Zoe Ebling, VP of Interactive at AGS

In today’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape, the potential to deliver entertaining experiences across both digital and physical platforms has become a real advantage, especially in markets where land-based still reigns supreme. Suppliers that operate both in the land-based and online sphere, have a real competitive edge. This is something that AGS has recognised and therefore positioned itself at the forefront of omni-channel gaming. By combining the best of both worlds, innovative online offerings with the proven success of land-based gaming, AGS is setting new industry benchmarks that many competitors have yet to achieve.

Unique capability

Omni-channel gaming isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a specialized approach that bridges the gap between online players and brick-and-mortar players in environments where both exist. AGS’s strategy is built on the understanding that while many suppliers excel in either digital or land-based sectors, very few can successfully merge the two.

Having a portfolio that spans both realms allows suppliers to blend time-tested content with innovative digital features, resulting in a richer, more dynamic experience that drives player loyalty and boosts in-game engagement.

Traditional gaming floors have long been a cornerstone of player engagement, and AGS has built on this foundation by adapting its best-selling titles for the digital space. This approach is working particularly well in North America, where players are often already familiar with the games offered on the casino floors, and appreciate a similar experience on their digital devices. But the portfolio is also performing well in mature European markets where video slots are more prominent, highlighting the appeal that the flair of Vegas has around the globe.

Merging innovation with expertise

At the heart of AGS’s omni-channel evolution is its forward-thinking interactive studio. Operating as a distinct entity while enjoying robust support from the broader AGS infrastructure, the interactive team embodies the agile startup mentality that fuels rapid innovation.

This dedicated division has been instrumental in orchestrating coordinated efforts between online and land-based teams to deliver integrated solutions. One such example is the first-of-its-kind simultaneous launch of its Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey® game at Caesars Atlantic City and Caesars Palace Online Casino in 2024. This pioneering move has been followed by additional omni-channel event opportunities with other operators, underscoring the appeal and strength of having games live in both verticals at the same time.

Through regular cross-departmental collaboration, the studio has now refined processes that allow for synchronised development timelines and optimised game placement strategies, ensuring that every launch not only meets but exceeds player expectations.

Shaping the future of gaming

The success of AGS’s omni-channel initiatives is more than just a series of isolated achievements, it signals a broader shift in the industry. As player preferences evolve and technology continues to advance, the integration of online and physical gaming experiences will become an increasingly important tool for operators and suppliers alike.

Despite hundreds of new online games being launched every week, many with innovative mechanics and features, there is still great value in the more traditional content offered on casino floors.

A large demographic of online players prefer this type of content, cementing the opportunities presented for land-based suppliers to venture into the digital realm, by bringing their proven classics to online casinos.

Although it still has its challenges, the expertise, time and resources invested into developing a game for cabinets indicates that the supplier really believes in the content and porting it online should be a natural part of that process.

For game developers operating in both the online and land-based spheres, the advantages are significant. This dual-market approach not only offers a competitive edge over online-only studios, but also ensures that titles originally popular in casinos continue to dominate the slot rankings for years to come.