Game shows have become an integral part of pop culture, drawing large at-home audiences who are attracted to the combination of entertainment, competition, and the chance to win big. The same appealing formula has now made its way onto casino floors and sites in the form of lottery-style game shows like Dream Catcher and Monopoly Live. But do fast-paced wheel spins and dice rolls belong alongside classic table games like poker and blackjack?
Rise of Casino Game Shows
What Are Casino Game Shows?
Casino game shows are lottery-style games adapted from popular TV game shows or created specifically for casino environments. They often feature a combination of the following elements:
- A wheel of fortune, prize board, or random number generator
- An energetic live host
- Flashy sound and lighting effects
- Opportunities for players to win big payouts
Some of the most popular titles at 21Bit include:
- Dream Catcher – Players bet on where they think a spinning wheel will land. Payouts range from 1:1 to 45:1.
- Monopoly Live – A live host and giant dice game bring the Monopoly board game to life. Players can win up to 500:1 their bet.
- Deal or No Deal – Players choose a briefcase hoping it contains the top prize amount. Just like the TV show.
Why Are They Appearing in Casinos?
Game shows are attractive to casinos for a few key reasons:
- Mass appeal – Their familiar formats and party-like atmosphere draw new demographics beyond traditional gamblers.
- Brand recognition – Adapting well-known TV game shows allows casinos to capitalize on existing popularity.
- Profitability – While some payouts are large, the games are still profitable for the house in the long run.
- Variety – Game shows add new energy and variety to the casino floor.
Do Casino Game Shows Belong?
Case Against Game Shows
While casino game shows have proven popular with guests, there are valid reasons to question whether or not they belong in gambling environments:
- Luck over skill – Roulette and slots are already games of pure chance, so additional luck-based games seem redundant.
- Clashing vibes – The loud, circus-like atmosphere of game shows doesn’t mix well with the refined mood expected at tables like baccarat or blackjack.
- Table space – Floor space is limited, so game shows take real estate from more traditional offerings.
Case For Embracing Game Shows
However, there are also a few arguments in favor of game shows finding a home in casinos:
- Player demand – Guests have expressed interest in seeing new games that emphasize fun and entertainment. Casino game shows help address this demand.
- Gateway appeal – While not all players who try game shows will play table games, the unique format may attract new guests into the casino to try other offerings.
- Variety is key – Having a wide range of gaming options caters to diverse guests with different tastes, budgets, skill levels, etc. Game shows check the “casual entertainment” box.
Future of Casino Game Shows
Game shows have successfully carved out a niche on casino floors and sites. And that’s likely to continue thanks to a few key trends:
- More innovation – Suppliers will build on familiar TV formulas but also create new fast-paced, lottery-style game concepts specifically for casinos.
- Live casino expansion – As live dealer table games grow in popularity online, so will the variety of lively, interactive game show options powered by real hosts.
- New technology integration – Suppliers are exploring how technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality could make game shows even more immersive.
While debate around casino game shows is likely to continue, their popularity with players shows the enduring appeal of games that emphasize fun, entertainment, and storytelling alongside gambling. Powerful tech and creative game design will only broaden their appeal. The next generation of casino game shows has arrived, bringing new energy to casino floors around the world.