinos prefer the skill component
• Over 65% of skill game revenue at Foxwoods comes from ages 21-35

The Future of Skill-Based Gambling Games

This promising early adoption indicates that skill-based gambling games have tapped into an underserved demographic. These hybrid games present a bridge to draw younger generations onto the casino floor.

As casinos compete more aggressively for entertainment dollars, expect ongoing innovation where betting meets interactive gaming. Both software developers and venues will continue investing in games that are social, creative, customizable, and skills-oriented.

Games will likely grow more physically interactive down the road too, blending virtual reality elements. And the skill vs chance balance will continue getting fine-tuned until hitting the commercial sweet spot.

The Bottom Line

While still a niche category today, skill-based wagering games seem positioned for widespread growth. Early results reveal their potential to get younger players invested while also complementing classic casino offerings.

Casinos that dismiss skill-based gambling as a passing fad do so at their own peril. Integrating gaming and gambling is no gimmick but rather a critical strategy for broadening entertainment appeal.

Look for ability-based betting machines that artfully merge skills tests, video game qualities, and gambling rewards to thrive as a casino mainstay in the coming years. Getting in the game now with thoughtful adoption leaves venues, developers, and players well-positioned to reap future rewards.