Skill gaming machines doing well in Nevada

It’s been only a week since full implementation, but the first licensed skill games are apparently being well received in Nevada so far, according to installer Gamblit chief Eric Meyerhofer.

Answering a question from Nevada Gaming Control Board chair AG Burnett at a hearing this week, Meyerhofer said the games had been successfully installed and were being trialled at Caesars property Planet Hollywood, and that results so far are encouraging.

In summary, Meyerhof reported:

* The games in use are his company’s Cannonbeard’s Treasure and Gamblit Poker, which were installed March 30 as part of the Board’s “Innovation Beta” plan that allows quicker testing and approval of new gambling technology.

* Players are interacting well and showing great enthusiasm, especially on the social element of interacting with other players;

* The games are attracting a younger demographic, which is a positive and desired development;

* Average play time is around 45 minutes, although some players are spending up to two hours;

* Bets are smaller until players become more familiar with the game, when stakes rise to around $20.

Meyerhofer said that it was still early days, but observed:

“The big thing to know is ‘Are we finding new dollars? Are we growing the market? And it looks like we are skewing younger.”