Konami Gaming is expanding its reach across the US tribal casino market, taking its Class II operation into more properties in a move that gives the supplier another route to grow beyond its traditional Class III business.
The company now has Class II games running in Washington and Texas, alongside its existing presence at Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Florida. Washington has been the main launchpad so far, with Konami content available at six properties including Tulalip Resort Casino, ilani Casino Hotel, Muckleshoot Casino Resort and Little Creek Casino Resort.
Texas is an especially interesting market. Class III gaming is not available there in the same way it is in many other states, allowing Konami to put more of its content in front of casino players through Class II technology.
From ISDgames Deal to Konami’s Own Class II Business
Konami’s move into the segment started with its acquisition of ISDgames, which brought a Class II gaming system and titles including Shockwave into the company.
The supplier then spent time upgrading the acquired technology while building a larger library of its own content. That preparation was important because Konami wanted enough games and infrastructure in place before expanding into multiple Class II markets.
Deron Hunsberger, Konami Gaming’s Vice President of North American Game Sales, said the company took that approach to make sure both the system and the product were ready before a wider rollout. That strategy also gives tribal operators another way to use a supplier they may already know from the Class III side. Konami launched its Class II offering using the DIMENSION cabinet and established titles such as All Aboard, Dragon’s Law and Unwooly Riches.
Bringing Class III Titles into Class II
For the rollout, Konami has had to adapt the underlying mathematics of its Class III titles so they can operate through a bingo-based draw, while keeping the gameplay as close as possible to the original versions. That process can take time, particularly when the objective is to preserve the feel of a game that players already recognize.
The technology behind Class II gaming also adds another layer. Konami needs the network infrastructure to support its products across multiple properties, along with field teams capable of servicing casino operators.
Those requirements have influenced the company’s pace. Rather than rushing into every possible market, Konami is building the business gradually and adding content as the platform develops.
Where Next?
The company is already discussing opportunities in Alabama while continuing to assess additional expansion in Washington. New cabinets and more games are also expected to join the Class II lineup.
Konami will showcase its Class II portfolio at Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, alongside its Class III products. That could give Konami a much bigger brand presence in tribal gaming markets where its Class III portfolio has not always had the same reach.