RFID or smart chips (technology) smart gaming tables (AI)
jan25
Galaxy is reportedly the second gaming operator in Macao to have completed its smart table rollout for mass baccarat, which is by far the most popular form of gambling in the SAR. That’s according to trade publication Inside Asian Gaming, which cited a note from Citigroup analysts sent on Monday.
Analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau’s said an additional 74 smart tables were operating in Galaxy Macau’s “grind mass” area – using an industry term referring to low-stakes mass market gambling – while nine such new tables had appeared at StarWorld.
“We believe Galaxy has become the second casino operator in Macao to have fully deployed smart tables for its mass baccarat operations,” they wrote. The concessionaire follows in the footsteps of MGM China, which has reportedly been the SAR’s most proactive adopter of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
[See more: ‘Smart tables’ won’t mean less staff, Sands China’s vice chairman says]
Regarding the progress made by the other concessionaires, Choi and Chau said they believed Sands China was at about 80 percent RFID deployment in its mass baccarat operations; Wynn was at 60 percent; and Melco was at 50 percent (with StudioCity already fully equipped, however). They did not give a percentage for SJM, but the pair’s survey showed that Grand Lisboa had 63 operational tables for the first time in January.
RFID chips and tables increase efficiency and through that, profitability. They also help combat cheating, manage inventory, keep tabs on players and reduce user error. Choi and Chau said their growing presence in Macao’s casinos was “one of the important drivers” of Citigroup’s 7 percent gross gaming revenue (GGR) growth forecast for 2025, thanks to the technology enabling more games to be played per hour.
The analysts also reported the usual pre-Lunar New Year slowdown, with some casinos carrying out minor renovations before the traditionally hectic holiday period, which kicks off on 29 January. They forecast a 2 percent year-on-year drop in GGR for the month, culminating in a positive January and February combined.
https://macaonews.org/news/business/macau-galaxy-casinos-smart-tables-rfid-macao/
jan25
So far in January, Macau has seen a lower wager per premium mass player and a lower number of “whales” – players that have a bet size of HKD100,000 (US$12,846) or more – compared to the same period in January 2024. That is according to bank Citigroup’s January survey of this segment of play, drawing comparison wiith its equivalent 2024 survey.
(...)Citigroup also gave further observations on “smart table” use in the Macau market.
It concluded that Galaxy Entertainment had become the second Macau casino operator – after MGM China Holdings Ltd – to have “fully deployed smart tables” for its mass baccarat play. That followed Galaxy Entertainment Group’s rollout of “74 new smart tables” at the grind mass area of its flagship property, Galaxy Macau, as well as “nine more” at the grind mass area in its Macau peninsula property, StarWorld Hotel.
Citigroup estimates Sands China’s equivalent operation is now “80 percent smart”, and Wynn Macau Ltd’s “circa 60 percent smart”, with Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, “circa 50 percent smart”.
The bank added: “It is worth emphasising that smart tables can help increase the speed of the game (i.e. more games can be dealt per hour), and this is one of the important drivers…in our 7 percent estimated 2025 Macau GGR growth forecast.”
https://www.ggrasia.com/fewer-macau-whales-sighted-pre-cny-citi/
dec24
A new live multi-game (LMG) stadium was launched on Wednesday at the U2 floor of Grand Lisboa, the Macau peninsula flagship casino hotel promoted by Macau concessionaire SJM Holdings Ltd, GGRAsia understood from a site visit and confirmation from the LMG supplier, LT Game Ltd.
The LMG stadium at Grand Lisboa – featuring more than 60 terminals – is currently the only gaming product available at the U2 floor of the complex. The remaining portion of the floor houses a shuttered restaurant.
The LMG stadium is also the first of its kind installed at Grand Lisboa, according to GGRAsia’s observations from previous regular visits. Other type of electronic gaming machines are available in other floors of the property’s casino.
As of Wednesday, the LMG at Grand Lisboa offered baccarat, with a minimum bet of HKD20 (US$2.57). The baccarat offer included the “Small 6/Big 6″ side bet, an option for baccarat play that was introduced in May to the traditional live table games in the Macau market.
LT Game, the sole provider of live multi-game systems and terminals in the Macau market, confirmed to GGRAsia that the LMG stadium at Grand Lisboa started operations on Wednesday.
On the same day, additional LMG terminals came into operation at the Jai Alai gaming venue, a LT Game representative said in comments to GGRAsia. The Jai Alai property, located near Macau’s Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, is also promoted by SJM Holdings.
https://www.ggrasia.com/new-lmg-stadium-goes-live-at-grand-lisboa-casino/
Dec24
The adoption of smart gaming tables across the market and the launch of new high-end hotel suite products will likely mean much greater competition between concessionaires in the Macau market, according to a leading MGM China executive.
Vivian Chan, the company’s SVP Finance and Acting CFO, detailed the company’s short-term expectations during a session at the Bank of America Leveraged Finance Conference on Wednesday morning (Asia time), having seen MGM report multiple quarterly GGR and EBITDA records throughout 2024. MGM China has also seen its market share grow from 9.5% in 2019 to as high as 16% this year, aided by the addition of 198 new gaming tables under its 10-year concession through 2032 and the early adoption of smart gaming table technology.
