It seems that Maryland is among the states that are currently seeing decreased interest in slot machines among younger players. They appear to prefer table games instead.
Over the course of the past 15 months, Maryland Live, Hollywood Casino Perryville, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, known to be the state’s largest gambling venues, have disposed of as many as 1,350 slot machines or 16% of the slots offered at those. Owners of the three casinos explained that the changes were implemented so that more room for table games, restaurants, and entertainment options is provided.
But as mentioned above, Maryland is not the only state where slots are losing ground to other gambling options. For instance, the number of slot machines in Nevada, one of the world’s most popular gambling hubs, has dropped from the record 217,000 in 2001 to 175,000 in 2014. Revenue from those has also declined more than 20% between 2007 and 2014.
A decrease in the number of slots in Maryland would probably result in less revenue contributed to the state. Local casinos annually pay a 57% to 61% tax on earnings from slot machines, except for Rocky Gap Casino, which pays a 50% tax. In comparison, table games have been imposed a 20% tax rate.
Certain state legislators believe that casino owners are disposing of slot machines and introducing more table games, in order to pay less in tax. Del. Eric G. Luedtke, however, believes that this is not the case and Maryland’s gambling venues are simply “responding to consumer demand” and “getting ready for the opening of MGM next year.”
As previously reported, major gambling operator MGM Resorts is building a $1.2-billion integrated casino resort in Prince George’s County along the Potomac River. MGM National Harbor, as it is to be called, will feature 3,600 slot machines and 140 table games, among other amenities. The venue is expected to open doors sometime in 2016.
With that many slot machines at MGM National Harbor, it could be said that they might not have lost their appeal completely. Alex Dixon, Vice President and Assistant General Manager at Horseshoe Baltimore, commented on the decreasing interest in slots as “changes within overarching trend.” The official also noted that they are looking for ways to stop the downtrend but according to him, that could not be achieved overnight.
As mentioned above, Nevada is also among the states which are trying to make slot machines more appealing to younger players. This is why, last week, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a bill that would authorize the development of interactive slot machines. Those are to introduce certain level of skill so that players would not have to rely solely on their luck.
Del. Luedtke, however, commented that Maryland and Nevada are in completely different positions and skill-based slots are not likely to be considered by lawmakers and casino officials anytime soon. Instead, the latter would continue trying to attract the attention of younger players by launching slot programs with appealing jackpots and opting for games tied to popular TV shows and other pop culture elements.
