The social gaming market is huge and finding ways to convert social gamers into real-money gamblers are always being analyzed.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement is aiming to tap into that market by accepting submissions of new skill-based games that can lure those familiar with popular social games to the casino. In a press release issued yesterday, games such as “Words with Friends” and “Candy Crush” were specifically mentioned as possible games to emulate when creating real-money knock-offs.
Citing the loyal following of players of such games currently being played on the likes of Facebook in the social gaming space, the DGE is aware that a new generation of players
can be unveiled if real-money options became available. State gaming regulators have already discussed the new strategy with gaming company and Atlantic City casino representatives and have encouraged the birthing of new, creative models.
The DGE is currently operating a New Jersey First
program and boasts that it can approve and bring to market new electronic games faster than any other state in the U.S. That program launched three years ago and has been deemed successful in its relatively short time in existence.
Following the testing of new games, the DGE has mentioned a time frame of just 14 days to bring those games into casinos. From there, software can be created that would allow New Jersey’s regulated online gaming sites to offer the games on the Internet.
Melding casino gambling with social gaming would likely create a new category of casino gaming,
said the DGE release. In all likelihood, that category would be copied throughout the country and possibly the world should the endeavor of creating new skill-based real-money games prove successful.
New Jersey casinos have seen decreasing revenue for eight years running. It has resulted in four casino closings this year, with one more looming.
Finding new sources of revenue is needed to turn around the once-proud Atlantic City gaming industry. What better way than to perhaps target social gamers who have already proven their devotion to games that, with a little bit of ingenuity, can be fashioned into real-money copycats?
The DGE mentioned the changing market and demographics of the casino industry
while encouraging new game submissions. Studies have shown that those gamblers who visit casinos tend to be older, while younger players seem to favor Internet gaming. By bringing popular online games into the casinos under real-money versions, that could slowly change.
