Table Games vs. Slot Machines: Preferences and Trends in Canadian Casinos
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It is no secret that certain demographics have their preferences when it comes to choosing a type of gambling game to play. Each game offers something unique and individualistic, thus making them appeal more than others. In Canada, though, a recent study showed results that were rather interesting in terms of player preferences.
Canada is a burgeoning market and one that has started to grow due to its changing market. Laws and legislation have started to evolve, with the province of Ontario being at the forefront of the changes made. Residents in the country’s most populous region are now able to wager freely and use an online casino whenever they want following the passing of the C-128 Bill in 2022.
Slots reign supreme
According to the survey that was completed, it was found that slot games regain supreme over most types of other gambling game for most age groups. Amongst players between the ages of 19 and 44 years, they were the most played. 80% of players between 18-34 play online slots, while 77% between 35-44 are enjoying them. Elsewhere, 70% of gamers between 45-54, 53% between 55-64, and 45% of those in the age bracket of 65+ enjoy these types of games, too.
Slot games have become exceptionally popular with players for various reasons over the years. There is a huge amount of choice that can be experienced and enjoyed, with most sites offering collections that are into the thousands. Each of them offer different gaming sessions, with developers able to utilize a number of different techniques in order to differentiate them from others. For example, while there may be many of the same themes being used, different visuals can be used for backgrounds and symbols, while in-game mechanics can also differ.
These games have also remained popular because they are very simple to enjoy and play. Enthusiasts simply need to head to the best online casino in Canada, open the game, and click the spin button and watch the reels do their work. There is not much else to these games, thus allowing for a relaxed session that does not require too much brainpower.
Table Games struggle to appeal to Canadians
Interestingly, the same study revealed that there are perhaps some worrying trends being experienced in regard to table games and their popularity. According to the data, very few players across all age groups are enjoying these types of games. The data is broken down into the following:
- Ages 19-34: 3% Roulette; 2% Blackjack
- Ages 35-44: 3% Roulette; 2% Blackjack
- Ages 45-54: 4% Roulette; 3% Blackjack
- Ages 55-64: 2% Roulette; 1% Blackjack
- Ages 65+: 1% Roulette; 1% Blackjack
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of aspects that have been identified as potential reasons why these games have less appeal than the online slots that are continue to attract the vast portion of players.
It has been suggested that their less interactive nature is a reason for their lack of popularity and why their numbers appear to be dwindling. Younger generations of players perhaps enjoy more social and interactive aspects, which slots can provide. Table games are perhaps too individualistic in this sense, thus making them less enjoyable to play.
Some have suggested that table games have struggled because they are too complicated. Table games like roulette and blackjack might be simple on the surface to play, but they can feature the use of strategies and careful decision-making. With slots, players do not need to think too much, as they can simply hit the spin button and hope luck plays its role in landing a winning combination.
Could table games become more preferable with Canadians?
Although the study suggests that there is reason to be alarmed with its findings, there is every chance that table games could enjoy a resurgence in same way.
Improvements in technology has allowed developers to create live versions of the chosen game, which can then provide an authentic and immersive experience to those who play while online. This can help to make the games more interactive, as gamers are able to interact with the live dealers, thus offering a social aspect.
Gaming preferences can always change, with tastes and demands continually evolving. While it is unlikely to see these games ever overtake slots from its dominant position as the most favored type of game to play, it would not be a surprise if there was an increase in the number of people playing blackjack, roulette, and other table games online across Canada in the future.
