British firm borrows from flashy slot machines to update table games

Brendan Riley

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000 | 12:02 p.m.

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Nevada regulators granted a distributor's license Thursday to a British firm marketing devices that use flashy slot-machine technology to draw more players to casino table games.

The state Gaming Commission granted the slot distributors' license to 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.

While the firm now has the license needed to market the devices in Nevada, regulators plan additional product testing before actual sales can 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 draw casino patrons to slots.

Huxley'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 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.

Dealers would still be on the table games - 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 Commission: