In what they claim as a world-first, Hard Rock Atlantic City has launched remotely operated, live online slot machines.
In the same way that remote live tables allow you to interact with a live dealer through your computer or mobile device, Hard Rock’s innovation allows you to view and operate a physical slot machine from anywhere within the state.
“We are excited to introduce an entirely new way to play floor favourites without being there,” said Kresimir Spajic, Hard Rock International’s senior vice president of online gaming. “With Live Slots, you can control real, physical slot machines located at Hard Rock Atlantic City.”
The development of the live slot machines was made possible by a partnership between the casino and Softweave Ltd.
Online gaming has been vital to the renewal and redevelopment of Atlantic City. Last year saw casinos pull in $482.69 million from real money internet slots and table game house winnings.
Bridging the trust gap
Online gaming operations face the same regulations as land-based casinos, but still suffer in comparison when it comes to player confidence, with more sceptical gamblers questioning whether online slots or table games provide the payout rate as their real-world counterparts.
This is particularly evident with older gamblers who grew up without the internet and mobile devices. The idea of virtual gambling is often an alien concept to this segment of the market. The live-slot project is an attempt to ease these more cautious gamblers into the idea of enjoying a virtual version of their favourite pastime.
“The psychology, there are brick-and-mortar players that have a fear of doing things online,” Spajic elaborated. “This is helpful in transitioning them into online customers. This is a real, physical machine that they can see, almost like they’re sitting in front of it.”
Joe Lupo, the president of Hard Rock Atlantic City said that this new initiative was informed directly by the growth in popularity of live, internet table games.
“Credibility and transparency have been paramount to seeing online gaming move forward,” