Supplier News

US – AGEM Index up 4.3 per cent in December

By Phil - 9 January 2017

The AGEM Index ended 2016 on a positive note with the gains reported during December 2016 largely offsetting losses experienced during November 2016.

The composite index stood at 321.28 points at the close of 2016, which represents an increase of 13.14 points, or 4.26 per cent, when compared to November 2016. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 15th consecutive month, rising 123.96 points, or 62.8 per cent, when compared to December 2015.

During the latest period, seven of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price, with two up by more than 10 per cent. Six manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month.

On the year, positive performances were posted by the majority of equipment suppliers. Galaxy Gaming (GLXZ) posted the largest percentage gain, increasing by more than 200 percent. A handful of players posted impressive 50 per cent-plus gains during 2016, including the following: Konami Corp., International Game Technology PLC, Scientific Games Corporation, Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) and Crane Co.

The broader stock markets reported positive results in the first full month following the election. The S&P 500 reported a month-to-month increase of 1.8 percent, rising to 2,238.83 at year-end. Additionally, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.3 per cent to 19,7652.60, while the NASDAQ increased 1.1 per cent during the period to 5,383.12.

Konami Corp contributed 14.05 points due to a 21.32 per cent increase in stock price to ¥4,695.Ainsworth Gaming Technology reported a stock price of AU$2.11, up 16.57 per cent and contributed 0.87 points.

With a stock price of $72.12, down 1.86 per cent), Crane Co (CR) contributed negative 0.98 points. Scientific Games Corporation contributed negative 0.78 points to the index due to a 5.08 per cent decline in stock price to $14.00.

Technological advancements continue to change the way in which the world functions. This is also true of the gaming experience within the four walls of a traditional casino floor. Skill-based gaming recently entered the market, and the expectation is that these cutting-edge devices will not only enhance the gaming experience for existing customers, but it will attract a whole new demographic.
Nevada legislators were quick to recognise the possibilities of skill-based games when they approved legislation in 2015 authorising their use in casinos. However, Atlantic City casinos recently unveiled the new technology on a live casino floor. In October of 2016, Caesars Entertainment launched skill-based games across all three of its Atlantic City properties featuring a total of 21 gaming positions. Caesars partnered with GameCo to bring its flagship game “Danger Arena” to the casino floor. The arcade-style first-person shooter places players in an arena environment tasked with destroying six robots. Payouts vary based on achievements of the player. GameCo designed the game to have the same return-to-player ratios as a traditional slot machine.

The cabinet is what GameCo calls a Video Game Gambling Machine (VGM) and while the first-shooter concept is the first type of skill-based game to hit the casino floor, numerous other types of games are in development. The skill-based game model is also being applied to a number of other genres such as action, adventure, sports, racing and fighting.

With the adoption of these games at Caesars’ properties, other Atlantic City operators have taken notice. In December of 2016, Tropicana Atlantic City announced that it would also feature nine gaming positions with GameCo’s technology, bringing the total number of positions in the area to 30. The performance of these initial units will likely provide insight to a broader rollout.

Interestingly enough, the journey for skill-based games in Atlantic City can be traced back to a free-throw shooting competition at the Borgata in March of 2015. The tournament featured a $20 buy-in with participants going head to head in a bracket format until a group of finalists received a total of $10,000 in prize money. Players outcomes were determined solely on physical skill with luck removed as a determinant of outcome.

The tournament was approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement as part of the “New Jersey First” program. In an effort to bring innovation and rejuvenate the Atlantic City region, New Jersey has been quick to approve new forms of gaming, bucking the trend of New Jersey being the one of the last jurisdictions to approve a new game or technology. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has offered to review and potentially approve more contests like the free throw shooting competition, expanding the potential game offerings for casinos in the region.