When you consider the fluidity of this industry, the events that have transpired since the last issue of Gaming America paint quite a picture. Since our May/June edition, PointsBet has accepted a $150m bid from Fanatics for its US operations, received a $195m counterbid from DraftKings and then agreed a definitive $225m sale to original bidder, Fanatics.
The Dallas-esque soap opera was quite the headline generator – finally signalling Fanatics' much-anticipated concrete entrance into the sports betting market, watch this space – but an Editor's nightmare in many respects. The Gaming America team, for instance, had an interview with PointsBet Group CEO Sam Swanell primed and ready for print... before the second and third bids had come in. Needless to say, a little adaptation was needed.
And yet some things in gaming never seem to change. Take the themes you see on a slot machine. There are certain symbols and graphics that connote luck and resonate with players: mythological imagery linked with Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt, the dragons of the Far East, particular animals, specific fruits. The list goes on.
In this issue's cover feature, that is exactly what we explore; what makes players tick and how have companies used that in their slot designs? We hear from renowned industry experts at Light & Wonder, Konami Gaming, Eclipse Gaming and Gaming Arts on the past, present and future of slot themes, in what we hope you'll agree is a very in-depth exploration of the Thought Behind The Slot.
Elsewhere in this issue, we look back on 10 years of the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas, ahead of a landmark ceremony in October. The scholarly Oliver Lovat is back to delve into all things Las Vegas in his inimitable way. Meanwhile, the National Indian Gaming Commission is another returning contributor, while the Duane Morris team examines the particularities of Florida's skill gaming legalities.
Finally, in our Viewpoints section, we hear from three casino management system experts, and also speak with Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), Matthew Morgan. With the OIGA tradeshow upcoming, all eyes will at first turn to Oklahoma – before the industry at large starts to focus on G2E Las Vegas. Blink and you'll miss it: we'll all be in Nevada before you know it.
