Given the current thread "Dispelling the Myth" and your very interesting discussion regarding server based technology in casinos, I think something should be pointed out. With the newest server based technology, casinos now have the technology to tweak the payout percentages of the machines on the floor. This was only a myth before. Machine payout percentages were set by the manufacturers to the specifications of the casinos (and still are) and could not be altered by the casinos. Keep in mind the machines must pay out at least the minimums specified by the local gaming commissions; but almost all casinos set the percentages higher than specified. I wonder how much (if any) tweaking goes on??

Actually, I've been in casino IT since 1989. Seen many changes in that time.

Not much outsourcing going on. Actually pretty much zero outsourcing goes on. Other than some of the software vendors (IGT/Bally/etc) will provide some IT help, for a price if the property really wants it.

Casino's can be a very fun industry to work in. Face it, there are multiple challenges every day so you never know exactly what to expect when you walk in the door. On the other hand, I would love to have a job where I don't have the leash, where I'm not getting called/texted during dinner, the movies, or the middle of the night because something isn't working quite right.

Posted by: dwwright12

Given the current thread "Dispelling the Myth" and your very interesting discussion regarding server based technology in casinos, I think something should be pointed out. With the newest server based technology, casinos now have the technology to tweak the payout percentages of the machines on the floor. This was only a myth before. Machine payout percentages were set by the manufacturers to the specifications of the casinos (and still are) and could not be altered by the casinos. Keep in mind the machines must pay out at least the minimums specified by the local gaming commissions; but almost all casinos set the percentages higher than specified. I wonder how much (if any) tweaking goes on??

Hi dw:

A fair question. It really deserves it's own thread in "general discussion" -- as it is kind of buried here.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

Posted by: BizarreMan

Actually, I've been in casino IT since 1989. Seen many changes in that time.

Not much outsourcing going on. Actually pretty much zero outsourcing goes on. Other than some of the software vendors (IGT/Bally/etc) will provide some IT help, for a price if the property really wants it.

Casino's can be a very fun industry to work in. Face it, there are multiple challenges every day so you never know exactly what to expect when you walk in the door. On the other hand, I would love to have a job where I don't have the leash, where I'm not getting called/texted during dinner, the movies, or the middle of the night because something isn't working quite right.

Hi BizarreMan:

I find your name really doesn't suit your sensible personality -- but I guess we really do not know much about you.

Approximately how many IT employees would be required to run an average sized resort casino? How specialized would employees be? For example, would you have dedicated UNIX guys -- or do employees become a "jack of all trades"?

Looking forward 10 years from now ... what do you think will be different about the typical casino IT operation?

Does IT pull their own cable to the slot floor, or do you bring in an external contracter (eg. electrician or data company)?

Finally ... do IT guys and slot technician get along? I think everyone wants to know the answer to that. Heh heh.

Of course ... feel free to avoid any questions you are not comfortable answering. I'll keep asking the questions as long as you keep answering!

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

Posted by: dwwright12

Given the current thread "Dispelling the Myth" and your very interesting discussion regarding server based technology in casinos, I think something should be pointed out. With the newest server based technology, casinos now have the technology to tweak the payout percentages of the machines on the floor. This was only a myth before. Machine payout percentages were set by the manufacturers to the specifications of the casinos (and still are) and could not be altered by the casinos. Keep in mind the machines must pay out at least the minimums specified by the local gaming commissions; but almost all casinos set the percentages higher than specified. I wonder how much (if any) tweaking goes on??

In most cases there is very little tweaking that goes on. As a casino manager that controls this action, I seldom change machines payouts as it is very labor intensive unless the casino is hooked up to server based gaming (like Aria) The general consensus is that it is easier to set the machine at one hold and let it make its money. Changing it too often angers guests and that is the last thing we want to do.