Asked whether the company could maintain its momentum into 2025, Chan admitted that rival concessionaires would expect to see their gaming floors performing better in the months ahead given that all are in the process of rolling out smart tables, but added, “Another factor is the competitors are finishing the construction of their suite conversion, for Sands China and for Galaxy as well.
“Competition from next year will be more intense given there will be more new product offerings in the market, although for sure we will have our own secret weapons to defend that. But yes, it will be a factor for the RFID tables because they are catching up [on rollout].”
Although Chan admitted the 198 new gaming tables had given MGM China a boost, but also noted its knowledge of the Chinese customer was crucial.
“We know what the Chinese customer wants so in terms of product offerings, the property, we tailor-make it to the taste of the existing or the new Chinese customer,” she said. “That’s why our market share has gone from 9.5% in 2019 to 15% and above now. We have covered a lot, and a lot of our competitors are also jealous of us.
“In terms of the six gaming operators, MGM has recovered better than the market. Macau’s recovery this year, compared to 2019, is around 77% but MGM China, we are above 100% compared to pre-COVID levels.”
https://asgam.com/2024/12/04/after-record-breaking-year-mgm-china-expecting-increased-macau-competition-in-2025/
nov24
Citigroup said it observed in its November survey of Macau casino table play “the largest whale ever” since it began conducting such monthly reviews in 2017. That was during a “supposedly slow month,” stated analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau.
The so-called “player of the month” had wagered HKD2.2 million (US$282,607) at the Signature Club in the Epic Tower at Studio City, a property majority-owned by Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.
The amount seen was about 18.0 percent of the total value of bets observed in the latest survey, at HKD12.2 million. The particular player’s outlay included “HKD200,000 on ‘Lucky 7,” a side bet option.
The player was “the largest whale we have ever witnessed,” added the Citigroup analysts. The institution defines “whales” as players that have a bet size of HKD100,000 or more.
The bank also suggested Melco Resorts was “gaining share in premium mass” in Macau. At the time of the casino company’s third-quarter earnings a fortnight ago, a number of analysts had mentioned erosion of market share during the reporting period.
The aggregate of market-wide wagers observed in the November survey was up 29 percent year-on-year, to HKD12.2 million, driven by “player quality and quantity improvements,” stated Citigroup.
Players termed “premium mass” amounted to 514, up 21 percent on the November 2023 survey, said the bank.
“This implies that wager/player, a gauge of player quality, improved 7 percent year-on-year, to HKD23,706,” wrote its analysts.
The number of whales seen rose to 21 in the November survey, from 18 in the prior-year observation period.
“More importantly average wager per whale of HKD268,381 was 73 percent higher versus November 2023,” said the memo.
Though the analysts also observed that the number of players in the market and their aggregate gambling budget, were “not the only… drivers” of casino gross gaming revenue (GGR).
In the Macau market, other factors included deployment of so-called ‘smart tables’, “which will increase game speed velocity,” and “introduction and promotion of new side bets, which will increase hold rates,” added the analysts.
Citigroup said all mass-market baccarat tables it observed at Galaxy Macau’s Horizon gaming area were now ‘smart’ as were all such tables seen at Melco Resorts’ Studio City, and Sands China Ltd’s Venetian Macao, and Plaza, as well as the Diamond Club at Wynn Macau Ltd’s Wynn Palace, and that firm’s Wynn Encore downtown at the Wynn Macau property.
MGM China Holdings Ltd was one of the earliest exponents of smart tables in the Macau market.
For the November Citigroup survey, “we also saw smart tables” at “grind mass areas,” stated the bank’s analysts, mentioning “24 at Wynn Macau, 40 at Wynn Palace, and 133 at Galaxy Macau,” the latter the flagship Cotai property of Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.
Craig Billings, chief executive of Wynn Macau Ltd’s parent, Wynn Resorts Ltd, said on the group’s third-quarter earnings call, that rollout of smart tables in its Macau business would be completed by Chinese New Year, which is at the end of January 2025.
Regarding side bets, Citigroup stated its November survey noted “side bet expert tables” at the Venetian Macao, offering bets on respectively ‘6s’-based and ‘7s’-based, side bet games.
“We believe this latest creative move by Sands China will lure players to wager more on side bets,” the analysts stated.
https://www.ggrasia.com/best-whale-since-macau-monthly-survey-began-in-2017-citi/
+https://asgam.com/2024/11/18/citi-smart-table-deployment-across-macau-accelerating/?utm_source=IAGMM&utm_campaign=eb84acd70f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_05_21_11_42_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-8564025909-131421005
nov24
Macau casino operator Wynn Macau Ltd expects to complete the full rollout of so-called ‘smart tables’ at its two Macau properties by next Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29, 2025.
The rollout timetable is according to Craig Billings, group chief executive of Wynn Resorts Ltd. His comments were made in a Monday conference call with investment analysts, following the group’s announcement of its third-quarter results.
Wynn Macau Ltd operates the Wynn Palace resort (pictured) on Cotai, and also runs the Wynn Macau resort on the city’s peninsula.
“We are in the midst of rolling out smart tables,” Mr Billings said. “We’ve got about a quarter of our tables covered and we expect to have full rollout by Chinese New Year 2025.”
The Wynn group executive highlighted there were operational benefits from the use of smart tables, namely with respect to game security and prevention of human error.
https://www.ggrasia.com/smart-table-rollout-at-wynn-casinos-in-macau-done-by-cny/
set24
All the operating live-dealer baccarat gaming tables hosted by the newly-opened Londoner Grand Casino (pictured) – at the Cotai gaming resort The Londoner Macao – were “smart tables”, GGRAsia observed during a Friday-lunchtime site visit. The minimum bets most commonly found on them were at a lower level than the most common minimum bets seen on equivalent tables in the Londoner Casino-branded gaming area located in the same complex, GGRAsia also noted.
The Londoner Grand Casino, the remodelled former Pacifica casino, opened to the public at noon on Thursday (September 26), its operator Sands China Ltd had confirmed to GGRAsia.
The area had been closed for some months, amid refurbishment as well as rebranding. Management at Sands China’s parent Las Vegas Sands Corp, had earlier this year mentioned a rejig starting in May and a reopening scheduled for December. GGRAsia observed that – among the changes – the interior decor of the Londoner Grand Casino appeared lighter than that for the former Pacifica casino that had occupied the space.
https://www.ggrasia.com/londoner-grand-casinos-baccarat-games-all-smart/
jul24
Smart tables help Macau maintain its gaming
Gaming veteran Graeme Croft says that Macau will continue to be the number one gaming market, even as the Philippines rises and Singapore continues to perform well.
The introduction of smart tables, with MGM leading the way, adds huge value, due to data processing, while operators continually have to reorganize the gaming floors to fit the changing demographics and desires.
https://agbrief.com/intel/face-to-face/12/07/2024/smart-tables-help-macau-maintain-its-gaming-crown/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=e649a88136-AGB%3A+%2301940+Friday%2C+12th+July%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-e649a88136-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301940+Friday%2C+12th+July%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-e649a88136-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=e649a88136&mc_eid=31e20475e6
jul424
Nearly 1,000 gaming table supervisors have expressed dissatisfaction with a mounting workload that is not being addressed with the help of smart tables, according to lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho.
The lawmaker said in a recently written inquiry that he had asked the government to intervene after the complainants approached him for help.
Each supervisor was required to manage six mass market tables during peak hours, with some of the smart tables experiencing malfunctions that required additional attention from staff.
Some of these casino workers also complained that they had been given a warning letter for failing to work efficiently in what they described as a “highly stressful” environment.
“Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the gaming companies have avoided layoffs but have transferred a large number of gaming table supervisors to other roles,” the lawmaker wrote, quoting words from the complaints.
https://macaubusiness.com/gaming-table-supervisors-seek-relief-as-smart-tables-fail-to-ease-workload-lawmaker/
jun24
The rollout of smart tables by Macau gaming operators over the next six to nine months will put concessionaires on a more even playing field and lead to both operational and marketing capability improvements, brokerage Seaport pointed out.
In a recent dispatch, Seaport’s senior analyst Vitaly Umansky highlighted the significant impact of smart table technology on the gaming sector, pointing out that this technology is set to streamline casino operations, reduce human error, and provide valuable data insights.
Smart tables are equipped with advanced sensors and digital interfaces that allow for real-time tracking of game results, player behavior, and betting patterns.
A gaming analytics expert recently told AGB that by the end of 2025, it is expected that all major properties in Macau, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand will adopt some form of smart table technology, primarily for Baccarat due to its implementation ease compared to other games.
https://agbrief.com/news/macau/27/06/2024/smart-table-rollout-to-level-playing-field-among-macau-operators-seaport/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=6d0901b179-AGB%3A+%2301929+Thursday%2C+27th+June%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-6d0901b179-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301929+Thursday%2C+27th+June%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-6d0901b179-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=6d0901b179&mc_eid=31e20475e6
jun24
Imagine a world where casino marketing strategies are as seamless as a well-oiled machine, where every move is calculated, every decision is informed, and every player is treated like royalty. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) come into play.
AI refers to intelligent machines that can mimic human intelligence and capabilities. ML is a subset of AI that enables machines to learn from data and make improvements, predictions, or decisions without being programmed.
At the Global Gaming (G2E) Asia Expo, Pegasystems’ Nihar Joshi, Go-To-Market Lead for Asia (GTM), shared the latest advancements in AI and ML.
These cutting-edge technologies possess a great capacity to reshape the gaming industry’s marketing landscape, influencing strategic decisions and operational efficiencies that drive business success.
https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/ai-machine-learning-revolutionize-casino-marketing.html
jun24
The adoption of smart table technology is transforming the casino landscape, providing unprecedented benefits in security, fraud prevention, and player tracking, technology suppliers indicated.
Two of the leading smart table suppliers, Walker Digital Table Systems and Angel, shared their insights on the advantages of these cutting-edge systems at a round table during the G2E Asia conference in Macau.
Members of the industry indicated that by integrating advanced security features, AI-powered observations, and detailed player tracking, these systems offer significant advantages in fraud prevention and operational efficiency.
Stephen Moore, Founder and CEO of Walker Digital Table Systems, highlighted the robust security features of their smart tables. “When a player buys in their chips at a table game, those chips get tracked as a bankroll and unique ID across the floor,” Moore explained.
https://agbrief.com/news/macau/05/06/2024/smart-table-technology-to-enhance-casino-security-fraud-prevention-and-player-tracking-suppliers/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=cbf02149b9-AGB%3A+%2301915+Thursday%2C+06th+June%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-cbf02149b9-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301915+Thursday%2C+06th+June%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-cbf02149b9-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=cbf02149b9&mc_eid=31e20475e6
jun24
It could take around “six months” for casinos that install ‘smart tables’ to start reaping day-to-day operational benefits.
That was the consensus view of a representative of Australia’s The Star Entertainment Group, and of a former executive of Macau operator MGM China Holdings Ltd, the self-identified first mover with smart tables in the latter market. They were speaking on a Wednesday panel at the industry trade show G2E Asia 2024.
The Star Entertainment opted for technology from casino equipment supplier Angel Group. MGM China adopted products from Walker Digital Table Systems LLC (WDTS), according to the representatives.
Rick McDonald (pictured, third right), general manager of table games strategy at Star Entertainment, explained the learning process in the smart table deployment at The Star Sydney. It took around “six months” to start achieving the firm’s “primary objectives” in terms of game protection, generation of play data for analytical purposes and to support player rating work.
https://www.ggrasia.com/ops-take-6-months-to-start-reaping-smart-table-benefits/
jun24
The provision of new, immersive gaming experiences will be key in attracting younger demographics to land-based casinos, said industry veteran Ken Jolly on Wednesday. He was speaking during a panel session on player experience initiatives, part of the conference segment of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia 2024 trade show in Macau.
Mr Jolly (pictured centre), vice president and managing director for Asia at casino equipment supplier Light & Wonder Inc, suggested that offering themed areas and rooms could contribute to a more immersive play experience. According to the executive, casino operators in Macau were already moving in that direction.
Creating a “more immersive” environment and ensuring that gaming rooms offer a “much better atmosphere” could be areas of development to attract younger demographics into casino gaming, Mr Jolly suggested.
“Imagine a room with digital walls, activity happening around the room, and lighting effects when you win a jackpot… that is probably where we are heading,” he added.
Mr Jolly suggested that the introduction of crash-style games into the casino environment could also appeal to young players, as they were already familiar with playing this type of game for fun.
https://www.ggrasia.com/immersive-play-product-key-to-grab-young-players-suppliers/
jun24
The roll-out of radio frequency identification (RFID) tables, or so-called smart gaming tables, is not intended to lead to staffing cuts – according to executive vice chairman of Sands China Wilfred Wong.
Speaking after the opening ceremony of the Global Gaming Expo Asia at the Venetian Macao on Tuesday, Wong said that smart tables would “not reduce the number of employees” at Sands – noting that their purpose was solely to “increase the company’s security and stability,” industry website Inside Asia Gaming reported.
Each of Macao’s six gaming concessionaires has either already installed, or is in the process of installing, smart tables in their casinos. The technology, which has been around since 2014, is used by operators to track individual players and improve efficiency.
https://macaonews.org/news/business/macau-casinos-smart-tables-rfid-staff-macao/
jun24
The introduction of “smart” gaming tables in Macau casinos has ignited industry interest due to their efficient gameplay data analysis. Analysts project significant revenue growth, leading to widespread implementation this year
https://www.macaubusiness.com/smart-tables-eying-better-gains/
may24
AI driving significant transformation in the casino industry: Researcher
The casino industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), spearheading innovations in gaming experiences, security measures, and personalized services, according to a tech researcher.
Michael Oliver, an iGaming researcher, says that the implementation of AI by casinos and gaming platforms is revolutionizing customer interaction, enhancing player behavior understanding, and refining business strategies for greater value.
This digital evolution, while promising broad benefits for stakeholders, necessitates careful management of ethical and practical challenges to ensure positive outcomes.
“The integration of technologies such as machine learning, generative adversarial networks, and AI in gaming platforms is heralding a new era in casino software development. These advancements not only improve game creation but also ensure fairness and bolster security,” Oliver points out.
An analysis by the researcher – a Head of R&D and Partnerships at iGaming software solution company GAMMASTACK – delves into how AI’s role in game personalization, security enhancements, and responsible gaming is shaping the future of the casino industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of casino software solutions in evolving gaming experiences.“AI tools are fundamental in analyzing game performance and player preferences. By examining popular games and pinpointing underperforming machines, AI enables casino operators to craft targeted marketing strategies that maximize player satisfaction and profits. This data-driven approach ensures that casinos can offer games that players love while optimizing machine placement to enhance the gaming experience,” he points out
https://agbrief.com/intel/deep-dive/27/05/2024/ai-driving-significant-transformation-in-the-casino-industry-researcher/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=86dd1e7506-AGB%3A+%2301908+Tuesday%2C+28th+May%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-86dd1e7506-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301908+Tuesday%2C+28th+May%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-86dd1e7506-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=86dd1e7506&mc_eid=31e20475e6
may24
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein has described smart gaming tables as the “future of gambling,” stating that his company is “fully invested” in utilizing the technology across its integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore.
Goldstein’s comments came during the Bernstein 40th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference where he was asked about the role of technology on today’s gaming floors.
“The hot ticket today, the hot discussion revolves around the smart tables,” Goldstein replied. “They are terrifically advanced products that enable us to do a better job of policing the game for both the customers’ and our own benefit.”
