Inside Asian Gaming

MAY 2018 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 59 Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey which yielded very positive results regarding customer advocacy for Aristocrat across Asia. The same survey also uncovered some opportunities around “ease of doing business” with Aristocrat; we’ve instituted a plan to this end. Aristocrat devotes significant resources to Asian product development. We’ve spent time segmenting the market and surfacing trends to ensure sustained, focused innovation. IAG: What are the current trends in terms of slots games right now, both in Macau and across Asia as a whole? CR: We’re seeing a trend towards multi-denomination linked progressives and what we call “Hold & Spin” features. Both mechanics were pioneered by Aristocrat’s Lightning Link which was built for Australia but has proven to be a global phenomenon. Aristocrat, on the back of Lightning Link, continues to nurture this segment with new games like Mighty Cash. Watch this space! IAG: Which Asian jurisdictions are seeing the most significant growth right now and why? CR: The Philippines continues to do well, with a growing economy and increasing tourism. In the coming years, we’re looking forward to new casino openings and exiting expansion across the country. Vietnam is also promising. The trial approval of locals’ gaming has FEATURES paved the way for integrated resort development which will augment the existing foreigner-only slot halls. IAG: Focusing specifically on Macau, it has long been stated that there is considerable room for growth in the slots market given the historic dominance of table games. Have you seen signs of this growth taking place? CR: We believe there’s opportunity to broaden the appeal of slots through pricing strategies and a broader range of slot machines – both cabinets and games. To get there will require a fundamental shift in the way the market views slot machine performance. Macau “Aristocrat devotes significant resources to Asian product development. We’ve spent time segmenting the market and surfacing trends to ensure sustained, focused innovation.”