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High Tech Systems Keep Track of Jokers

UNITED STATES – As reported by the New York Times: "Casino operators have long understood that the best way to keep their guests gambling happily is to provide free goods and services, known in the business as comps.

"…Conversely, seasoned gamblers have learned how to milk the system. They make themselves look like high rollers to reap the most rewards for the least effort.

"… But this kind of maneuvering may soon become obsolete as computerised systems begin to automate the way casinos track, rate and reward patrons. The technologies can count every chip a player wagers and remember every card dealt, enabling operators to mete out comps more equitably.

"One such system is being tested at the Las Vegas Hilton, where a dozen blackjack tables have been outfitted with a device made by MindPlay, a company based at Bellevue, Washington. The system, called MP21, uses an array of 14 concealed cameras as well as image-recognition software to capture and count all wagers. A special shuffling shoe records the cards dealt. Each player's statistics are recorded through a casino-issued identity card that a dealer swipes at the table.

"…In most casinos today, managers track and rate players by hand, using pens and clipboards.

"…The MP21 system maintains a level of vigilance that no human can match.

"…The technology can also spot card counters, prompting the system to alert the manager.

"…TableLink, a system made by Mikohn Gaming of Las Vegas, uses chips containing radio-frequency tags that record each wager.

"…Unlike the MindPlay MP21, TableLink does not record the cards dealt to each player, which limits its ability to judge skill levels. But the company says a card-reading shuffler is in the works…"

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