How Technology Makes Casino Games Possible

We have come to expect more from our technology and for the companies we visit to take full advantage of the conveniences that new technologies have made available. One industry that is an undisputed leader in technology is casino gaming, both online (like casinogorilla.com) and in brick and mortar casinos.

Aria Casino Las Vegas
The first true high-tech casino to open was the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, which is part of the CityCenter complex. The Aria uses technology to offer visitors a mixture of luxury and convenience in every aspect of the casino from guest rooms, to dining options and on the casino floor.

The Aria has over 200 individual telecom rooms, which power the data and communication system. A broadband antenna network covers the entire resort, and provides constant wireless connectivity along with touchscreens, information kiosks and 3D monitors.

All of the more than 4000 guest rooms feature in-room automation. The system opens the curtains, sets the temperature, turns on the TV and plays music. When the guest leaves the room, the lights turn off, the curtains close and the TV and music systems deactivate. While in the room, guests can control virtually every in-room function from a remote control or through the HDTV. Guests set their preferences when they first enter the room. That information is saved and the preferences are loaded to the room the next time a guest returns.

On the casino floor, technology is used to make the gaming experience more enjoyable. The slots, video poker and other electronic games are monitored in the data center and can be updated and changed on the fly. Everything except the expected payouts, which once set cannot be changed without a gaming commission review, can be modified with just a few mouse clicks. For example, if the video poker stations are nearing full, slot machines can be converted to video poker to meet the demand. Likewise the stakes can be changed at a touch of a button based on player demands.

Plans are to use the technology to send information to players’ smartphones. Currently special offers are routinely sent for specials and deals. Sending information tailored to guests’ stated preferences, such as announcements that a new table of their preferred game is opening, is the logical next step in providing a personalized gaming experience.

Online Casinos

Advances in technology have provided the key in the development of online casinos. The online gaming market is one of the fastest growing and most popular. Players desire realism, a wide selection of games, and a safe and secure gaming environment. The also expect that the games faithfully mirror the conditions of the brick and mortar games.

Whether it is slots, video poker, or blackjack, some online Casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs). An RNG is a piece of software that assures that the next card that is dealt (whether in video poker, poker or blackjack), or the stopping place of a slot reel is totally random. This is the software that makes online casinos possible. Online casinos have long been a driving force in the development of RNG technology, which is also used in brick and mortar casinos where the software resides in each machine.

How RNGs Work
Basically RNGs first select a starting or “seed number” and then, through a complicated algorithm, calculate a new random number. That number becomes the new seed number and the process repeats. The range of numbers from which is seed number is selected is commonly in the quarter of a million range.

Certification
Brick and mortar casinos and online casinos share more than just a similar game menu; both are subject to stringent oversight. As we mentioned with Aria’s programmable electronic games, the basic payout structure cannot be changed without approval of the gaming commission. Each game in a brick and mortar casino is inspected to insure that the game is fair. This includes every aspect of the game including the RNG.

Online casinos are subject to the same inspection process. The leading independent international testing agency is eCOGRA, which was established in London in 2003. The agency is fully accredited and specializes in online gaming software.

eCOGRA not only certifies the RNG, they also focus on protecting the privacy of customer information and ensure that players receive prompt and accurate payment, that the operating environment is secure, safe and reliable, and that the casino’s marketing is responsible.