As the gaming industry evolves, the introduction of smart tables and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology promises to revolutionize the casino experience.
The regulatory drive behind the adoption of smart tables, particularly in regions like Macau, was emphasized by Peter Johns, Chief Commercial Officer of IDX Games Ltd, highlighting the growing importance of operational efficiency in gaming environments.
The executive highlighted the updates as part of a panel at the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila.
Johns then questioned if older casinos may face upgrading legacy systems while newer establishments could be more agile in embracing innovations, further addressing the potential for computer vision technologies to complement RFID systems, particularly facial recognition applications.
Luigi Aslarona, director for ETG Innovations and Commercial Strategy at Light and Wonder, addressing the changing landscape, observed a shift in operator mindsets, especially in Macau, where shrinking wallets and stricter regulations are influencing the industry.
He pointed out that, as the junket market collapsed and focus turned to the mass market, an ongoing “technological arms race among operators in Macau” has taken place.
Smart gaming tables integrate RFID technology to monitor gameplay and track player activity.
According to analysts at Citigroup, Galaxy Entertainment Group has become the second operator in Macau after MGM China to complete the full deployment of smart gaming tables across its entire mass baccarat inventory.
Sands China is estimated to have reached approximately 80 percent deployment of smart tables; Wynn’s at around 60 percent, and Melco at 50 percent. Additionally, SJM integrated 63 smart tables, as a new entrant into the smart table space.
From an operator’s perspective, David Lawrence, General Manager of Dragon Royale, expressed confidence that the Philippine regulator will eventually mandate the use of smart tables.
“I think most operators definitely have to look at that,” he stated, addressing the complexities involved in rolling out integrated resources, especially the challenges of creating new chips and tables.
Acknowledging the dual benefits of smart technologies, Lawrence remarked, that “as an operator, you have to accept it’s better for your business and not just for the player because we get the productivity of the game” as this efficiency translates into quicker payouts for players, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Kylie Rogers, VP of Australasian Operations-Casinos at Paltronics noted a significant shift in the approach to table games, as they are now using digitalized solutions to enhance the player experience, an integration of technology that aims to improve convenience and facilitate better data extraction.
She remarked that her group offers “vertical hybrid technology” which allows it to give 100 percent accurate readings on games like roulette, Sic Bo, as well as baccarat.
“So this particular system is currently linked, the table management system side is linked to 8,000 tables in the US at the moment, and as everybody’s jumping on this smart table bandwagon, we are adding tables to each market”, she underlined.
The system’s flexibility, which can integrate with existing camera setups, was also highlighted, showcasing the importance of accuracy in enhancing the gaming experience.
However, Rogers pointed out that the adoption of facial recognition technology in smart tables depends on the operator’s perspective. “Some people find it overkill. In the Asian markets, it’s often a request for both, but in the U.S. and Europe, it’s a bit hit and miss,” she explained.
As the demographics of the players are changing, Maria Garcia Executive Director of Asia Pioneer Entertainment, also noted only those gaming operators who are “two steps ahead will have an advantage”.
“Younger demographics are attracted to technology, innovation, and different products. Operators need to adapt to these changes as their competitors are doing the same”, Callas added.
