The recent efforts by US state lawmakers to address the rising values of merchandise on offer in prize merchandisers could signal a return to traditional redemption games, said US-based FEC operator Michael Getlan of Amusement Consultants.
Regulations are being amended in a number of states to crack down on the value of prizes, with some deeming merchandisers to fall within a legal grey area closer to gambling than to pay-to-play amusements. Given this new trend, Getlan said he anticipated changes in the types of games FECs and arcades offer to their players with “old, standard-style” redemption games coming back into prominence.
“I see a shift back to that,” he said. “What has happened over the last few years is that high-value prizes in merchandisers have received all the attention in the industry and equipment has been designed to operate within that trend - that has really been the focus.
“We’re seeing - certainly in our country - a legislative backlash with several states reducing the value of prizes that can come directly out of a machine. There are a number of bills in progress that would stop people using high value prizes, which could see people go back to the old style of redemption where people play games to win tickets, or electronic tickets if you’re using a debit card system, to take to the prize counter, where you can still win high-value prizes.
"I believe there will be a trend back to the original style of redemption. For me, in terms of redemption, that is one of the most significant things that will influence the design of machines. The next round of shows, indeed the next IAAPA show in Orlando, should have some significantly different machines.”
