The implementation of smart gaming tables and RFID chips into Macau’s casinos is expected to organically grow gaming revenues without the need to increase footfall, according to a research note from Citibank.
Observing that smart table technology has become one of the hottest topics in the local gaming industry in recent months, Citi analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung said the ability to speed up games was one of the key benefits of utilizing the technology, which they estimate can translate into organic GGR growth of 5.9% for every five seconds saved per game of baccarat.
Adding that around 10% of all tables in Macau are currently smart tables, they wrote, “If the use of smart gaming tables becomes more widespread we will be much more confident than we already are in the long term growth prospects of the Macau gaming industry.”
Inside Asian Gaming understands that operators are broadly planning to implement the technology across all baccarat tables, with some to complete the rollout by the end of this year.
According to Citi, other benefits of smart gaming tables and RFID chips include the ability to capture data on players betting patterns, which allows more accurate valuation on these players and more cost-effective player comping.
“For example, it makes sense for casinos to increase their comps on players who consistently spend 10% of their baccarat wages on the Lucky 6 exotic bet as these players are on our estimates worth 125.5% more than players who strictly do main bets,” they wrote.
The technology can also prevent the use of counterfeit chip use – for many years a significant issue in Macau’s casinos – while allowing operators the ability to introduce new exotic and higher hold bets.
On the current state of rollout, Citi said, “Based on observations in our latest monthly table survey, we believe all must baccarat tables at the two MGM China casinos are smart gaming tables.
“We saw 140 smart gaming tables at the mass concourse at the Londoner casino of Londoner Macau. We also saw 24 smart gaming tables at the grind mass area at Wynn Macau, but we did not see any at Wynn Palace.
“Galaxy, Melco and SJM have already placed orders with smart gaming table suppliers per management comments during their most recent earnings calls.”
