Getting ready for Japanese gambling habits
EGTs might find good niche at limited space casinos
As global casino operators vie for a license to enter Japan, which is expected to be one of the world’s hottest gaming markets, most of the attention so far has been on the possible locations and what the IRs may offer. However, once they are built decisions will need to be made on how to populate the gaming floor.
The current regulation restricting the casino to just 3 percent of the total area of an IR will mean that space is at a premium. This factor, coupled with unfamiliarity about table games in Japan, is likely to mean ETGs play a major role.
While competition is hotting up amongst the operators bidding for a coveted Japan license, suppliers are also eyeing the market for opportunities and trying to answer the key question as to what the Japanese casino floor might look like.
Popular gambling is done playing Pachinko, a mechanical type game much like the old slots type games, although nowadays Pachinko halls also feature a number of slot machines, called pachislot/s, giving such venues a look similar to casinos. Needless to say, as technology moves forward, modern pachislot machines are highly customizable.
It’s a no brainer that casino slot makers are already looking at forms of offering pachinko type games when casinos open, and some games are likely to be in the form of EGTs, as well.
Japan’s pachinko market generates more gambling revenue than that of Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore combined, and latest estimates place this market at US$205 billion.
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