Konami made waves at G2E 2016 by showcasing a prototype of Fortune Cup, its state-of-the-art virtual horse racing game. A year later, the simulation game is on the floor in two Las Vegas casinos and generating strong interest among players.
Last month, the table racetrack was rolled out at The Venetian and the MGM Grand after earning licensure under the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s New Innovation Beta program, which offers a fast track licensing route for experimental games.
The arcade-style game is a mini racetrack featuring 10 magnetically-controlled figure horses and betting stations for as many as 10 players.
The horses embark on races – the lengths of which can be altered – with the results determined by a random number generator. Players can bet on a variety of race outcomes and can qualify for three different types of progressive jackpots.
An animated high-definition video screen renders live coverage along with audio commentary on the race, giving the simulated experience a more authentic feel.
One demo version of Fortune Cup can be found on the floor of The Venetian, just down the hall from the Sands Expo Center. Its gaming positions were filled to capacity with several players in waiting on Monday afternoon.
Tashina Wortham, a Konami spokeswoman, says that the game has been well-received by both players and the operators, as it has successfully brought in new incremental revenue from players who would not otherwise gamble on traditional devices and attracted notable amounts of unrated players.
The game has also attracted significant interest from casinos that feature live horse racing and are looking to augment their existing offerings, she explained.
The game was rolled out in casinos across Asia after G2E Asia 2016, and has proven to be a hit among players in those jurisdictions.
