Everyone knows that land-based casinos use slots, roulette wheels, and other specific equipment to facilitate gambling. But we don’t often think about the underlying technology that makes it all possible.
For example, have you ever stopped to consider how a slot machine knows if you’ve won or not? Or wondered who is authorizing those chips you use at the blackjack and poker tables?
What’s more, modern brick-and-mortar gaming venues are using more and more technology in an attempt to keep up with online casinos. They implement innovations like online kiosks, self-service beverage stations, and digital signage to enhance customer experience.
High RTP Slots You Can Count On - High Payout SlotsSo as you can see, there’s quite a lot of interesting tech behind the scenes of every casino floor.
Today, I’ll take a closer look at some of the most important ways modern casinos use technology to make gambling possible and provide patrons with top-notch entertainment.
Gaming Regulation and Control Boards
Before physical casinos can start operating within a certain jurisdiction, the games they want to offer must be tested and approved by a gaming regulation and control board.
No Deposit Bonus Codes Found . - Too Much Is Never EnoughThese organizations are in charge of making sure all gambling devices (slots, video poker machines, etc.) work as they should and actually give the player a chance to win. Gaming control boards achieve this by running millions of simulations per year.
One organization that does this is Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). This government agency operates under the auspices of the Nevada Governor’s Office and is responsible for monitoring and regulating all forms of gaming within the state.
The NGCB has a laboratory dedicated to testing randomness and integrity of gaming devices. That facility contains several special rooms called "faraday rooms," which block any external signals such as radio waves, Wi-Fi, cell phone connections, etc. Each faraday room has a Faro dealer (an old card game from the 1800s) who deals games all day long to see if the outcomes are truly random.
Gaming control boards also assign employees to act as constant watchdogs over casino operations. These agents visit physical establishments randomly to ensure everything is being done by the book.
Chip Tracking
Walk into any casino, and you'll be handed a certain number of chips based on the amount of cash you wish to play. But have you ever stopped to wonder how these pieces of plastic or clay retain their real-world value? Who decides what each chip is worth, and more importantly, how are these values maintained?
Every casino has its own set of chips, and the highest denomination usually serves as the standard for evaluation. For example, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, one golden chip with a crystal Cosmo logo represents $25. So, a stack of ten such chips would be worth $250.
When players cash out, workers at the cage count the chips to determine the corresponding amount of cash.
In order to prevent counterfeiting, chip manufacturers add unique identifying marks to the bottom side of each token. Casino managers use special readers to detect these symbols and determine the face value of the chip.
However, this system isn’t foolproof. Back in 2013, the Bellagio discovered that around $1.5 million worth of their chips had gone missing. It turned out that a supervisor in the table games department had swapped out nearly 400 regular chips with forgeries and replaced them with genuine ones worth $5,000 each. The crook was eventually caught thanks to surveillance footage, but the story goes to show that human factors still play a big role in the gambling world.
Slot Machines
If you wander the casino floor, you’ll notice that all slot machines display a certain TC# and ACP code. Those aren’t just random combinations of letters and numbers; they actually serve a very important purpose.
TC# stands for Ticket Check, and the code is connected to a particular slot machine. Should anyone try to print a fake ticket, the casino management will be able to tell whether that ticket was actually issued by that specific slot.
ACP means Arizona Cardroom Poker Game Control Module. This microprocessor monitors volatility and payout rates of slot machines. It ensures the game doesn’t pay out during closed loops or other predetermined conditions while still delivering the proper percentage of payouts over time.
Each slot machine in a casino is connected to a central computer known as the system controller. This unit tracks balance, payouts, and other critical data related to EGM performance.
Slot machines used in gambling establishments have to go through a series of tests before they’re allowed on the casino floor. One such requirement is ALRI (Any Life-Risk Region Internal). This refers to the electrolytic capacitors found on the circuit boards of slot machines. Over time, these components can leak or even burst, which could cause an electric shock or start a fire. By passing the ALRI test, a slot machine proves it’s safe for players.
