INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE
Talking about table games T
able games offer players a classic casino experience through a digital lens. Despite facing competition from more immersive live casino titles, table games have maintained their status as a staple for iGaming operators, catering to the niche of players who prefer RNG-based gameplay. We spoke to Dana Jackel, VP commercial - managing director US at Light & Wonder iGaming, Madis Raus, head of Bombay Games and Amy Brewis, account manager, at Realistic Games to delve into the long withstanding appeal of the vertical and
In an industry that is constantly evolving, players are still drawn to the simplicity of table games. How has the vertical maintained its popularity against some of the more dynamic iGaming products? DJ: Table games are one of the longest- withstanding iGaming products thanks to the fundamental familiarity of the titles. Blackjack and roulette continue to reign as the most popular land-based casino experiences worldwide so naturally there is an appetite for them in the online world. Despite their straightforward nature, these games encapsulate core principles of the players’ mentality that set them apart from other genres. While they maintain simplicity at their core, the past 20 years have witnessed the evolution of the basics in addition to numerous side bets, each offering a variety of options, catering to players with diverse preferences. The strategic element inherent in table games attracts a different demographic of players separate from those drawn to other categories.
Importantly, the ability to play Live table games is a key element in maintaining the popularity of table games digitally. Live games make players feel like they are part of the action just like in their local brick & mortar casino. At Light & Wonder, our ability to bring our player-favourite, historic differentiator and a huge driver of player interaction. MR: The simple answer to this question is that people like familiarity, so they stick to what they are used to. Delving deeper into it, we can see that some of the products, mostly live casino, have taken some of the market share of traditional RNG table games. However, RNG table games still have their place. They remain popular because they offer no waiting time, they are light on data usage and have a quicker speed of play. For these reasons, players come back to RNG table games.
10 APRIL 2024 GIO
Key industry members explore how table games stand out in such a competitive market.
AB: Table games thrive due to the unique and engaging interactions they offer. Unlike passive gameplay options provided by other verticals, table games empower players through strategic decision-making. This is evident in games like blackjack, where players make choices throughout the hand, or roulette, where the placement of bets adds a layer of strategy.
Other verticals don’t offer this strategic depth, which means that table games distinguish themselves from the competition increasing their player base. Additionally, cross-sell players also account for the sector’s popularity with sportsbook enthusiasts and land-based players gravitating towards the familiarity and easily understood gameplay of table games versus slots.
Amy Brewis
Table games thrive due to the unique and engaging interactions they offer
Dana Jackel
How do your table games differentiate themselves from others on the market and what role does innovation play in the genre? DJ: Light & Wonder’s heritage within the global land-based casino sector has ensured our use of data to shape our RNG & Live table game development. For over two decades we have been pioneering the progression of table games, with many of our existing games still proving popular with players to this day, including titles Hold’em, not to mention our impressive sidebet catalogue. Our strong expertise in this vertical across land-based and digital environments gives
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