British firm borrows from flashy slot machines to update table games

Brendan Riley

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000 | 9:16 a.m.

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A British firm has taken a first step in getting Nevada's OK to market devices that use flashy slot-machine technology to draw more players to casino table games.

The state Gaming Control Board recommended a distributors' license Wednesday for John Huxley Casino Equipment Ltd., which has made gambling tables for years - and watched slot revenues steadily surpass the house winnings at casino table games.

Huxley managing director Jeffrey Lindsay says the London-based company's high-tech products can help reverse that trend.

The state Gaming Commission will have final say Feb. 24 on the license needed to market the devices in Nevada. Product testing would be required after that before actual sales could start.

Table games once accounted for most of the revenue for Nevada casinos. Over the years, that has gradually shifted to a 60-40 edge - or higher - for the slots.

Reasons for the shift include all sorts of bells, flashing lights, graphics, video animation, payoff bonuses, multiple betting options, big awards and other come-ons designed to get the attention of casino patrons.

"Table games haven't changed in 100 years," Lindsay said in an interview. "What we're doing is putting slot technology into table games. It creates a more exciting environment."

The company's multimedia "Infinity" system includes table-mounted video screens that can present random awards, lottery-style prizes, side-bet options, ads, corporate logos - even betting instructions for players who might otherwise be intimidated by live games.

The system also lets casinos track individual gamblers' betting patterns so they can reward high-rollers and spot cheats. The device, which can be adapted to blackjack, roulette or other table games, has instant replay to help resolve disputes.

"I can't understand why no one else has done this yet," said Lindsay.

Won't the use of video displays and other techniques now seen on slots detract from card games - at least for serious players?

"We're looking for new players, not the hard-core players," said Lindsay, adding that traditional table game players tend to be among casinos' oldest patrons while slot players, drawn by all the new technology, are getting younger - and more numerous.

Dealers will still be in the table game - although Lindsay's company has other products that utilize "virtual" cards dealt to players, or that speed up deck shuffling so more hands can be played.

In other action, the Control Board: