Less betting is reportedly taking place within the United States when it comes to slot betting based on a report by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. The report indicates that because operators are taking a larger cut of slot wagers, bettors are not taking part in slot gaming as it previous years.

According to the report, casinos kept 7.7% of slot wagers in 2014 as compared to 7.25% in 2007. The total amount of wagers on slot machines fell from $355 million to $291 billion over that time frame. The Executive Director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, Marcus Prater, stated that slots have been tightening slowly over time, claiming a theory exists that if a player has a bad experience, they are not likely to come back and play.

Despite the findings by the Association, the industry has indeed been changing. Casinos have been hurting for years as disposable income basically does not exist for the average household. Machines are being removed and the focus of casinos have shifted to non-gambling amenities including nightclubs and restaurants to gain additional revenues.

One example of the cutbacks can be seen with the MGM Resorts International, the top operator in Las Vegas. MGM has cut back their nine casinos to 13,453 slot games which is a 24% percent decrease when compared to what the operator offered in 2007. 2,000 slot machines were returned by Caesars Entertainment Corp., due to a weak performance.

The top concern for makers of slot machines and casino operators is that younger visitors are not interested in the slot machines as much as their parents and grandparents are or once were. To try and combat the new gaming styles of younger patrons, states are trying different tactics. Nevada actually authorized the creation of new types of gaming machines this year that will appeal to younger visitors.

The new games would be similar to video games which are popular with today’s youth. These games will be based more on skill rather than luck.