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August 10, 2006 |
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| Server-based gaming shows results in Missouri | |||
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Ameristar Casino St. Charles became the
first casino in Missouri to implement server-based slot technology
when it began testing the system in conjunction with Missouri Gaming
regulators and IGT. It consists of 50 gaming machines and is similar
to the same IGT system being tested at Barona Valley Ranch Resort &
Casino in San Diego and the TI Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Bob Forister, director of slot operations at Ameristar St. Charles, said the two-month test of this innovative system of slot marketing and maintenance has gone well. “We downloaded the themes to each game and are being careful in moving forward, since we want to make sure the Missouri Gaming Commission is comfortable with the entire process,” he said. “Right now they are comfortable and have confidence in how it operates.” Forister said server-based technology will save time, an important commodity in any business. “The biggest advantage we’re going to see is that instead of taking a day or two to change the theme and denomination of a particular machine, it will only take minutes,” he explained. “Server-based machines will not be shut down for any length of time while we convert to a new theme. Thus the player has a better gaming experience, and we shine for offering greater guest services. It’s what they expect.” As server-based gaming slowly begins its move onto the casino floor, manufacturers tout the benefits for both players and operators. In general, the core of server-based gaming consists of a library of downloadable games that can be sent to any number of generic game boxes on the slot floor. No longer would slot machines need game computers, random number generators or EPROM chips, since everything would be handled by the central server. What constitutes the essence of server-based gaming is that the server can control—from a remote location—everything that is displayed on the game boxes including the games themselves, the outcomes (or determination), advertising messages and customer service functions. --Jack Bulavsky |
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