A Palm Springs casino was the first in California to launch a gaming influencer’s new slots machine. Brian Christopher’s “Pop’N Pays More” launched at Agua Caliente.
The Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs is one of three Southern California casinos operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The other two are nearby, in Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City.
The casino debuted the machine on its gaming floor earlier this month. Pop’N Pays More’s presence on a casino floor marks a new chapter in casino history as gaming companies seek new ways to reach clients. The casino described the game as a perfect blend of old and new.
“Elements of Brian Christopher’s take on the classic slot machine is interwoven throughout this shiny design with expanded reels, more pops and more pays than the first game in the Pop’N Pays brand. You’ll feel like you’re playing along with him when you hear his iconic catch phrases, see him on the screen and when you listen to his immersive soundtrack.”
The Agua Caliente launch was one of several across the country that took place this month.
‘Pop’N Pays More’ launched at Agua Caliente
Agua Caliente’s Pop’N Play launch was part of Christopher’s much-hyped Pop’N Pays More launch tour. The tour started on July 6 at Plaza Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas and ended on July 19 at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in San Manuel.
The slots launch was the result of a months-long process in which Christopher worked with Gaming Arts LLC to create the game. He collaborated on design work and voice recordings.
Reflecting on the July 6 launch at Plaza, Christopher said in a Facebook post the enormity of the moment had finally set in.
“It finally hit me, I have a slot machine. What a blessing to share that moment alongside my family, my co-workers and tons of fans present.”
Christopher brings new energy to slots
Part of what makes the Christopher-Agua Caliente collaboration so interesting is that the influencer brings a youthful energy to an otherwise aged aspect of casino gaming.
A 2018 study from Harvard University noted that the average age of a loyalty club slots player at Caesars casinos was 55.5. For many years now, casinos have wrestled with how to bring a younger demographic to their gaming floors.
The emergence of mobile casinos is a step toward bridging the divide. But online casinos don’t quite match the in-person experience. That’s where Brian Christopher comes in.
The influencer livestreams slots sessions at various casinos, giving followers a chance to see a casino’s most interesting slots games in action. His Facebook page has more than 200,000 followers.
When he posted about his game’s launch at the Plaza, his post received more than 1,700 comments and 12,000 likes. Christopher livestreamed the launch at Plaza, too:
“Oh my god, it’s time. Are you guys ready for this? It is the world premiere of Pop by Gaming Arts here at Plaza Casino in downtown Vegas. We’ve been working on this game for a very long time. It’s super exciting, and I know you guys are dying to find out what this game is all about.”
To kick off the launch, Christopher cut a big red ribbon and pulled a black cover off his machine. He sat down at the machine as comments rolled in on the livestream’s chat. He picked a 1-cent denomination and let the machine rip.
Christopher noted that players will experience random features in seven out of 10 spins. Among the symbols available on the slots reels are an animated headshot of Christopher. There’s also the influencer’s branded casino chair and an image of the Pop’N Pays More machine.
