BMM Testlabs has published a white paper titled The Past and Future of the Slot Machine, outlining where the industry should be looking to innovate to keep pace with changing player habits and tastes. Among the recommendations contained in the study is a suggestion that slots could, in the future, accommodate sports betting.

Addressing the need for change, BMM wrote: “What’s next for the industry is difficult to predict as patron demographics and demands shift, as well as how technology develops. What is certain, is that the industry can no longer merely hope that casino floors will attract and retain tomorrow’s patrons.”

Floyd Barroga, VP of Technical Compliance at BMM Testlabs, noted: “Success requires promulgation of statutes and regulations which will encourage the integration of compelling product through the execution of leading-edge design. Robust testing through independent test labs such as BMM and internal controls implemented by regulators and operators will lead to player trust of the new technology as the industry incorporates varying styles of games.”

He continued: “Today the industry is at a crossroad, and the stakeholders can use this opportunity to collaborate. In terms of real innovation, the regulators can invite industry innovators to discuss the current technology and the requirements to bridge the gap moving towards product that incorporates the latest security protocols and entertaining features.”

Turning to possible solutions, the paper listed a number of innovative ideas including localized climate control; biometric identification at games and across the casino; and the use of slot machines as betting portals. Simultaneous betting on the slot machine as well as on sports, esports, and table game stadium gambling could be facilitated by a configurable window on the machine it said.