In the skilled gaming industry, terms like slot machines, skill games, and coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) are used so often that they appear synonymous or interchangeable. This is a common misconception.
While the three categories of terminals have similarities, each term is tied to a unique skill gaming experience. Certain terms may carry negative connotations, whereas others are relatively neutral. One of the three terms is specifically used in certain regions in the U.S., while the other two are more common across the country.
Inadvertently referencing one term in place of another can result in confusing conversations and potentially have serious implications if you plan to install terminals in your place of business.
Slot Machines
Commonly found in cities such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City, slot machines are gaming terminals that solely provide luck-based experiences. Excluding a few rare exceptions, slot machines generally do not allow any type of skill or strategy to impact the outcome of each playing session. Reel or progressive slot games are some of the most common game types within the slot machine category.
Players who win slot machine games are awarded either cash payouts or vouchers that can later be redeemed for cash.
The term “slot machine” can carry a relatively negative connotation. Also referred to as “Vegas Casinos” in some parts of the country, slot machines have long been perceived as low-quality gaming experiences due to the machines offering some of the lowest odds of winning across all gaming terminals.
Skill Games
Skill gaming terminals are very similar to slot machines in terms of their appearance, but critical differences separate the two pieces of hardware into completely different gaming categories.
One obvious difference lies in the name of this gaming experience—the “skill” portion of skill gaming implies that players can leverage strategy and decision-making techniques to influence the outcomes of their sessions.
Virtual poker serves as a prime example of this kind of game—luck and chance still play a major role in the game, but experienced players who make strategic decisions can increase their odds of winning.
Another lesser-known difference between skill games and slot machines is that the former allows winning players to accrue or rollover points won on one play to the subsequent plays. Points or credits earned on the first play can be used on the second play, and if the player wins again, they can continuously roll over their winning points to new rounds of play until they either cash out or their point balance reaches zero.
Like slot machines, the points or credits earned by the players within each session can be redeemed for cash at the conclusion of the playing session.
COAMs
The term COAM is used strictly in the state of Georgia. COAM games are virtually skill games, with a few noteworthy legal differences.
Whereas slot machines and skill games in other states can reward players with cash or cash vouchers, these rewards are banned in Georgia. COAM game players can redeem their points for prizes.
Typical prizes include merchandise, Georgia lottery tickets, free plays on the COAM terminal itself, pornography, or fuel. Winners may not redeem points for prohibited items such as alcohol, tobacco products, firearms, or cash.
For retailers or store operators in the state of Georgia who may be considering installing a COAM machine, there are two levels of licensure: (1) A Class A license allows for the operation of COAMs that do not allow a player to carry over points won on one play to a subsequent play or plays. (2) Licensees who secure a Class B license may operate machines allowing points to be rolled over from one round to the next.
Any owner or operator possessing both Class A and Class B machines in their storefront must possess both licenses to operate their terminals legally.
Embracing Skill Gaming through INAMAX
Whether you are looking to drive extra revenue to your business, increase foot traffic to your store, or diversify your revenue generation through a new and unique business venture, INAMAX’s skill gaming and COAM terminals can deliver quality experiences to store owners and players alike.
To learn more about INAMAX’s Titan Redemption System, Culture of Compliance, and wide variety of game types, please call us at 770.449.0400 ext. 700, or fill out our contact form to learn more.