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Just like with slots, roulette wheels and craps dice have to pass inspection tests in order to be used in a casino.
All roulette wheels must have a uniform speed of rotation and release consistency for the ball to fall into roulette pockets in a random manner. Any imperfections that could cause the ball to land in the same place can result in hefty losses for the casino. That’s why they have to be changed regularly.
Casino dice are also meticulously inspected so they always come to a stop randomly. They are made from materials such as brass, resin, or another substance that breaks predictably. To further reduce cheating attempts, dice sets are frozen for at least seven days before use. This is done to round off sharp edges and make them more regular.
Interestingly, the Wynn in Las Vegas uses a high-tech solution to monitor their dice. Each cube is equipped with an RFID chip that transmits data to sensors above the craps tables. By analyzing this information, pit bosses can tell when the dice are due for replacement.
RFID Technology
Speaking of RFID, this technology has become incredibly popular among casino operators in recent years. RFID (radio frequency identification) allows objects to be identified and tracked without physical contact via radio waves.
casino world free gamesMost of us are familiar with RFID through contactless payments, but casinos use this technology in many different ways. Here are some examples:
- Palms Casino: In 2019, the Palms Casino Resort integrated RFID chips into its guest keys. Not only did this allow staff members to identify which patient was in a certain hotel room, but it also enabled them to track their movements around the property. This helped the Palms offer personalized promotions and loyalty rewards to each visitor.
- ATMs: Certain ATM machines in casinos use RFID to protect your money. As soon as you withdraw your cash, the device attaches an RFID tag to one of the bills. When you insert that marked bill into another RFID-enabled ATM, both machines will know how much money is on the note and whether it’s counterfeit.
- MGM Resorts: MGM Resorts International is one of the biggest users of RFID in casinos. The company started chipping its table games, enabling them to track the movement of gaming chips worth $15,000 or more. Furthermore, MGM Resorts sewed RFID patches into employee uniforms to keep tabs on where staff members were located on the casino floor. However, the corporation was forced to end the practice after employees filed a lawsuit, claiming constant surveillance violated their privacy.
- Caesars Entertainment: Caesars Entertainment tried to introduce RFID chips for gamblers who didn’t want to carry around a traditional player’s card. Instead, they would get a tattoo with an RFID tag that would link to their bank account. Needless to say, this idea caused outrage, and the company was heavily criticized for exploiting a subculture that already faces enough stigma. Caesars quickly abandoned the project, claiming they were only exploring new technologies – they had no intention of turning people into chipped customers.
Facial Recognition Software
Another way casinos are using tech to improve security is facial recognition software.
The SLS Las Vegas was one of the first gaming venues to implement this type of solution. The property installed Victor technology that combines IP cameras with specialized software to identify individuals on the property’s self-exclusion list or a wanted persons registry. If a match is found, the system alerts security personnel.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas went one step further, deploying Facial Recognition Technology (FR T) across its entire estate. Not only could FRT recognize banned patrons, but it could also determine whether a person was over 21, thus replacing alcohol door checkers and reducing congestion on the Strip.
Digital Signage
Many modern casinos are using digital signage to provide visitors with more engaging experiences. These screens can be found all over the gaming floor, showing everything from sports highlights and weather reports to promotional content and restaurant menus.
Best Casinos in Albuquerque, NM - 2023's Top PicksDigital signs can be controlled remotely, allowing casino managers to change information in real time. That enables them to advertise special events or tailor messages to individual players.
Some casinos are going even further, implementing large interactive displays that enable guests to play simple games such as tic-tac-toe, Connect Four, or air hockey. These installations help attract crowds, creating a festive atmosphere on the casino floor.
Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks have become ubiquitous in casinos over the last few years, offering patrons a quick and easy way to perform various tasks. Players can use these machines to purchase plane tickets, buy concert tickets, make hotel reservations, redeem loyalty points, exchange cash for chips, and so forth.
