TABLE SERVERS
by Paul Doocey
September 11, 2012
For most people, the
true harbingers of fall are kids heading back to school, leaves turning on the
trees or the outdoor temperature becoming a might chilly. For the gaming
industry, the truest sign that autumn is upon us is the flocking of operators,
manufacturers and other interested spectators to Las Vegas for the annual
Global Gaming Expo trade show and conference.
The show floor at
G2E 2012, which will take place October 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Convention
Center, will once again offer the latest and greatest products and services
from a host of domestic and international gaming suppliers and manufacturers.
This year, special emphasis will be placed on table games, not only at the
trade show but also in G2E’s various conferences and sessions. “We recognize that table games are
increasingly important contributors to casinos’ revenue streams, and therefore,
we have tailored G2E 2012 to meet the needs of this sector,” said Frank J.
Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA, said in a prepared statement.
“G2E 2012 will be the go-to place for information and resources on table games,
providing gaming professionals with access to cutting-edge products and
technology, valuable networking opportunities and unmatched educational
programming.”
Never
let it be said Casino Journal is found lacking in any effort to promote
table games. Here is a quick rundown of the table game products, services and
peripherals some vendors will be showcasing at this year’s G2E:
X FACTOR
The
TableXchange Printer/Scanner from
FutureLogic connects existing table games to a casino’s
existing TITO network enabling dealers to validate and issue TITO vouchers at
table games. With the ability to buy-in or cash out at table games, the
TableXchange printer/scanner provides a bridge between slots and tables, helps
casinos identify valuable crossover players, and ultimately enhances the
casino/property experience. With chips remaining at the table, the TableXchange
device further increases operational efficiency at tables and the cash cage by
significantly reducing the traffic at the cash cage and eliminating the need to
replenish chips at table games.
Web site: www.futurelogic-inc.com
G2E booth number: 4041
PULSE POUNDING
The
G4 Organic Live Pulse or
“Pulse Arena” is
Interblock USA’s new product and will be showcased in the
United States for the first time. The version that will be displayed at G2E
will consist of 20 play stations and two live games (Roulette and Baccarat)
with the ability to place wagers electronically on a live wheel operated by a
croupier or a live shoe being dealt for a baccarat game.
Web site: www.interblock-usa.com
G2E booth number: 4400
CHIPPING IN
Using optical bet-recognition software, the
Chip Recognition system from
Bally Technologies is able to view the gaming chips, distinguish
between various denominations, and perform an automated chip count through two
cameras and a dealer-operated button at each table. What is truly unique about
Bally Chip Recognition is that a casino’s chips can be identified without the
expense and inconvenience of replacing a casino’s chip sets. By identifying the
wagers, Bally CMS and TableView real-time table management systems will be able
to more accurately track player activity for comps and rewards, while also
enhancing the ability to track play on the table for dealer-efficiency and
labor efficiencies.
Web site: www.ballytech.com
G2E booth number: 1127
FIRING LINE
Shootout Poker from
Creative Casino Games is the first casino table game that allows
players to play against each other and concurrently play against the house.
It’s Texas Hold ’em with a dealer button. The use of poker skills invites
strategic thinkers who may not otherwise be attracted to casino table games.
This innovation allows the casino to realize an extra profit center by adding a
rake to its edge. Shootout Poker is specifically designed to attract new and
casual players who dislike the intimidation of a poker room and want an
exciting, easy approach to table gaming.
Web site: www.creativecasinogames.us
G2E booth number: 3236
PREMIUM BRAND
Blending intricate designs or logos with up to six high-precision
injection molded color shots,
Gaming Partners International’s new
B&G Premium Chips combine
advancements in plastic injection-molded chip manufacturing with a much broader
range of design possibilities. By providing casinos with the ability to create
a completely unique gaming chip that incorporates their logo, iconic design or
other key visual elements into their chip mold, B&G Premium Chips provide
an excellent alternative to standard mold designs that only offer minimum
customization opportunities and use standard edge spot designs that are
available to other casinos. Further, the unique design elements that are
incorporated into each B&G Premium Chip assists dealers and other casino
staff with quicker identification during game play. Best of all, these
intricate chip designs can incorporate an extensive variety of chip security
features based on each operator’s individual requirements, providing casinos
with not only a visually appealing representation of their brand, but also a
more secure chip that is more resistant to counterfeiting.
Web site: www.gpigaming.com
G2E booth number: 4441
COMFORT KINGS
StylGame, with its
Royal Stool line of products, has progressively solved
issues associated with slot machine ergonomics with its integrated ergonomic
system, “Play in Comfort.” This patented system significantly increases time on
device and coin-in for slots while also improving comfort for the player. “Play
in Comfort” consists of a specialized slot base combined with a chair from the
Royal Stool line of products. The slot base features ergonomically designed leg
space and comes in either adjustable or fixed heights. The Royal Stool chairs
are all customizable, thanks to interchangeable seats and frames and come in a
variety of combinations, finishes, materials, upholsteries, colors and
accessories.
