Spectrum Gaming issues “Top Ten Trends for 2020”

The Gaming consultancy presented a report previewing 2020 trends for the casino industry.

Spectrum Gaming Group LLC, specialized in topics linked to the legal compliance of the regulated casino sector, issued its “Top Ten Trends for 2020” list previewing the likely direction of the sector in the next year.

First

Above all, Spectrum puts Japan-related issues in first place in terms of importance for 2020.

The organisation suggested 2020 would be the “Year of the Prefecture”; a reference to a typical unit of local government in Japan. As a result, prefectures will be competing for casino industry private-sector partners; in order to bid for one of the maximum three licences available for large-scale casino IR in Japan. Furthermore, prefectures will establish working groups and advisory councils to assist in this process. By the end of next year, one or more prefectures will have selected their IR operator partner.

Second

The internationalisation of gaming brands would continue with Hard Rock International, Melco Resorts and Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International leading the pack. A greater number of jurisdictions in Europe, Africa, Latin America and elsewhere would seek out such brands in order to develop casino resorts, seeing such business as a potential stimulus to their local economy.

Third

In the United States, while online gaming had been actively available in certain places for more than five years, more states will expand into this area in 2020. Similarly, digital sports betting would also continue to expand. Those simultaneous trends could lead to more conflicts between lotteries and casino operators; as both industries look to igaming and sports betting as the means to attract younger demographics.

Fourth

Electronic gaming devices characterised as offering skill-based play would become pervasive throughout the United States, garnering support from legislators seeking additional revenue as well as from retailers attracted by the prospect of additional revenue and foot traffic.

Fifth

As mergers and acquisitions among gaming companies continued, more states will find themselves in a position in which their licensees also operate facilities in nearby states. Such as the proposed €15,4 billion merger of Eldorado Resorts Inc with the much larger Caesars Entertainment Corp.

Sixth

The Asia-Pacific Group – the organisation affiliated with the Financial Action Task Force in Paris overseeing anti-money-laundering issues worldwide – would continue to push countries in Southeast Asia to increase their regulation of gaming especially in the areas of licensing and anti-money-laundering.

Seventh

Also, crypto-based betting and gaming will continue to gain momentum.

Eighth

Cash handle from betting on team-based leagues and players in competitive esports gaming would grow in international regulated markets. However, in the U.S., esports betting will remain minimal; as the domestic gaming industry continues to focus on traditional sports betting and will not devote significant resources to esports.

Ninth

In Europe, gambling advertising would come under increasing pressure and scrutiny in the face of regulatory and public concerns that some messages do not sufficiently promote responsible gaming policies and practices, as required by law.

Tenth

Separating real estate from gaming operations via real estate investment trust (REIT) will become a more commonplace activity. Similarly with what has occurred with the Caesars brand in the U.S. and with the U.S. business of MGM Resorts International.