Posted by: Xavier

Posted by: dwwright12

Given the current thread "Dispelling the Myth" and your very interesting discussion regarding server based technology in casinos, I think something should be pointed out. With the newest server based technology, casinos now have the technology to tweak the payout percentages of the machines on the floor. This was only a myth before. Machine payout percentages were set by the manufacturers to the specifications of the casinos (and still are) and could not be altered by the casinos. Keep in mind the machines must pay out at least the minimums specified by the local gaming commissions; but almost all casinos set the percentages higher than specified. I wonder how much (if any) tweaking goes on??

In most cases there is very little tweaking that goes on. As a casino manager that controls this action, I seldom change machines payouts as it is very labor intensive unless the casino is hooked up to server based gaming (like Aria) The general consensus is that it is easier to set the machine at one hold and let it make its money. Changing it too often angers guests and that is the last thing we want to do.

Hi Xavier:

I have heard similar things from other slot managers. However, some marketting literature was being passed around on Slot Machines Forum, where IGT promoted server-based gaming suggesting that the payback percentage could be lowered over busy long weekends etc.

As you suggest -- although the capability exists to lower the payback percentage, it does not mean that slot managers are exercising that option.

This all leads to players being even more suspicious.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

Posted by: The_Shamus

Posted by: Xavier

Posted by: dwwright12

Given the current thread "Dispelling the Myth" and your very interesting discussion regarding server based technology in casinos, I think something should be pointed out. With the newest server based technology, casinos now have the technology to tweak the payout percentages of the machines on the floor. This was only a myth before. Machine payout percentages were set by the manufacturers to the specifications of the casinos (and still are) and could not be altered by the casinos. Keep in mind the machines must pay out at least the minimums specified by the local gaming commissions; but almost all casinos set the percentages higher than specified. I wonder how much (if any) tweaking goes on??

In most cases there is very little tweaking that goes on. As a casino manager that controls this action, I seldom change machines payouts as it is very labor intensive unless the casino is hooked up to server based gaming (like Aria) The general consensus is that it is easier to set the machine at one hold and let it make its money. Changing it too often angers guests and that is the last thing we want to do.

Hi Xavier:

I have heard similar things from other slot managers. However, some marketting literature was being passed around on Slot Machines Forum, where IGT promoted server-based gaming suggesting that the payback percentage could be lowered over busy long weekends etc.

As you suggest -- although the capability exists to lower the payback percentage, it does not mean that slot managers are exercising that option.

This all leads to players being even more suspicious.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

I really didn't think many changes would occur. Why mess with the most profitable part of a casino?? Most all the people on this forum play slots for the enjoyment and excitement, knowing, that in the long run, we will be losing money. We enjoy the entertainment value we get for our dollars. The casinos get a profit margin of between 2% and 10% on the slots depending on the slot denomination. That's already a pretty good margin. Don't the casinos now get the majority of the profits from slots ( approx. 70%), as opposed to table games? Anyway, it's good to know that some casino insiders are following this forum. I'll be going to the Aria next Friday( can't wait!!). I'll finally get to get off mile 10 on LOTR when I find an open machine.

**Note to Tiffety: I've got your tip filed away!!

Thanks DW

Hey DW:

Great to hear from you. Can you flip me a person email when you get a chance?

TheShamusOfSlots@gmail.com

I think you make some great points about server-based gaming. I think more tranparency between the casinos and players would be great.

What do you think would happen if casinos came out with a promise to player, "Our committment to you -- we will NEVER lower the payback percentages on a slot machine once we install it on the casino floor"? It sounds like something that would be good for business -- and build some goodwill with players. If casinos are not doing it anyway, making a commitment to players should be a no-brainer.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

this is an interesting forum

Posted by: leighguevara1

this is an interesting forum

Hi leighguevara1:

Agreed. There is a good discussion with Shelus on how slots work. You might be interested in that as well. The information is available on various parts of the web, but I try to pull it all together, and hopefully, make it easy -- at least, if you take an interest in this stuff.

Have you played Lord of the Rings yet? What did you think of the mini-games? I am trying to get as much feedback as possible on the concept of the mini-games, and whether it is something you would like for the future.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\