New Trends in Slot Machines for a New Generation

Slot machines have changed very little in the hundred years since they were invented. All that gambling required was high hopes, the ability to push a button, or pull the handle on the one-armed bandit, and of course, lots of money to spend. But these days, a new generation of gamblers, that grew up on interactive video and computer games, finds it too boring to just sit and stare at a machine for hours on end. So slot machine makers are catering to the generation that has developed its hand and eye coordination to the max, and are introducing new trends, and slot machines that require skill.

Casinos are realizing that newcomers to gambling will be looking for more technologically sophisticated games. They are wanting to entice a new clientele with all kinds of bells and whistles, including high-tech graphics and sound, and games that are geared for player interaction. Because the gaming business is evolving rapidly, properties are not waiting as long to replace machines with newer models. In the past, replacements were made approximately every 5-7 years, but now machines are replaced approximately every 3-5 years. The tremendous competition with other casinos, requires operators to also have a larger quantity of machines, as well as newer ones.

Another innovative trend is linking several machines together, so that players can team up or compete with each other. The Showboat Casino, in Atlantic City, reports that many young people are drawn to these communal games. Some of these games invite groups of players to compete against the house, and the excitement of a group win is palpable. This multi-player approach has resulted in gambling being a less solitary activity, and has encouraged an interactive social environment in the casinos.