Goldstein explained that smart tables “help us market better” and “make us more aware,” turning a table game into something more akin to a slot machine by removing the human element and making the process “very mechanical, very efficient.”
https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/las-vegas-sands-ceo-embraces-smart-gaming-tables-as-the-future-of-gambling.html
+
https://jtm.com.mo/local/mesas-inteligentes-vao-revolucionar-jogo/
may24
Smart Tables are taking APAC by storm, with operators seeing operational advantages, security improvements and ease of regulatory compliance. The Angel Group has been working on the new tech for 10 years and is rolling it out to highly interested IRs from Macau to the Philippines, Singapore and Australia.
may24
By the end of 2025, it is expected that all major properties in Macau, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand will adopt some form of smart table technology, primarily for Baccarat due to its implementation ease compared to other games, gaming analytics expert David Croft told AGB.
According to the Tangam Systems SVP of Gaming Optimization & Strategy, the introduction of smart table technology is poised to transform the landscape of casino gaming, offering enhanced security, efficiency, and profitability.
In the current market, casinos have three choices of smart tables, namely, those with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology embedded in the table, float, and chips to track gameplay and patron activity, and those equipped with cameras, including in some instances facial and body recognition, to track gameplay and patron activity.
https://agbrief.com/intel/deep-dive/21/05/2024/smart-table-technology-set-to-dominate-main-asia-market-casinos-by-2025-expert/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=286db2b802-AGB%3A+%2301903+Tuesday%2C+21st+May%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-286db2b802-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301903+Tuesday%2C+21st+May%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-286db2b802-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=286db2b802&mc_eid=31e20475e6
may24
The growing use of so-called ‘smart tables’ for traditional casino table games in the Macau market and beyond – offering the potential for player-data acquisition as well as game security – was “quite a big change” for the industry, said Simon Johnson (pictured), senior vice president and managing director – international, at casino technology firm Light & Wonder Inc (L&W). He was speaking on Tuesday in an interview with GGRAsia.
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs), including electronic table games of the sort supplied by Light & Wonder and its market competitors – whether fully automated or with a live dealer –, are already recognised for their ability to deliver a high number of decisions per hour, and to generate betting and bet settlement without errors.
Mr Johnson stated, regarding the growth of traditional-table ‘smart’ play: “We need to take [that] into account as we think about our development roadmaps and about the future of our tables.”
https://www.ggrasia.com/smart-table-trend-opportunity-for-egm-makers-says-lw-exec/
may24
Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd plans to start rolling out ‘smart’ casino tables at its casinos from July onwards. The news was provided by the firm in a conference call with investment analysts following it announcing its first-quarter results on Tuesday.
“Smart tables [are] to be launched from July onwards”, wrote brokerage Jefferies Hong Kong Ltd, in a note citing the key points discussed by Galaxy Entertainment’s management during the analyst briefing.
Analyst Andrew Lee added that smart table deployment at Galaxy Entertainment was to be “completed by year-end,” according to management.
The Macau authorities have been encouraging use of smart tables as a way for the city’s industry to manage more effectively casino operations. In that regards, several Macau operators have recently flagged plans to use radio frequency identification (RFID) gaming tables.
https://www.ggrasia.com/galaxy-ent-to-launch-smart-casino-tables-from-july-jefferies/
may24
Smart tables have guaranteed a certain level of game security in the casino industry, making cheating almost impossible.
It is according to an earnings call by MGM China Holdings with analysts, following the release of its first-quarter result on Thursday.
“We have cases where people thought that they got away, but as long as the chips come back, they were caught,” said Hubert Wang, chief operating officer of MGM China.
The casino operator has been tapping into the technology since 2016, the call heard.
Wang said it had helped increase operating efficiency as it required “far less supervision”.
https://www.macaubusiness.com/smart-gaming-tables-make-cheating-nearly-impossible-mgm/
may24
Macau casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd still has “at least several years of lead” in the implementation and use of “smart tables” versus its five market rivals, claimed a senior executive on Wednesday.
Hubert Wang, president and chief operating officer (COO) of MGM China, was speaking on the first-quarter earnings call of the firm’s majority owner, MGM Resorts International.
The COO stated that although “everybody is trying to implement” the use of such tables, “I think that we have at least several years of lead in the implementation and also [being able to] take advantage of this technology to execute various programmes”.
MGM China runs the MGM Macau property on the city’s peninsula, and MGM Cotai (pictured) in the newer Cotai casino district.
As well as the fact such tables enabled gaming chip tracking and authentication, making it “very difficult to cheat a game… almost impossible,” such tables also made it possible for casino operators to have “a lot more data” on customers.
That, said Mr Wang, “allows us to do precision marketing based on various customers’ playing level, [and] we can also give them real-time rewards”.
Such table technology, stated the MGM China COO, “allows us to develop new games as well”.
He said: “For instance, we already launched insurance [bet] baccarat in this market and this is impossible to do manually.”
https://www.ggrasia.com/mgm-china-several-years-lead-on-macau-smart-tables-coo/
ap24
smart gaming tables have become the talk of the town in Macau, with all six concessionaires having either already installed the technology or confirmed they are in the process of doing so. IAG takes a look at this innovative combination of RFID and AI and explores the many reasons why these tables are set to revolutionize the casino industry.
It was during a recent appearance at a JP Morgan forum in Las Vegas that MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said aloud what everyone had been thinking quietly for some time: Macau’s foreigner-only gaming zones concept hadn’t worked.
https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2024/04/30/chip-and-a-chair/
apr24
The deployment of a “smart table” product – combining the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and cameras gathering data for analysis via artificial intelligence (AI) – can provide more “flexibility” to casino operators and “enhance the efficiency” of the gaming operation, says Asuka Kurahashi (pictured), president of Angel Macau Ltd, in an interview with GGRAsia.
Angel Group is a familiar name for its playing cards and card shoes in the casino-equipment supply market. The company offers a modular approach to its smart table offer, depending on a casino firm’s operational need and budget, as well as the relevant gaming regulator’s protocols.
Ms Kurahashi said Angel’s smart table does not disrupt the normal operating process of a live table game nor slow its pace.
“By adopting the RFID-smart table, we can enhance the efficiency of the [gaming] operation, and we don’t want to change the dealers’ SOP [standard operation procedure] or even table layout. While the dealer is dealing the game the normal way, our system is collecting all the data,” the Angel Macau president remarked.
https://www.ggrasia.com/ai-rfid-mix-for-smart-tables-gives-ops-flexibility-angel-exec/
apro24
Technology is the key to standardizing regulations in the gaming industry: Sumsub
In an interview with AGB, Chuan Wee Lye, a senior business development manager at Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, highlighted that technology has become key to standardizing regulations in the gaming industry.
Sumsub has introduced an integrated solution for user verification, anti-fraud, and compliance for the gaming industry. The solution aims to empower both platforms and operators to seamlessly navigate the entire player lifecycle, simultaneously maximizing profit revenue and ensuring compliance with all regulations and guidelines.
Chuan Wee Lye explained that the demand for user verification services is emerging recently since more and more gaming regulators have become “clearer about some of their anti-money laundering requirements.”In the case of the Philippines, the Paris-based FATF placed the Philippines back on the gray list after the country’s unsuccessful mutual evaluation by the Asia Pacific Group on money laundering.
https://agbrief.com/intel/deep-dive/10/04/2024/technology-as-the-key-to-standardizing-regulations-in-the-gaming-industry-sumsub/?utm_source=Asia%20Gaming%20Brief&utm_campaign=84d103b232-AGB%3A%20%2301877%20Thursday%2C%2011th%20April%2C%202024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-84d103b232-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A%20%2301877%20Thursday%2C%2011th%20April%2C%202024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-84d103b232-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=84d103b232&mc_eid=31e20475e6
ap24
“Navigating” data protection regulations “presents a multifaceted challenge for casino gaming concessionaires looking to integrate” so-called ‘smart’ tables, including radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, in their operations, says a freshly-published paper from Macau-based lawyer Pedro Cortés.
Such effort would have to emphasise “the utmost importance of safeguarding customer data,” as well as “adhering to regulatory requirements, and cultivating an environment of trust and transparency within the continuously evolving realm of casino gaming,” wrote Mr Cortés.
His paper, ‘Navigating Regulatory Waters: The Implications of RFID Gaming Chips in Macau Casinos’, was published on Tuesday in Lexology, a website of United Kingdom-based Law Business Research
https://www.ggrasia.com/macau-smart-play-a-data-protection-challenge-lawyer/
ap24
Macau casino operators’ adoption of smart gaming tables and RFID chips has the potential to boost their gross gaming revenue (GGR) while also cutting operating expenses, Citigroup analysts have said.
The analysts recently suggested that approximately 10 per cent of local gaming tables had already implemented smart technology.
“If the use of smart gaming tables becomes more widespread, we would be much more confident (than we already are) in the long-term growth prospects of the Macau Gaming industry,” analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung said in a report.
Citigroup expects the incorporation of smart tables to speed up gameplay, with every five seconds saved per
baccarat game – resulting in over 5.9 per cent organic growth in GGR.
Furthermore, the utilisation of RFID technology can facilitate the accurate tracking of foreign player volumes, which could potentially reduce gaming tax rate by up to 5 percentage points.
The investment bank also indicated that the adoption of smart tables could enhance anti-money laundering measures and responsible gaming practices, “which the Macau government is likely to welcome”.
Citigroup analysts also highlighted several other benefits to implementing smart tables, such as capturing data on players’ betting patterns, preventing the use of counterfeit chips, enabling casinos to introduce new exotic and higher hold bets in a cost-efficient manner, and helping casinos identify and locate high value yet unrated players.
Based on Citigroup’s latest monthly table survey, all mass baccarat tables at the two MGM China casinos have already been transformed into smart gaming tables.
The analysts saw 140 smart gaming tables at the mass concourse at the Londoner casino of Londoner Macao, as well as 24 smart gaming tables in the grind mass area at Wynn Macau.
Galaxy, Melco and SJM have already placed orders with smart gaming table suppliers, and the tables are expected to be gradually rolled out throughout the rest of 2024.
https://www.macaubusiness.com/rfid-tech-helps-operators-grow-ggr-mgms-mass-baccarat-tables-go-smart-citi/
As mesas de jogo inteligentes podem fazer com que as receitas brutas de jogo subam cerca de 6%. A previsão foi feita pelo Citigroup, que explica que a tecnologia poderá acelerar os jogos de bacará e, consequentemente, fazer com que haja mais jogos.
