Smartphone users can tap into new technology affixed to Caesars slots

By Ron Sylvester

Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 | 5:20 p.m.

Ron Sylvester

A Samsung TecTile is shown on a slot machine at Caesars Palace, Monday, Jan. 7, 2012.

Players may now get rules and detailed information about their favorite casino games on their cellphones by tapping onto an electronic tile attached to slot machines and tables on the Las Vegas Strip.

More than 4,500 interactive information tags were installed in casinos this week by Samsung Electronics and Caesars Entertainment. The first permanent installation of the new Samsung TecTiles coincided with the start of the International Consumer Electronics Show this week.

Developed last year, the TecTiles transmit what are known as near field communication (NFC) tags that deliver bits of information stored on small chips. By touching a smartphone to one of the tags, customers can receive details on casino games, buy show tickets or see shopping deals.

"These programmable stickers have not only changed how consumers interact with their phone, but they have made it much easier for businesses to create unique experiences for their customers using this innovative capability, said Kevin Packingham, chief product officer at Samsung Mobile.

TecTiles have been attached to slot machines and table games at Caesars Palace, Harrah's, Paris Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood, delivering information including game tutorials, win-loss statistics and player guidelines. Other tiles allow visitors to reserve a table at Pure Nightclub and learn about the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo.

Tiles will provide general information about the resorts, including a Top 10 of things to do at the casinos each week. Other tags will provide information inside the Quad about its renovation projects this year.