Derik Moobery: 2016 G2E show is poised to be the biggest yet for Scientific Games

2016-09-12

Reading time 4:21 min

At the forthcoming G2E event in Las Vegas, industry-leader Scientific Games will be showcasing 200 slot games, nearly 100 unique themes, as well as table products, electronic table games, and lottery and interactive solutions. In an exclusive sit-down interview with Yogonet, company's Derik Mooberry explains why this year's G2E is not to be missed.

Why is the G2E Las Vegas a good fit for your company?

G2E is the largest trade show and conference for the casino gaming industry. The show is always well attended and successful for Scientific Games, giving us the opportunity to reach thousands of customers and partners in one week. This year, the conference organizers expect 20,000 attendees and they also expect to double the number of attendees who go to the educational portion of G2E, which is exciting to us because we have a number of executives on panels sharing their thought leadership.

What can visitors expect to see from you this year? Will you be launching any new products - other than the ones you've already introduced at other industry events such as ICE Totally Gaming?

This year’s show is going to be our best yet. Our two-level exhibit is more than 21,000 square feet. We are launching three new hardware platforms, an array of new game content, 10 new games based on consumer-favorite licensed brands, and a host of groundbreaking new products in casino systems, lottery, and interactive.

What will be the highlights of the 2016 G2E Vegas and why?

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One of the Scientific Games G2E highlights is our new PRIZM Game Table, an industry-first in slot cabinet design

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The pioneering social gaming table features a 65-inch 4K display that serves as both the player interface and a table with seating for four. PRIZM Game Table is a perfect fit on the casino floor and in a lounge setting for community-style play and unrivaled social interaction. After launching our revolutionary TwinStar™ slot platform last year, the first cabinet to support Bally and WMS® game content, we launch several new additions to the TwinStar family this year. One of the most compelling, the TwinStar J43, features a unique 43-inch curved portrait display and a library of exclusive content.

Our customers always get excited about our vast library of licensed brands, and this year at G2E we’re highlighting 10 brands, including TETRIS™, SPIDER-MAN™, THE GODFATHER®, JOHNNY CASH®, THE BACHELOR™, and NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION™-themed games…plus a few that we will not unveil until the show. We will also demonstrate new systems-based bonusing games featuring MONOPOLY, CLUE, and YAHTZEE brands, designed to provide second-ways-to-win and generate tremendous floorwide excitement. And we will showcase several new sports-wagering solutions too.

What are operators most concerned about these days?

Today’s casino operators are focused on driving revenue, yet at the same time achieving operating efficiencies. When they are looking at back-end gaming technology solutions such as casino-management systems, business intelligence software, and player-tracking systems, for example, they are seeking integrated solutions that can immediately add value by streamlining operations and attracting more players.

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Customers are also telling us that they want a 360-degree view of the player so they can market to and reward their players in the casino, at home, and on-the-go

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They are seeking mobile concierge solutions, integration with player-tracking systems, robust web and social solutions, and white label play-for-fun or social gaming solutions to augment the entertainment on the casino floor.

Gaming operators are also concerned about keeping the casino floor exciting and profitable. They want an array of game content that appeals to all players and entertains adults of every generation. New form factors are important too; casinos are looking for unique and sophisticated styles of slot cabinets to augment great games, with features like 4K displays, cinematic surround sound, integrated USB chargers, and greater interactivity.

The gambling industry in the U.S. is going through a period of transition shaped by a range of factors, some of which have their roots within the country, while others are related to the natural affairs of the international scenario. How would you describe the current state of gambling? What does the future have in store for the sector?

The gaming industry is a vibrant, global industry that offers a unique and sought-after form of entertainment experience for adults. Like all industries, ours has its ups and downs and is certainly impacted by local, regional, national and international politics, economies, regulations, market changes, and the like. I firmly believe that the future is bright for our industry. We are capitalizing on technology, seeing the increasing convergence of players across casino, lottery, social, and play-for-fun, and attracting new players and driving incremental revenue through advancements in platforms, engaging new games, and more ways to experience the fun at home and on mobile devices.

In a recent interview granted to Yogonet, a Pennsylvania official who's pushing to legalize online gambling in the Keystone State, said: “Sometime in the future, I see the U.S. being similar to Europe”. In your opinion, why is it taking so long for the U.S. to allow for gambling expansion in all its forms?

At Scientific Games, we don’t like to speculate. Rather, we are committed to innovation and to staying at the forefront of new technology so that when there is expansion, we are ready and we are prepared to help our customers capitalize on any and all legal and regulatory approved opportunities.

Considering that non-gaming has, over the last years, become an effective revenue driver for casinos, what are the main challenges facing the industry?

First, we are always happy when our customers invest in any facet of their casino resort enterprise. And the growth of non-gaming revenue over the years means that people are finding even more reasons to visit the casino resort….for example, a great meal, first-rate entertainment, shopping, lavish spas, hot nightclubs, and resort pools.

With that being said, it is incumbent upon us to focus our initiatives on innovation, ensuring that we are able to compete with the many other forms of entertainment inside and outside casino resorts. We have to have a portfolio of games, attractive cabinets, and mobile solutions that draw people to the casino floor and keep them engaged. And we have to offer back-end solutions that create operating efficiencies, and keep casino operations costs down. Overall, I’m happy to see that people are attracted to casino resorts and that our operator-partners are investing in their properties. We hope some of that investment is directed to the casino floors.