IGT: Casino Management Systems

The list of products that the industry recognizes as systems solutions is long and getting longer. What once started as a segment that was anchored in patron management solutions has now expanded to include mobile solutions, server-based solutions, digital loyalty cards, in-game messaging, tournament technologies, bonusing apps and beyond.

As casino management systems evolve, manufacturers are paying closer attention to developing expanded portfolios of solutions to meet increasingly diverse casino operator needs. Although there are many suppliers in the systems space, IGT casinos continues to push the envelope of innovation and propel the segment forward by introducing game-changing and award-winning innovations.

Casino International had an exclusive opportunity to connect with Sina Miri, IGT VP of Casino Systems to gain a more comprehensive perspective of the Company’s systems portfolio and illuminate what drives IGT’s leadership in this space.

It starts with commitment

IGT is leveraging its industry-leading R&D investment to develop state-of-the-art casino management solutions that span the spectrum of innovation, from purely land-based solutions, to operator and player-facing mobile solutions.

“At IGT we draw inspiration for our systems solutions from many sources,” said Miri. “At the core of our systems strategy you will find our customers and their unique business objectives, but there are also many peripheral considerations that we take into account such as prevailing technologies, consumer behaviors and market opportunities.”

In terms of casino management systems, IGT is probably recognized most for its Advantage family of products, which are featured in premier operations around the globe. Augmenting Advantage has been central to the evolution of Advantage, which manages patron management, accounting, service applications, reporting, bonusing, and more. With Advantage as a foundation, IGT has built a host of unique solutions and applications to enhance the value proposition to casinos.

One way that IGT leverages its casino management systems to maximize the potential of a casino floor is by offering unique bonusing applications to operators. These bonusing capabilities for land-based games span the spectrum from slots to table games.

Turning up the heat with tournament technology

Shortly after IGT’s debut of the S3000 cabinet, IGT turned up the heat on tournament technology with the introduction of Spin Ferno. Fueled by IGT’s Tournament Manager systems technology, the turnkey solution was the first of its kind, allowing operators to host single or multi-site slot tournaments on a mechanical reel solution. Since debut, Spin Ferno has amassed key industry awards and has been deployed in gaming markets around the world.

Streamlining operations and guest experience through mobile technologies

Given the prevalence of mobile technologies and the convenience they bring to our lives, IGT is committed to providing its customers with mobile solutions that can enhance the land-based casino environment. The lines between the mobile and land-based are increasingly blurred because the consumer has an expectation for a seamless experience across devices and channels.

Having recently completed its trial phase at MGM properties in Nevada, PlaySpot enhances the playMGM app by enabling MGM Resorts’ M life Rewards loyalty program members to place sports bets on their mobile devices anywhere, anytime within the state. IGT PlaySpot provides a user- friendly interface that offers a real-time trend clouds that reveal the most popular wagers, intuitive search functionality, live in-play betting, multiple sport parlay wager capabilities and more on a single screen. Players also have the option to obtain a pre- paid card provided by MGM that allows for in-app cashless transfers via PlaySpot. Expect to see PlaySpot’s baccarat back betting and side betting features implemented in casinos in the APAC region as regulation permits. PlaySpot can either be utilized as a standalone app or embedded into a casino app.

n terms of player-facing mobile solutions, IGT’s Cardless Connect continues to gain traction with IGT’s customers globally. Designed to deliver a convenient and a frictionless user experience, Cardless Connect enables players to participate in a casino loyalty program without carrying a physical card. The technology can be embedded in the casino’s mobile application increasing its value and reducing the need for replacing lost or forgotten loyalty cards.