Os casinos que operam em Macau poderão facturar mais cerca de 6% com a utilização de mesas de jogo inteligentes, que usem fichas equipadas com etiquetas de identificação por radiofrequência (RFID), concluiu o Citigroup num relatório citado pelo portal GGRAsia.
Este eventual aumento nas receitas, explicam os analistas do Citigroup, tem a ver com o facto de as mesas de jogo inteligentes permitirem que os jogos de bacará passem a ser cerca de cinco segundos mais rápidos, economizando as operações.
“Cada cinco segundos poupados por jogo de bacará podem traduzir-se num crescimento orgânico de 5,9% nas receitas brutas do jogo”, dizem os analistas do Citigroup. Isto apesar do facto de as mesas inteligentes, por si só, “não conseguirem atrair mais tráfego para os casinos”. Por outro lado, a tecnologia poderá também facilitar aos casinos a avaliação do valor dos jogadores individuais para a casa e recompensá-los através dos chamados “comps” (bens ou serviços complementares), diz o Citigroup, explicando que estes jogadores são aqueles dispostos a fazer apostas que são consideradas mais vantajosas para a casa.
https://pontofinal-macau.com/2024/04/10/mesas-de-jogo-inteligentes-podem-aumentar-receitas-dos-casinos-em-6/
apr24
In assessing the long-term prospects of the Macau gaming industry, brokerage firm Citigroup highlights the significant impact of the widespread adoption of smart gaming tables on its growth.
In their latest in-depth report, analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung shed light on the utilization of radio frequency identification (RFID) tables, emphasizing the myriad benefits that are poised to bolster gaming revenue.
According to Citigroup’s estimates, RFID tables, commonly referred to as smart gaming tables, now constitute 10 percent of all tables in Macau.
Based on observations from their latest monthly table survey, Citigroup notes that all Mass baccarat tables at two MGM China casinos are now equipped with smart gaming technology. Additionally, a total of 140 smart gaming tables were observed at the Mass concourse of the Londoner casino in Macao.
The research team also observed 24 smart gaming tables at the Grind Mass area in Wynn Macau, although none were seen at Wynn Palace. According to management comments during their most recent earnings calls, companies like Galaxy, Melco, and SJM have already placed orders with smart gaming table suppliers, with plans for gradual rollout throughout 2024.
https://agbrief.com/news/macau/05/04/2024/citigroup-backs-smart-gaming-tables-in-macau-citing-effect-on-boosting-ggr/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=88c84efc51-AGB%3A+%2301874+Monday%2C+08th+April%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-88c84efc51-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301874+Monday%2C+08th+April%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-88c84efc51-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=88c84efc51&mc_eid=31e20475e6
Mar24
After Macau authorities announced their intention for all gaming concessionaires to adopt radio frequency identification (RFID) tables, commonly known as smart gaming tables, a gaming insider believes that the measure will have a “net neutral” impact on Macau’s gaming revenue.
mar24
Macau authorities are urging gaming operators to adopt electronic gaming tables and chips as a means to track foreign players’ bets, the city’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong revealed.
During a Legislative Assembly session on Monday, the secretary said that these measures could ensure the precise calculation of foreign gamblers’ wagers and establish standards for tax regulation.
Lei also emphasised that the government would ensure the fulfillment of commitments by casino operators to develop non-gaming projects along the way towards of the goal of a healthy gaming industry.
Meanwhile, the secretary indicated that the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)’s overseas offices would carry on with their promotions tailored to designated markets to broaden the city’s international market
https://www.macaubusiness.com/macau-govt-encourages-the-use-of-e-tables-chips-for-foreign-bets/
mar24
Macau’s operators can expect it to take around six months for the basic functions of newly installed RFID smart table technology to be fully optimized but should expect full return on investment within a year, according to a new report by investment bank Morgan Stanley.
The use of RFID tables to monitor play has been rapidly gaining traction in recent months with multiple concessionaires confirming during recent analyst calls that they are either in the process of, or planning to, install smart table technology in the coming months. Such utilization has reportedly been accelerated as a result of certain tax breaks dangled by the government on gaming revenues earned through players from outside Greater China, with RFID seen as an accurate means of measuring such activity.
https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2024/03/20/morgan-stanley-macau-operators-to-recoup-rfid-table-game-investment-within-a-year/
mar24
Players from overseas that visit Macau casinos do not like to be put in rooms specially-designated for them, even though such a Macau government initiative offers the casino operators the possibility of a lower tax on such customers’ gross gaming revenue (GGR). That is the viewpoint of the boss of MGM Resorts International, parent company of Macau operator MGM China Holdings Ltd.
Foreign – i.e., non-Greater China – customers “didn’t like” being segregated, said Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive and president of MGM Resorts. He was speaking during the JP Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Management Access Forum, held in the United States on Thursday.
MGM China runs casino resorts MGM Macau and MGM Cotai (pictured) in the Chinese gambling hub.
Mr Hornbuckle’s commentary came in the context of discussion of use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in gaming chips, for monitoring the monetary integrity of games.
Typically, such RFID know-how is used to verify and monitor the use, location, and value of casino chips employed in table games.
