Caesars Entertainment recently announced that its proposed roll out of skill based video gambling machines (VGMs) at all its Atlantic City properties has been completed and these VGMs are now up and running at Harrah’s Resort, Caesars and Bally’s Wild Wild West. GameCo, the creator of these skill based VGM’s, became the first provider to recieve approval from a state regulator in the United States.

In a statement, Blaine Graboyes, the chief executive officer and co-founder of GameCo said “I spent my summers growing up playing video games at the arcade on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. It’s a unique honour to be bringing the first-ever skill-based video game gambling products to launch in Atlantic City with Caesars Entertainment. Our goal is to create a VIP experience for gamers and the casino is the perfect destination. We envision a bright, revitalized future in Atlantic City as a new generation of gamers find their way here.”

The casino industry in Atlantic City has declined significantly over the last decade due to increased competition from casinos in neighboring states and also because the younger generation want more variety when playing casino games. This partnership between Caesars and GameCo is expected to create a new set of casino games that combine entertainment, skills, and player involvement.

These games bring together the best of gambling, esports and video games to provide players with a unique experience. The flagship game at these VGMs is ‘Danger Arena’ which is a one person skill based action video game where the skill of the player determines the final payout. Caesars will position these VGMs at prominent and high traffic locations in all three of its casinos. Harrah’s will have three triple-unit carousels, while Bally’s Wild Wild West and Caesars will get two triple-unit carousels.

These VGM units developed by GameCo is an arcade style video game cabinet and controller. These VGMs have been designed to feature single player games that usually last between 45 to 90 seconds. While the payout percentage at these VGMs will be determined by the skill level of the player, these machines also adopt similar casino economics that slot machines are programmed with. Both Caesars and GameCo will be keeping a close watch on these machines to see how they perform and if they are a hit with the patrons.

GameCo has plans to develop a number of new games in different genres such as racing, fighting, action, sports and adventure in the near future. The company also plans to seek regulatory approval and enter a number of new gaming jurisdictions within the next six months.