The question about the availability of skill-based games in Atlantic City casinos has been a widely discussed topic for a long time.
Within a few weeks, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is going to play host to a competition including the skill-based games Atlantic City officials are currently reviewing. In other words, there is a chance for them to become widely popular and available at every casino venue. The skill-based games in question are intended to feature slot machines, similar to Scrabble, sports competitions, etc.
Currently, the gambling industry of Atlantic City is experiencing serious financial issues and the implementation of new, appealing casino features is believed to boost the economy and help casinos resist the increasing competition of the neighboring states.
A representative of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement pointed to the fact that the younger generation is not as interested in playing casino games as their parents and grandparents were. Plus, they are more likely to play a casino game on their mobile devices instead of going to a traditional casino.
Last month, the Garden State became the first to approve the availability of skill-based games within local casinos and Borgata executives have already taken imminent actions towards installing the new machines.
Although the expectations are the new approach to be beneficial to the economy, there is no proof that the forecast of the market analysts will come true and the financial condition of the region will be improved.
For the time being, the casinos are contributing approximately $3 billion to the state coffers annually. In comparison, they paid the state more than $5 billion per year. The rapid decrease was accompanied by the closure of four casinos which filed for bankruptcy and a fifth one was threatened to have the same fate.
Currently, Tropicana Casino as well as the remaining AC casinos are considering the opportunity for establishing skill-based games within their premises.
However, as already mentioned, the financial condition of most casinos is not that optimistic although a slight increase during the previous month was reported. Bearing that factor in mind, it might not be possible for them to spend a lot of money on purchasing the new machines.
Expectedly, skill-based games are going to attract opponents as well as supporters but people with knowledge on the matter said that if Borgata adopts skill-based games, the other venues will not rush and install machines in their properties. On the contrary – they are likely to wait and see how successful Borgata’s venture is going to be.
