Del Lago Resort & Casino to introduce new gaming technology this weekend

The tournament will be called Prospector's Plunge and use DM Tournaments software developed by Scientific Games. The goal of the program, according to Scientific Games' website, is to "dramatically increase revenue by eliminating device downtime."

Andrew Effiong, director of slot marketing at del Lago Resort & Casino, demonstrated the new technology Thursday. Here's how it'll work: From 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, players must earn 50 points at a machine to play Prospector's Plunge. To be eligible in the high limit room, you must earn 100 points.

When you've reached the minimum to be eligible for the tournament, a bonus screen will appear on the slot machine. You'll have the option to play 10 times per bonus session, Effiong said. Your score will be tallied automatically and a leaderboard will show where you stand compared to other players.

Prizes will be distributed every hour beginning at 6 p.m. First place on the casino floor will get $1,250 in free play credits. The high limit room will get $2,000 of free credits. Additional prizes will be awarded for those who finish in the top five.

Jeff Babinski, executive vice president and general manager of del Lago Resort & Casino, said the software will help the casino and, he believes, slot players. For past tournaments, the casino had to reserve certain machines and players had to wait their turn to play.

"Now you don't have to stand in line and shut down a bank or two of slot machines for the tournament," he said. "What it allows you to do is earn entries into the slot tournament. You don't even have to leave your chair. Once you earn enough points, you're in the tournament. You play the tournament from the game you're at."

Saturday will be the first time del Lago has utilized the technology, which they say is the first of its kind in the upstate market.

Whether the casino continues using it will depend on what feedback they receive from players.

"We're always trying new things and see what works," Babinski said. "I think this one will become very sticky. I think guests, once they know how to do it and what it's all about, I think they're gonna love it. But the proof will be in the pudding. The guests will tell you whether or not they like it or not."

Building on the new Craft Beer Thursday Flight Night at The Vine, del Lago is launching another weekly event to highlight New York-made craft beverages.

Tasting Tuesdays will debut from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at the casino. Twenty breweries and wineries from the Finger Lakes region will participate in the first event.

According to the casino's website, the first 2,000 guests will receive a del Lago tasting glass. The tasting is free to those holding Massimo or Elite Players Club cards. It will cost $5 for Premiere and Signature Players Club members.

For those without cards, the cost is $10.

Babinski said the participating breweries and wineries will be able to sell their products while distributing samples at the casino.

The proceeds from the tasting fees will be donated to the Seneca County House of Concern.

"You can buy a glass and you can walk around the casino instead of getting in your car and traveling from winery to winery," Babinski said. "You can go right around the casino and taste different wines."

Expansion of rewards program

The Players Club is adding more local businesses where guests can redeem points earned at the casino.

There are now seven businesses, including four Finger Lakes wineries, participating in the rewards program. The businesses are: Ciccino's, which operates a location inside the casino's food court; Glenora Wine Cellars; Idol Ridge Winery; Knapp Winery; Magee Diner; Montezuma Winery; and Muranda Cheese Company.

Babinski said it's still early in the program's development, but he's encouraged by the businesses that have already joined the initiative.

He added that the rewards program is part of the casino's effort to support other businesses in the region.

"That's what it's all about," he said. "They've been great supporters of ours. It's our way of giving back. It's our way of getting our customers who are new to the region that have gotten a Players Card and earned points to get them out and see the region and see the businesses."