Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming December 2015 16 IAG: What do you see as the major differences in the slots markets of Australia, the US and Asia? KJ: The Asian slot market is still small in terms of world market, less than 100,000 machines. If you look at the North American market its about 900,000 and Australia 200,000 today. The US market growth was astonishing over the last 10 years as more North American states introduced casinos. Australia has been relatively stagnant in machine volume growth – it’s mainly a replacement market and Asia has slow and steady growth. TV themes play a large role in the game themes of slot machines for the US market, Asia is very much about the Chinese theme today and games in Australia have stayed fairly traditional. Some Asian themes have even carried around the world in popularity, since every large city in the world has a Chinatown. Return to player percentages from the game maths and the additional promotions seem to be varying in the different markets. Recent reports from the US generally show higher house percentage returns. IAG: There’s been a lot of M&A activity in the industry in the last few years, including with Scientific Games. What are your thoughts on that? KJ: The M&A is offering opportunities for companies to become larger industry players and offer a greater range of products and services to their valuable clients. Scientific Games has been one of these allowing customers to partner in all aspects on their gaming requirements and to work with the company to bring products that entertain their players. It’s exciting to work in a company with many product lines and which understands both electronic and live casino products and environments. IAG: The Duo Fu Duo Cai link has been a great success in Asia and indeed around the world. What factors do you feel have led to this? KJ: Duo Fu Duo Cai is one of the most outstanding products in this industry I have seen in my 36 year history. Great games and concepts are derived from specialized teams focusing on good math packages. Duo Fu Duo Cai is one of the most complex game math design packages I have seen in my history in gaming. Volatility has rewarded players with fun and excitement on DFDC allowing more winners and greater Industry profile “The Macau slot market has driven volatility and jackpots causing manufacturers to offer more range in their development studios so as to cover Asia. Choy Sun Doa to 88 Fortunes and the Fa Fa Fa to Duo Fu Duo Cai links are all products of this … Duo Fu Duo Cai is one of the most outstanding products in this industry I have seen in my 36 year history.”