Casinos in Macau will install RFID smart gaming tables

The Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, is an 800-bed medical facility spanning several city blocks and covering an area of 273,000 square meters. In order to provide services to the thousands of patients treated by this hospital, there are 150 bedding cabinets in the hospital, and bed sheets and other items in the cabinets need to be replenished four times a day. Rafael Vitolo, the hospital's RFID project leader, said that among the approximately 158,000 items of bedding, there are approximately 35 categories of sizes and models.

RFID, or radio frequency identification technology, is a technology that identifies specific targets through radio signals and reads related data. In the Macau gaming industry, the application of RFID technology is mainly reflected in the management of chips and gaming tables. By embedding RFID tags into chips and gaming tables, casinos can monitor and track chips and gaming tables in real time, thereby combating fraud, improving inventory management, reducing dealer errors, and enhancing the gaming experience.

Previously, Galaxy Star and Wynn Hotels and Resorts have successfully installed RFID security systems to combat chip cheating. Equipped with an efficient interrogator, this system can read information on up to 500 chips per second, whether stacked or scattered around the table. This not only greatly improves the work efficiency of the casino, but also effectively curbs the occurrence of cheating.

In addition, RFID technology can also link game chips with individual players, enabling the identification and tracking of overseas players. This has important implications for casinos, as overseas players tend to be an important source of customers for casinos. Through RFID technology, casinos can more accurately understand each player’s behavior and needs, thereby formulating more effective marketing strategies.

In addition to chip management, RFID technology also plays an important role in gambling table management. Melco Resorts has already installed its first batch of RFID gaming tables this month, while Galaxy Entertainment and Sands China will follow in the coming quarters. These smart gaming tables use RFID technology to optimize game speed, winning rate, staff costs and other aspects, bringing players a smoother and more efficient gaming experience.

The application of RFID technology will bring many advantages to the Macau gaming industry. First, by increasing the game speed and winning rate, more players can be attracted to participate, thereby increasing the casino's revenue. Secondly, reducing employee costs is also a major advantage of RFID technology, because it can reduce dependence on human resources and reduce operating costs. Finally, by enhancing the availability of data on unrated gamblers, casinos can better understand player preferences and needs, supporting future growth and innovation.

RFID technology can also help casinos accurately identify foreign gamblers. These foreign gamblers often receive tax rebates and are encouraged by the government. Through RFID technology, casinos can provide services to them more conveniently and promote the international development of Macau's gaming industry.

The introduction of RFID technology has brought unprecedented changes to the Macau gaming industry. It not only improves the security and efficiency of the casino, but also brings a better gaming experience to players. Macau's six major casino operators - MGM, SJM Holdings, Sands China, Wynn Macau, Galaxy Entertainment and Melco International - are already using RFID gaming tables or preparing to launch RFID smart gaming tables in the next few quarters.