In this video, we interview Frank Oppenheim, General Manager of the Gold Country Casino Resort in Oroville, California alongside Chris Wieners, Managing Director of Velvix, a slot manufacturer based in Los Angeles. Approaching the subject from both the perspective of an operator as well as of the manufacturer, we look to understand the risks and rewards of working with new vendors, as well as what challenges new vendors face when launching in this industry. Some of the memorable points from the interview include:
1. Be sure to swing or you’ll never hit a home run!
Operators who take risks on new operators stand the chance to hit it big if and when a new, unknown game title succeeds first on their floor. Of course, the opposite is also true – valuable floor space to new vendors can invite some less-than-stellar initial results.
2. Operators need partners, not just vendors
Manufacturers should look to come to the table with more than just great games. Offering guest experiences that will help differentiate the slot offering through promotions, marketing and other on-site programs not only increases game play but also shows an operator how committed the manufacturer is to their own product.
3. Startups need innovation to stand out from the crowd
Manufacturers, especially newly developed startups, need a different mousetrap to stand out from the crowd. For a new venture with minimal data and track record, it is key to offer up elements that help build a true and long-lasting partnership. Innovative marketing ideas and new exciting game features will help excite properties and give them a reason to offer new manufacturers a space on the casino floor.
4. Marketing is key to building new game awareness
Simply placing games as a new manufacturer is not enough. Marketing, promotions and player integration is key. Learning from the player is a top priority, as it allows new game developers to understand what innovations work well, alongside what aspects of the game may be subpar. It also helps showcase to players that they can expect to see a stream of new and exciting content from the operator, which bodes well in keeping players satisfied with consistent enhancements to the casino floor in the form of new game titles and game mechanics.
Are you open to working with new manufacturers? Velvix is a manufacturer of Class III games and would be happy to chat with you! Visit their website at www.velvix.com or contact their Managing Director Chris Wieners on LinkedIn.