Slots Fans Get A New Shot At An Old Game

Pong is on the brink to make a comeback in casinos. Yes, exactly, the game that transformed in the 70’s, pinball enthusiasts into video-game junkies.

Now, after almost 40 years, the video game generation may be turned on to slot machines if the Las Vegas-based Bally Technologies will get the approval for the Pong game. In the Pong slot machine the payout of a player will be determined by its video skills.

The Gaming Control Board is now debating the twist of the game’s idea of a payout based on player's skills. According to the board, slot machines must include an element of randomness in their base game. The Pong game includes the skill element only in the bonus round and that is something that was not covered by gaming regulations. At least up until now, as the three members of the Gaming Control Board recommended the game for approval. So, Pong was sent to the Nevada Gaming Commission were the game’s concept must be first approved before it can be played in casinos.

If the Nevada Commission approves the skill-based gaming concept, the industry of games based on skill can be revolutionized and generate a new type of casino gamblers. This concept of games can become popular with the ones who grew up with video-game consoles in their bedrooms, the Generation X and with Baby Boomers who represent the core demographic in most casinos.

“Starting a few years ago, the game was presented at trade shows where generated a great deal of interest” said David Schultz, director of video games for Bally Technologies.

Pong is a five reel video slot game with Pong logos among the symbols brightly colored. A player gets to the bonus round to test its skill against the machine if he hits three Pong logos in a line. The better a player does, the more he wins, in a 45-second round where he must control a paddle with a knob mounted on the machine. The video slot skill-based game starts slow in the first volleys and progressively picking up speed as the game progresses, being an original Atari video game.

As things can’t go so easy with obtaining a gaming approval for a game, the panel had few requirements. On the video slot machine must be clearly written and explained that the video-game skill element is a bonus and not a part of qualifying play. Also, if a player gets in the bonus round, he must be awarded.

Officials of Bally Technologies calculated the difference in the payout for a player who plays on hints and one who plays smart and beats the game at 7 percent. Now, they are waiting for a decision from the Gaming Commission in Nevada. If they will approve the concept, Pong will be allowed to be submitted to lab and field testing.