Web site: www.royalstool.com
G2E booth number: 2431
BRIGHT LIGHT
TCSJOHNHUXLEY are currently streamlining and enhancing the
core product range with an emphasis on innovation. Products such as
Supernova Table Bonus System, Gaming Floor Live and Tablet Roulette all
feature heavily in this and will be key products on show at G2E. Supernova
Bonus System is a progressive and game bonusing system that delivers added
value to live roulette. The system drives increased revenues by adding higher
levels of player excitement and loyalty to live games. It is the world’s first
progressive system for local and networked game applications that can be used
on any live roulette table.
Web site: www.tcsjohnhuxley.com
G2E booth number: 3817
GRAB A CHAIR
Continuing to strengthen its position in the casino seating industry
with its ability to provide customized solutions,
Gary Platt Manufacturing is introducing new styles of table game chairs
at G2E. A stylish, sleeker version of the popular Vue model will be on display.
This addition to the Designer Series incorporates softer lines while
maintaining the comfortable ergonomic features our customers have come to
expect. Gary Platt is also introducing a newly designed
Hi/Lo Pedestal Model designed
specifically for electronic table games. This style features a comfortable
round seat, curved back, and attractive arched style footrest. New enhancements
to the X-tended Play Series will also be introduced, including a newly designed
insert handle.
Web site: www.garyplatt.com
G2E booth number: 2832
BALL SKILLS
Creative Casino Games’ Lo-Ball Showdown uses the seven card stud Lo-ball format to offer
players a very easy way to play poker on the casino floor. This game
incorporates the same innovation and thrill which allows players to bet against
each other and concurrently against the house. In addition to the house edge,
the casino is also able to take a rake from the Lo-Ball Showdown table game.
The combination of betting against the house first, and then using the same
cards in a wager against the other players, encourages players to develop
strategies and adds new enthusiasm and interest to casino gaming.
Web site: www.creativecasinogames.us
G2E booth number: 3236
FREE DEAL
Shuffle Master is proud to introduce several new specialty
games at G2E this year with an emphasis on bringing more excitement and
volatility to the game of blackjack. Free Bet
Blackjack with Push 22 Side Bet lets a player double down and split for free.
The game starts like a standard blackjack game: the player makes a bet against
the dealer, and then the player and dealer each receive two cards. A player may
split any pairs for free, except 4s and 10-value cards (10, J, Q, K, A). Free
re-splitting is also allowed. A free double bet may be made on any hard 9, 10,
or 11, regardless of the amount of cards the player has. Free doubling after
splitting is allowed. If the dealer busts with a point total of 22, any bets
left in play are pushes. The Push 22 side bet wins if the dealer busts with a
point total of 22. Player blackjacks are paid before the dealer hits out their
hand, so they are not affected by the Push 22 rule.
Web site: www.shufflemaster.com
G2E booth number: 1241
HEAVEN SENT
Gasser Chair Company, a leading manufacturer of seating solutions for
international gaming, hospitality and entertainment venues, has introduced the
gaming industry’s latest seating innovation—the patent pending
Halo Base. Featuring a stamped steel base encased in a
special coating, the Halo Base adds improved functionality and excitement to
the popular disc base design used in many casinos. Because of its unique design
and powder coating process, it significantly reduces the force required to move
a gaming stool on carpeted flooring. Therefore, a heavy stool that is typically
awkward and difficult for a player to move can now be moved with ease. And, as
an added benefit for the casino, the Halo Base design reduces abrasive wear and
tear on carpeted floors that a traditional disc base creates.
Web site: www.gasserchair.com
G2E booth number: 1817
ENCORE PERFORMENCE
BRAVO Pit from
Genesis Gaming Solutions is a complete table game management and player
tracking system designed for more efficient player ratings and pit management
utilizing electronic data collection. BRAVO Pit also enables casino management
to handle multiple casinos and is compatible with any casino player-tracking
program available. The on-table BRAVO Dealer Unit allows for easy data input
including dealer login; player or guest check-in and check-out; player buy-in,
chips-in, marker buy-in, and average bet. With the Pit Watch monitor program,
the system also enables dealer tracking, supervisor tracking, marketing
tracking, shift roll, table fill, table credit, table inventory and table
rundown. Through Pit Watch, players are rated electronically and given credit
for play immediately.
Web site: www.genesisgaming.com
G2E booth number:
POKER STAR
MLP Seating is expanding its offering of poker seating
choices as part of its launch of their new “CHOICE” program. One of the
“choices” is a sit down swivel poker chair. This chair has all the
functionality of a slot stool but in a poker sit down seat height. The
swivel poker chair has self-return HD swivel, removable seat pad,
double flex brackets and four seat choices.
Web site: www.mlpseating.com
G2E booth number: 3132
GETTING REAL
In the modern world, connectivity is the key.
Real Link from
DEQ Systems will instantly bring table games to an
efficiency and profitability never before achievable by traditionally
non-linked table games. Why keep individual tables isolated on a single casino
floor? Simply connect them to larger jackpots to drive players to the tables.
In other words, Real Link will give casinos new and increased revenue
opportunities streams without having to add more tables or personnel to the
floor. Real Link is a secure wireless progressive jackpot management system
that links and manages multiple casino locations to a single shared table game
progressive jackpot that seamlessly integrates with DEQ’s G3 table game
progressives.
Web site: www.deq.com
G2E booth number: 2017
Paul Doocey
is editor of Casino Journal magazine. He can be reached at dooceyp@bnpmedia.com.
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