In an effort to attract younger gamblers, European casinos lately have been experimenting with skill-based slots—but the results have been less than remarkable, according to Gambling Compliance. In fact, like their counterparts in New Jersey and Las Vegas, casino officials have been removing skill-based casino slots because the games are not economically feasible.
Skill-based slots were designed to bridge the gap between casino games and millennials’ preferred forms of gambling, online and video. The technology was field tested in the U.S. but eventually numerous casino operators determined the return on investment was less than the cost of leasing the terminals and had the games taken out.
Simon Thomas, chief executive at Hippodrome Casino in London, said, “Skill-based slots are doomed to failure because they annoy gamers who don’t see why they should play their favorite game in a slots version and they disappoint gamblers who want to play a straightforward slot game and feel they are at a disadvantage.”
Eric Olders, chief executive officer at the Dutch casino JVH Gaming & Entertainment Group, added, “I don’t think skill-based games are that important to us. We’re looking at other areas to see where we’re not attractive enough. I think we should be sticking to our core business. If you put skill-based elements into a bonus that you play next to your neighbor it can become a bit more exciting, but in general it’s like putting table tennis tables into a casino. I don’t see that happening.”
Still, European casino operators are seeking to attract younger players in other innovative ways. For example, Casinos Austria is planning a partnership with the country’s soccer league to form on-premises eSports teams.
