*Click on each of the links below to read essays from various sectors of the industry.
Part 1 (Architecture, Construction and Design; Associations, Attorneys and Law Firms; Cash Handling, Equipment and Access)
Part 2 (Casino-Resort Management, Compliance Development and Profitability Software; Finance; I-Gaming; Operators; Peripherals, Accessories, and Equipment)
Part 3 (Regulation and Testing; Slot and Class II Manufacturers, Slot, Class II and Table Game Operators; and Table Games & Equipment)
2013 proved to be an important one for the gaming industry as a new frontier of legal Internet gaming opened in the United States, following the Department of Justice’s more liberal interpretation of the Wire Act.
Three U.S. states—Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey—crossed the threshold in 2013 to offer various forms of online wagering within their borders. Many believe 2014 may be a breakout year for online gaming in the U.S., with California, Pennsylvania and Connecticut among those mentioned as possibly poised to follow in the footsteps of the first-movers. Meanwhile, 2014 might also become a battleground over online wagering as Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson revealed in late 2013 that he is mounting a campaign to push for a federal ban on Internet gaming, with the American Gaming Association (AGA) opposing that position.
2013 was a year that saw some consolidation in the gaming industry, most notably within the manufacturing sector where two major acquisitions were consummated. Bally Technologies acquired Las Vegas-based table games company SHFL entertainment, while Scientific Games bought Illinois-based slot company WMS. 2014 may bring even more consolidation in the broader gaming industry as competition grows and North American growth stays modest.
Several U.S. regions that made headlines in 2013 will no doubt continue to do in 2014. The Sunshine State drew plenty of interest in 2013 when the Florida Legislature commissioned a $400,000 comprehensive study of the state’s gaming industry. A Senate panel is now holding hearing and trying to decide what, if anything, to do to overhaul the state’s current gaming system in 2014.
New York voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2013 to expand casino gambling, authorizing as many as seven full-scale casinos.The State Gaming Commission hopes to select the first four operators by late 2014. Also in 2014, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is expected to make a decision on issuing licenses for three regional casinos and one slot parlor.
Beyond North America, opportunities still abound in Macau and other parts of Asia, and many industry experts express hope that Japan might soon legalize gaming.
2014 promises to be an eventful year, full of twists and turns. CEM will strive to keep readers informed of the latest trends and developments over the coming year. Now, read on to find out what your peers and other industry experts think about prospects for what the New Year may bring. Happy reading, and happy 2014!
With 73 essays in this year’s collection of forecasts, we found many thoughts, observations and predictions particularly insightful, and we’re sure you will, too. The following pages are filled with expert forecasts and predictions, but for a quick snapshot, we’ve selected just a few of our favorite quotes.
“While most industry observers are focused on the real money Internet gaming opportunity, we continue highlight the emergence of the social casino industry as a more near-term growth driver for both operators and content providers in North America as there are no jurisdictional approvals and/or regulatory hurdles. According to our most recent Social Casino Tracker, we estimate the market will reach $2.9 billion in 2014 versus the U.S. real money I-gaming market at only $220 million.”—Todd Eilers, Owner and Director of Research, Eilers Research, LLC
“Analysts estimate the online revenue potential of New Jersey at $300 million to $1.2 billion a year. We’ll see. It might take a while to get there. And how New Jersey goes, so goes the nation. At least that’s the thinking. If Internet gaming is a home run in the Garden State, the push will be in other big states, namely California, Illinois and Pennsylvania.”—Frank Fantini, CEO, Fantini Research
“The gaming landscape remains extremely competitive as we enter the New Year. However, we believe the playing field tilts in favor of suppliers who are nimble and have the ability to bring fresh products and new offerings to the casinos to provide diversification and value for their patrons. Even as the gaming industry faces challenges, manufacturers continue to invest in new developments and innovations which engage players and provide casino operators with a competitive edge. We all felt the tremendous energy and enthusiasm emanating from the marketplace during G2E this past October—higher attendance, more decision makers and truly exciting technology and innovations—signs of optimism in the market and economy.”—Mauro Franic, Chief Operating Officer, Cadillac Jack
“To say that our industry is alive with fresh potential is an understatement. Having gained more solid financial traction this year, and with many economic indicators pointing in the right direction, our industry is poised to embark upon another vast transformation.”—Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International
“The coming 12 months promise to be among the most dynamic and interesting in the history of gaming, as technology, new media channels, and regulations evolve and intersect to create unique new opportunities. We’re seeing a macro-trend of greater strides toward liberalization in gaming markets. Governments around the world are becoming more comfortable with authorizing and regulating destination casino gaming, distributed slot machine gaming, interactive games, and lottery privatizations.”—Jaymin Patel, CEO, GTECH Americas
“Remember complaining about IGT monopolizing everything? Or later cursing the iron grip of the “Big Four”—IGT, Bally, WMS and Aristocrat. Back then, we could only dream that someday there would be real competition. Today I’m reminded of those words from the renowned philosopher Eminem, “be careful of what you wish for.” We have 22 different manufacturers on Pechanga’s gaming floor arrayed in 67 different cabinets or versions. And there are eight more in, or headed to, our test lab. But is this ‘the best of times,’ or ‘the worst of times’?”—Buddy Frank, Vice President of Slots, Pechanga Resort and Casino
Click on each of the links below to read essays from various sectors of the industry.
Part 1 (Architecture, Construction and Design; Associations, Attorneys and Law Firms; Cash Handling, Equipment and Access)
Part 2 (Casino-Resort Management, Compliance Development and Profitability Software; Finance; I-Gaming; Operators; Peripherals, Accessories, and Equipment)
Part 3 (Regulation and Testing; Slot and Class II Manufacturers, Slot, Class II and Table Game Operators; and Table Games & Equipment)