Server Based Gaming
New Vegas Casino Slots
Led by companies like IGT and Cyberview, server based gaming looks set to appear on the Vegas casino floor in 2008, with 2009 expected to be the year that many of the top casinos take it on in earnest.
So what is server based gaming?Whereas current slots contain all the operating systems and technology they require inside the box, the new server based technology being developed allows the machines to be controlled remotely in a separate location.In effect, this means that the machines can be controlled from a distant location.
There are certainly great advantages for the casino as many of the technical problems that previously required a technician on the casino floor to resolve can now be fixed from the control centre.
In the UK, Ladbrokes have been using Server Based Gaming (SBG) Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) for almost a year - management commented that over 75% of technical problems that required someone to look at the machine can now be fixed remotely.
That, of course, represents quite some cost-saving for the operator.The other benefit for the casino operator is that the games on the machines can be monitored 24/7 and any games that are not doing well can be replaced with new games at the flick of a switch. So, you could play Money Storm in the morning and go back the next day to find it had been replaced with Monopoly slots.
So, what are the benefits for the player?
First and foremost, the machines should become more reliable, but also that new games will appear on the slot floor much more quickly than they ever used to.
In addition, there may be a few more changes - when a slot player puts their card into the machine (the rewards points card that many casinos have) the systems will automatically know who you are, how much you gamble, what room you have, your age - in fact all the information will be made available to the system.
Now, the casinos think this will benefit the player as they can advertise products to you - hmmm, lets wait and see on that one…
