Reality check struck the casino industry in 2008, when the global financial crisis thrashed its recession-proof image, or at least the incumbents’ idea of it. The industry turned sharply toward cutting operating costs. More importantly, it looked toward data-driven metrics for better decision-making.

“In pursuit of a solution, Interblock leveraged data-driven metrics in a somewhat different way,” says John Connelly, CEO, Interblock. “As a supplier rather than an operator, Interblock channeled R&D dollars into forms of innovation that could drive revenue and profitability back into the industry.” Interblock’s “innovation” draws particular attention now, when the market has almost entirely recuperated and has been riding on both existing and new trends to boost growth.

Current market data strongly suggest that the industry is moving in the direction of Electronic Table Games (ETGs). While casinos in Asia Pacific and certain European markets dedicate as much as 15 to 20 percent of their floors to ETGs, in Americas the share is as low as 0.5 percent. But the dynamics are fast changing, says Connelly, pulling out figures from a study Interblock commissioned last year.

“Forty six percent of ETG players in the U.S. played six or more times in the last 12 months, compared to only 33 percent of non-ETG players. In Canada, figures are even better: 54 versus 34 percent.” Additional data reveal that ETG players play longer as well: In the U.S., they play approximately 10.7 percent more per session than non-ETG players do. In Canada, that average is 15 percent more.

While the rising tide promises to lift all in the segment, Interblock’s ship leads the pack with around 200 licenses globally, and can be expected to fare better than the rest. Good news for casino operators is that while this trend brings in a new player demographic onto the floor, it also attracts existing patrons who till now have been intimidated by it.