The adoption of smart table technology is revolutionizing the casino landscape, offering significant advancements in security, fraud prevention, and player tracking, according to technology suppliers and experts at the G2E Asia conference.
The casino industry is undergoing a technological transformation with the introduction of this technology, reshaping traditional table game experiences. Smart tables integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate manual processes, enhancing game integrity, player ratings, and operational efficiency. All six major concessionaires in Macau are either using or installing smart tables, signaling a significant operational shift, Macau Daily Times reported.
“This whole smart gaming technology is all about bringing advanced technology into the traditional table game,” said Aaron Raj, Chief Technology Officer and Global Smart Table Integration Specialist for Angel Group, a company dedicated to manufacturing and supplying gaming equipment. Angel focuses on data collection, game security, player ratings, and analytics without changing existing processes.
“There’s a lot of data that is generated. And that data becomes invaluable as such for casinos to enhance player experience, game production, and all the other things that are possible, like increased operational efficiency,” Raj said, as per the report.
Another major player in the segment, Walker Digital, fully automates table game operations through extensive time and motion studies.
“We really are in the slotification of table games. The fact is that it’s actually better than slot machines because you don’t have individual bets for every spin inside a slot machine,” Stephen Moore, founder and CEO of Walker Digital, said.
MGM was the first to adopt smart table technology, aiming to increase operational efficiencies and gain a competitive edge.
“You can increase your threshold limits before you have to wait for a supervisor to get approval. Players really want a playback run in Macau, and they want results. They don’t want to be waiting around, “Graeme Croft, former VP of Tables for MGM, was quoted in the report.
The Star Entertainment Group, operating three casinos in Australia, also recognizes the strategic importance of smart tables, especially in a highly regulated market with a focus on local premium customers.
“Being able to report on player activity – you know, fraud management, money laundering, and understanding our customers – is crucial,” Rick McDonald, who runs the table games at The Star in Australia, said, as per the report.
One of the key advancements brought by smart table technology is enhanced chip attribution and tracking. By linking each casino chip to a customer through a unique ID, smart tables address the traditional challenges of tracking chips back to customers, especially in Macau, where chip sharing and player movement are common. This improved tracking bolsters security measures and aids in detecting rating fraud, collusion between players and dealers, and other suspicious activities.
