The future will bring changes to the casino experience. This is not a new phenomenon, as casinos constantly evolve. However, the recent shutdown of casinos could potentially accelerate technological advancements.
Gaming manufacturers are constantly providing casinos with opportunities to purchase new technology. However, casinos generally take their time to adopt the latest technology trends. For instance, new casino games are frequently trialed on the gaming floor, although only a limited number are at the forefront of innovation. The introduction of new technology on the casino floor, however, presents a different scenario.
Some visitors may appreciate viewing the most recent technological advancements, while others may find the existing technology a little too advanced. Casino managers must strike a balance between what suits all guests and what appeals to those accustomed to the newest and most innovative technologies.
The closure of casinos to aid in curbing the spread of the coronavirus might serve as the catalyst they need to accelerate the adoption of new technology.
Reserving space at a Las Vegas table game
New technology is being introduced in casinos nationwide to speed up visits. Although reserving a seat in a poker room has been a long-standing practice, the online and mobile technology enabling players to register their names for a slot at the poker table is now being implemented for table games in at least one Nevada casino.
Sahara Las Vegas is offering players the opportunity to reserve a table game prior to their visit. This innovative technology enables players to enter the casino and immediately sit down at a table. The service is designed to assist small groups of players who wish to coordinate their gaming arrangements and play together at the same live game.
The new service at Sahara is designed to reduce the number of guests aimlessly wandering the casino floor in search of a game. By minimizing aimless movement, we can also decrease the potential spread of germs from guests across the gaming area.
Here, guests have the option to reserve space at table games.
Touchless loyalty cards
In 2017, Station Casinos implemented IGT’s Cardless Connect in their establishments. As a result, those who play video poker and slot machines at Station Casinos properties no longer require a tangible casino loyalty club card to accumulate points.
Station Casinos properties offer Cardless Connect, a feature that enables guests to link their Boarding Pass players club to their preferred gaming machine using their mobile phones. To do this, guests just need to input their players’ club information into the Station Casinos app on their mobile device.
The player can activate the machine by simply waving their phone in front of the card reader, instead of inserting money. They will earn gameplay points in the same way as they would normally by inserting a card into the machine.
The technology, which began as a convenience for players, has now sparked a renewed interest from casinos as players are seeking to reduce their contact with surfaces within the casino. IGT, after initially launching Cardless Connect, has rebranded the touchless solution. Currently, IGT Advantage provides a range of touchless services.
Unified wallets could be the next big step in gaming
The concept of a unified wallet, pitched by various gaming manufacturers to casinos and gaming regulators, isn’t exactly a “new” technology. It has been around for years.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that two Las Vegas casinos initiated a field trial for Everi’s CashClub wallet prior to the mandated closure of casinos to curb the spread of coronavirus.
This cashless technology lets players use money for video poker and slot machines without handling actual cash. Players will have an app on their phones that links their financial details to a kiosk. The apparatus will then generate a ticket that can be used for machine games.
Scientific Games also has a unified wallet that is part of its contactless gaming solutions, similar to others.
Nearly all major gaming manufacturers provide some type of cashless gaming solution for casinos. An increasing number of businesses are beginning to offer cashless services. This trend is likely to become prevalent in casinos in the near future.
Going touchless off the casino floor
MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment are promoting the feature of touchless hotel check-in at their respective Las Vegas resorts as they reopen. This is made possible through mobile apps, allowing guests to check into their hotel room and use their mobile phone as a key.
Guests have the option to check into a room either at the front desk or use kiosks for check-in and key printing, provided they are comfortable touching a surface.
Casinos are also curtailing the gathering of people in confined areas waiting to dine in restaurants. Sahara, for instance, will now notify guests on their mobile phones when their tables are ready, instead of reusing buzzers. This effectively diminishes queues leading into restaurants.
Sahara and various casino restaurants are also utilizing QR codes for food ordering. This eliminates an additional touch point as there is no need to physically handle a menu.
