Skill-based slot games have continued to gain widespread attention in the United States. These games exist to change the narrative of electronic gaming machines being 100% chance-based. Like slots, skill games are for entertainment. Both have a similar setup–wager a certain fee for a chance to compete for a prize.
The only major distinctness is the addition of certain features that demand that a player have certain skills to win. This means that the machines do not determine the fate of your payout all by themselves. Due to this borderline difference, skill games are legal in many states.
What makes skill-based slot games special, how do they differ from regular slot machines, and are there any legal concerns?
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Skill-Based Slot Games: Changing the Narrative of Chance
Skill-based slot games are electronic gaming machines where outcomes are influenced by player skill, rather than relying entirely on random number generators (RNGs). A player’s input is needed during gameplay. Conversely, in regular online slots real money games, RNG is king; winning is all about chance.
Caesars Entertainment introduced the first set of skill-based slots in 2016. The casino operator installed 21 of these machines in Atlantic City. After a while, others like GameCO also released their machines.
Between 2016 and 2020 (pre-COVID), skill-based slots were vigorously marketed. Suppliers of these games wanted to attract the younger generation, who seemed less thrilled by traditional slot machines.
Eight years later, can we say they have been successful? Yes, to a certain degree. However, despite multiple design changes and the introduction of new options, skill games are yet to gain a foothold on the casino floors where you find skill games like roulette.
Plus, there have been some legal fights, which we will attend to further below.
Working Mechanics of Skill-Based Slot Games
Skill-based games are similar in design and operation to slot machines. They feature reels that spin and RNGs, so there is an element of luck involved in gameplay.
Now then, things get more interesting in bonus rounds. Here, the skill aspect kicks in and players may have to engage in tasks, make strategic decisions, and demonstrate an understanding of the game.
Therefore, qualities like hand-eye coordination, good recollection memory, and accuracy in timing may be needed. So, after one or two spins, you get to a bonus round which you’ll have to decide whether to accept or not. If you choose to go for it, you may be asked to solve puzzles, shoot down enemy planes, or even race cars.
A good example of a skill-based slot game is Space Invaders, created by Scientific Games. This slot was inspired by a classic Japanese arcade game released in April 1978. After the usual slot gaming rounds, players can choose between free spins or an interactive bonus. Going for the latter will open up the bonus game, which involves shooting down space invaders or aliens using your spacecraft. The players’ performance in this round contributes significantly to their overall payout.
Another subgame found in a skill game is “Follow Me.” Here, players win back what they lost plus a little extra if they can correctly remember a 20-step pattern on the screen and repeat it successfully. You can now see why we mentioned earlier that these games are tailored with the younger generation in mind. Plus, they are cool in their own way.
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Legal Issues With Skill-Based Slot Games
A few years ago, skill games were not a threat to slot machine operators or the gaming communities at large, but now they are. This is mainly because they are not regulated in most states. They are installed in bars, clubs, gas stations, convenience stores, and other places that are accessible to anyone. In Pennsylvania(PA), there are close to 100,000 skill games. They are proliferating, making them difficult to regulate.
Casino operators in PA filed a lawsuit in August 2024, fighting against the increase in taxes placed on slot machine options, whereas no dime is paid on skill games. However, skill game operators responded that most of the revenue generated, about 90%, as they claim, stays in the city where the games are played.
Also, in Virginia, skill-based slot games have been banned often, but the sanctions haven’t lasted long. Around February 2024, pro skill gamers wore T-shirts in favor of the games. However, this move is believed to have been sponsored by the skill game market leader Pace-o-Matic.
The Virginia Senate House, after much back-and-forth, has imposed strict regulations. Any skill machine that requires the insertion of a currency, coin, or ticket for its operations to start is deemed illegal.
However, last month, Pace-o-Matic introduced new cashless skill game machines, making them fall outside the definition of illegal skill games under Virginia law. Concerns have been raised, and, of course, this will be generating new reports soon.
Verdict on Slot Machines vs. Skill-Based Games
According to an American Gaming Association (AGA) survey, many players of both skill and slot games reported they are the same. The element of skill does not overshadow chance in skill games.
Also, Carolyn Hawley, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who is an expert on fighting gambling addiction, said that from a responsible gaming perspective, there’s “really no difference” between skill games and slot machines. People get addicted to them just like slots. It is one of the top three reported activities.
Additionally, despite the advancements, skill games have not reached the level of slot games in every aspect, including revenue. If you want to stand a chance of winning jackpots, playing traditional slot games remains the best option.
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