According to IHS Markit, the global market for casino self-service kiosks will reach $2 billion by 2023.
Casino operators love these machines because they require fewer employees, thus lowering labor costs. Additionally, kiosks enable customers to skip the lines, improving overall satisfaction.
2023's Most Awaited Upcoming Gambling EstablishmentsFrom a technological standpoint, self-service kiosks feature touchscreen monitors, payment processing systems, and printers/scanners. They run specialized software that communicates with a central database to complete transactions.
Wearable Tech
Wearables have been growing in popularity in recent years, and casinos haven’t been shy about adopting this technology.
Smartwatches, fitness bands, and other gadgets can do much more than tell time or track steps. Some wearables contain NFC (near field communication) chips that can be used for payments, thereby eliminating the need to carry around cards or cash.
Best RTP Slots in Las Vegas, NV - Top Castle Magical Las Vegas SlotsThe Venetian and the Palazzo were among the first Las Vegas Strip properties to integrate NFC into their systems. Guests could use their smartphones and watches to pay for room service, in-room dining, and other amenities.
But wearables can do much more for casinos. They can help staff members provide better service and respond faster to customer needs.
Here are some examples of wearable applications in the gaming industry:
- Heads-Up Displays: Some casinos equip their dealers with smart glasses or heads-up displays (HUDs) that show real-time information about players at the table. HUDs can provide details on loyalty status, previous wins/losses, preferred games, and so forth.
- Location Tracking: By attaching beacons to employees and Bluetooth receivers to the casino floor, property managers can determine where staff members are at all times. This helps them send jobs to the nearest worker or dispatch assistance to a troubled patron.
- Language Translation: International tourists often have trouble communicating with non-native speakers. To eliminate language barriers, certain casinos provide their dealers with smart earpieces that offer instant translation.
Self-Driving Shuttles
While not directly related to actual gambling, self-driving shuttles are starting to appear on casino campuses, providing patrons with free rides around the property.
The Venetian and the Palazzo introduced Elastigo’s autonomous vehicles back in 2017, allowing guests to travel between the two resorts in comfort and style. Similarly, the Caesars Palace launched its own self-driving shuttle a year later.
Self-driving cars could completely revolutionize transportation, and major companies such as Google, Uber, Baidu, Tesla, and General Motors are racing against time to perfect this tech. Once fully developed, self-driving vehicles might replace traditional taxi services and significantly impact the hospitality sector.
Blockchain Technology
Although blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, this decentralized ledger system can be used for a variety of purposes. Given its ability to provide transparency, security, and trust, it’s no surprise that casinos are trying to incorporate blockchain into their businesses.
Fantastic Slot Apps with PayPal for British PlayersOne of the main issues casinos are trying to solve with blockchain is cheating during table games.
By using special sensors and cameras, startups such as FollowMyVote and BitMark are attempting to create a tamper-proof record of every action at the gambling table. This would include shuffling decks, dealing cards, placing bets, and so forth. All that data would be stored on the blockchain, guaranteeing nobody could alter it afterward.
Top MGM Casinos in the USA - MGM Casino Resorts ReviewAside from preventing cheating, blockchain could streamline various internal processes within casinos. For example, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Cassino implemented Bitcoin ATMs that allow customers to deposit digital assets directly into their casino accounts. And with visitation authority considering proposals to levy a tax on cryptocurrency transactions, more casinos are likely to follow suit.
Final Thoughts
Technology plays a vital role in the functioning of brick-and-mortar casinos, performing a myriad of tasks that range from ensuring fair play to enhancing customer satisfaction.
As the gambling industry continues to evolve, we can expect casinos to adopt even more advanced solutions. Who knows – maybe in a couple of decades, we’ll all have the option to gamble entirely through virtual reality headsets, never having to leave our homes!
