John Hemberger, AGS Senior Vice President for Table Products, makes a good argument that skill-based gaming is already here – in the form of table games.
“Think back 20 years ago what a blackjack game looked like,” Hemberger said Wednesday during AGS’ GameOn event. “It was a circle on a felt. Now it offers up to four games at once and allows us to offer what new players are looking for: multitasking.”
Having multiple features at table games, such as bonus wheels and side bets, grows the player base. It also gives gamblers a better experience, he noted.
For example, a player who hits a blackjack has a chance to spin a wheel for prizes much larger than the two-to-one they normally receive.
The AGS STAX platform has five independent progressive levels, including a must-hit by meter like those on slot floors. Hemberger added that table games are incorporating successful ideas that have been utilized on slot floors for many years.
“We have a whole new age group coming up and we have to continue taking shots,” he said.
He also noted that the era of technology has already arrived at table games.
“Every single one of our products back there has some form of technology,” he said, pointing to the display of games in the back of the conference room. “It makes (the customer) feel more comfortable with the world they are in.”
STAX integrates with Super 4 blackjack, Royal 9 baccarat, games purchased last fall by AGS from New Jersey-based In Bet Gaming. The STAX system can also be used on Chase the Flush and Criss Cross Poker.
“What I’d like to leave everybody with is that we’re just scratching the surface,” Hemberger said. “We have so much runway in front of us as it relates to the player experience in the pit.”
