Gaming & Resort BY: HEATHER MONTEIRO, PHD /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Photo credit BSK Photo Integrated Resort Technology A Look Around and a Look Forward As we come to the midpoint of 2017, the gaming and integrated resort industries are embracing many new technologies, and doing a great job of keeping up with other technology-savvy industries like retail. Some of these advances are organizationwide, such as an increasing use of Big Data in decision-making. Others are specific to the gaming floor and hotel portions. Guestroom automation has taken center stage, while social gaming, interactive gaming tables and anti-money laundering technologies are taking hold on the gaming floor. Casino social gaming, sometimes called interactive gaming, is similar, but mimics casino games like slots and video poker. Winners don’t receive money in these games either, but they can buy extra plays. These growing gaming formats add opportunities for casinos and game makers to interact with customers. Interactive Gaming Tables: Guests can interact and try out casino games, like video poker, without gambling any money. As with social gaming, these machines help guests learn how to play with little risk. They also promote interaction with casino employees and representatives, and with other guests, onsite and remotely. The game publisher Gamblit™ has game tables that bridge the gap between gambling and video games. These games combine an interactive experience with the modern social aspect of video gaming. Cur-rently, the Model G gaming table provides space for four guests to play video poker or the skill-based modern reinvention of blackjack. Gamblit markets these tables as the “perfect way to lose the intimidation factor of traditional [table games].” Harrah’s Resort Southern California has a table for players to try. Anti-money Laundering (AML) Detection: The concept isn’t as flashy as interactive gaming tables, but the improvement and deployment of these systems is a major step forward for integrated resorts and casinos. GUESTROOM AUTOMATION Integrated resorts and hotels are looking to automation to help personal-ize the hotel guest experience. They’re using intelligent personal assistants, such as Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s Siri ® , or Google Assistant. Large brands like Marriott and Wynn are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into hotel rooms. They’re currently in the testing and development phase, integrating the technology with audiovisual tools and room controls, such as curtains and temperature. Currently, Marriott's testing of Siri and Echo is limited. Guests can receive instant, personalized answers to questions about local events or the local area. The AI isn’t yet integrated with guestroom features like the thermostat or lighting. GAMING Among the many gaming floor updates, some of the most interesting advances include: Social gaming : Players access these games through social media platforms like Facebook. Players don’t receive money when they win, but they can spend money on in-game purchases like tokens or more lives. 48 Summer 2017 HOSPITALITY UPGRADE www.hospitalityupgrade.com