“Server-Based Gaming changes the way in which we interact with the player"

Carlos Sanz, from Codere, who was the moderador of the conference, commented: “the possibility to download games is the first idea when we talked about Server-Based Gaming. However, it is every server-based gaming operation, and not just to download games, but it comprises other funcions, too.”

Besides, Sanz assured that the main issues to be treated are: the local network, the connected floor, problems of server structure, how do we deal with older machines, team training, among other subjects, such as commercial formulas, providers and homologation.

When Sanz asked about the need of an internal network in the casino, made by Sanz, Kurt Quartier, VP of IGT International, assured: “We have to adopt the technologies, because that is what the customer wants, the final user.” And, as an example, he compered it with the withdrawal of funds from a bank: what used to be done through an employee, can now be performed through an ATM, which simplifies the operation both for the customer and the company.

“It will be a great challenge to develop this technology; it needs an association between providers and operators, because the customer wants it,” added Quartier.

Besides, Sebastián Salat, president  of WMS, commented that the infraestructure needed to install the Server-Based Gaming has to do with the applications they wish, and added: “Some of the applications go beyond the gaming machine because gaming is no more in the machine, but it is useful in another part of the casino”.

Many operators are doubtful about this new technology, for example, if it will be necessary to invest in the refurbishment of the whole machine collection in the casino. So Marco Herrera, VP and Managing Director of MCC System division of Bally Technologies, assured that it is not necessary to do it and that Server-Based Gaming is in charge of the maintenance.

“Server Based Gaming will not remove the requirements for gaming machines”, Avron Goss, Director of BetStone said, “it will however bring together gaming across multiple channels such as machines, online and mobile. BetStone has already successfully implemented server based gaming machines in Latin America and I believe that full channel implementations can be in place in Latin America within 3-5 years. This will allow operators to reach players whenever and wherever they want to play”.

Server-Based Gaming, assured Salat, is feasible for any casino, even for small ones, because,”they allow the entrance of a product in an easier way.”

Considering the impact of these new technologies, each speaker stated his opinion: “It changes the way in which we interact with the player and that brings it a considerable value”, commented Quartier. Besides, Goss described the characteristics of Server Based-Gaming: “simplicity, control, capacity to react and answer quickly. We have to assure that we can take advantage of the software the most”.

“I would like to remark the importance that Server-Based Gaming can adapt to the desire of the player. The machine is not the same for everyone, it is a customized gaming offer that the player has brought to that machine” said Salat.

Besides, Herrera added: “Server-Based Gaming changes the previous situation. The player is the one who handles it now. All these is to simplify the life of the player and for the operator to know his customers with a correct and simple tool. The human contact cannot be lost, but the system will facilitate it”.