Making Slot Machines Smarter

The new generation of slot machines is flashier, noisier, and will soon be a lot smarter as well — thanks to computer networking that allows casinos to instantly and easily reprogram their machines with a few mouse clicks.

This is a much simpler process than the old-school method:

In the past, changing out a slot machine was a complicated operation and entailed opening it, replacing the computer chip inside, then changing the glass display that markets the game’s theme. The alteration usually took a day and could cost thousands of dollars, from ordering parts to modifying the machine.

Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is testing this technology, which can adjust “the denominations required to play, payback percentages, even game themes” on the spot.

If the networking is ultimately approved by the state gambling regulators, TI will use it to cater machines to different crowds — “older players and regulars during the day and younger tourists and people with bigger budgets at night.”

Nearby Barbary Coast casino is also tinkering with the concept of networked slot machines:

There, near the front door, sits an enormous circular wheel of fortune slot machine with seats around it for nine players. In front of each player is a monitor on which they play an individualized version of the game. The twist is that a monitor in the center of the game, viewable by all, indicates which players have hit the bonus round.

At various points, those players who have hit the bonus round — meaning they are eligible to increase their winnings by a certain multiple — can cause the wheel of fortune in the center to spin; whatever number lands in front of each eligible player indicates the bonus amount.

So what other types of technology can we expect to see in casinos soon?

• Hi-def displays to enhance animations
• Better speakers for crisper sound
• Chips embedded with digital tags (to track wagers and playing styles)
• Wireless devices that allow people to play games (like Keno) while sitting in public areas (like the pool)

play online slots today and see what all the fuss is about!