As long ago as 2016 – under the previous Macau gaming concession period – MGM China has been on record as using RFID for table games.
https://www.ggrasia.com/rfid-chips-a-route-for-macau-foreign-play-tracking-mgm/
mar24 (smart gaming)
Macau’s casino regulator has said that some of its senior officials had a meeting on March 13 with the city’s Judiciary Police and the security teams of Macau’s six casino operators, to discuss issues including surveillance systems and “smart” gaming tables. The information was shared in a Saturday posting on the regulator’s WeChat social media account.
The casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, is known by the initials DICJ.
“The Judiciary Police and DICJ have asked the gaming operators to continue updating the surveillance systems within their venues, and achieve a more comprehensive management with technology, such as increasing smart gaming tables,” said the posting.
It added this was so that “the casino operators can enhance the efficiency of their management, while at the same time working with the government electronic administration functions”.
The release also mentioned that in the meeting, the parties discussed initiatives for what was referred to as a “Smart DICJ” approach.
The talks included the difficulties as well as scope for cooperation regarding casino surveillance and information transmission technology.
https://www.ggrasia.com/macau-casino-regulator-in-talks-with-ops-on-smart-gaming/
mar24
All major casino operators in Macau will soon have radio frequency identification (RFID) technology integrated into all table games as part of an effort to improve marketing and operations, according to a report by Goldman Sachs.
The report indicates Melco Resorts will have its first RFID tables installed this month in premium mass gaming areas. Galaxy Entertainment will follow in the second quarter of 2024, while Sands China will begin rolling out RFID tables at the Grand Lisboa casino in the fourth quarter, multiple media outlets have reported.
RFID technology was first introduced in Macau in 2014 with MGM China the first operator to adopt it in 2016. RFID chips and tables can help combat cheating, improve inventory management and reduce dealer errors. The technology also utilizes analytics that enable a deeper understanding of player behavior for more effective marketing.
https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/casinos-to-embrace-rfid-technology-by-year-end.html
mar24
Macau’s gaming recovery continues to be driven by the high-end premium mass segment, with competition among gaming operators in this segment intensifying, investment broker Goldman Sachs has pointed out.
In a recent note following meetings with senior management from all six casino operators, Goldman Sachs analysts revealed that the grind mass gross gaming revenue (GGR) remains approximately 10 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, in line with the ongoing visitation trend.
In the hope of capturing at least 20 per cent GGR market share, Galaxy Entertainment Group expanded its marketing team from 100 hosts to over 300 before the Chinese New Year holidays.
Additionally, Galaxy has introduced more competitive packages for high-end premium mass players, which has led to an increase in reinvestment rates of up to 5 percentage points – to 25 per cent.
Casino operator SJM Holdings has also expanded its marketing team from an initial 12 members to approximately 100, with plans to further increase it to around 200, aligning with those of MGM China Holdings and Wynn Macau.
https://www.macaubusiness.com/competition-in-premium-mass-market-heats-up-macau-operators-welcome-rfid-tables/
mar24
More of Macao’s gaming concessionaires will start rolling out radio frequency identification (RFID) tables this year, with Galaxy Entertainment, Melco and SJM confirming at least some of their casinos will have the technology by the end of 2024, Asia Gaming Brief reports.
The outlet cited information from Goldman Sachs, released after the bank hosted a recent investor tour in Macao. Goldman Sachs reportedly indicated that the pace of RFID adoption would partly depend on the availability of smart chips and tables.
RFID technology entered the market in 2014 and was adopted in 2016 by MGM China (the first Macao gaming operator to jump on board). RFID chips and tables help combat cheating, manage inventory, keep tabs on players and reduce user error.
https://macaonews.org/news/business/macau-rfid-tables-casinos-macao/
https://agbrief.com/news/macau/12/03/2024/all-macau-casino-operators-plan-to-roll-out-rfid-goldman-sachs/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=169c0ff32a-AGB%3A+%2301859+Wednesday%2C+13th+March%2C+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-169c0ff32a-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28AGB%3A+%2301859+Wednesday%2C+13th+March%2C+2024%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-169c0ff32a-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=169c0ff32a&mc_eid=31e20475e6
mar24
Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group appear to be the latest Macao gaming operators to turn to radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to enhance efficiency and integrity at their casinos, GGR Asia reports.
RFID-enabled chips, also known as “smart chips,” allow casinos to combat fraud, manage inventory and keep tabs on players. RFID-enabled tables can meanwhile detect card placements, reducing user errors.
Melco’s chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho said his Macao casinos would be getting RFID tables this month. “It’s going to be a rolling process [and] there’s going to be a learning curve,” he noted during a fourth-quarter earnings call at the end of February, cited by GGR Asia.
Galaxy also mentioned plans to roll out “smart chips” and RFID-enabled tables in its fourth quarter earnings call. Chief financial officer Ted Chan didn’t say when the technology would be launched, but confirmed it would be this year.
“We’re already starting the process,” he said. “[RFID] will contribute to a lot of improvements in effectiveness and efficiency of the gaming floor as well as the integrity of the floor.”
MGM China China Holdings, meanwhile, has been using RFID for its table games since 2016, GGR Asia says.
https://macaonews.org/news/business/macau-casinos-rfid-melco-galaxy-macao/
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