The perspectives to the gaming industry in the United States and to the slot machines in particular, don’t seem to be very bright and the latest reports and estimates only come to confirm that statement. According to the gambling professionals, the number of new slot machines, bought by casino owners, has decreased, compared to the deals, made earlier this year.
Todd Eilers expressed his concerns that the lost interest in buying new slot machines can potentially lead to almost 30% drop in sales in North America. Brian McGill, a promising gaming analyst, is on the same mind. He is absolutely convinced that the gaming industry will experience some serious issues in the foreseeable future. His predictions are based on the current situation and on the fact that there were unexpected delays in the openings of the new casinos in Massachusetts and Philadelphia.
At the same time the rapid decrease in sales made six casinos file for bankruptcy and the usage of approximately 10, 000 slot machines will be brought to a standstill.
Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino closes today and the closure of Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi is said to take place the upcoming Friday.
Harrah’s Tunica and the Snowboat Casino in New Jersey had the same fate.
And here comes the question where the remaining slot machines will be used at. One of the suggestions that have been put forward was moving the slots to some other casinos in the States.
As a matter of fact, a great number of the slot machines are practically brand new. There are some other that have the expected signs of continuous usage though.
Some of the slots “will be destroyed, as they are too old, or shipped into international markets,” – said Eilers.
Although the situation with the casinos is not too optimistic, the slot machine manufacturers haven’t lost hope that they will sell their production. The Global Gaming Expo will be opened within two weeks.
However, there is another side of the coin. All the troubles have made the manufacturers reinforce and several significant contracts for cooperation were signed, which, according to the specialists, will make the companies more stable and resistant to serious issues.
For the time being, the most difficult task the slot machines’ manufacturers have to face is finding new contractors and selling their goods.
According to McGill, there is no point in discussing the further development of casinos, located in New Hampshire, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky or Colorado.
There is an option of bringing 9, 000 slot machines to casinos, based in Massachusetts. However, these intentions might not be realized unless the new casino laws are accepted by the authorities.
McGill is also keeping an eye on the gambling matters in New York, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania where the gaming authorities might solve the states’ gambling issues until December, 2014.
Anyway, the analysts are not too hopeful about the outcome of the current situation. “In our opinion, it is difficult to see significant upside in terms of revenues across the industry for anyone,” commented McGill.
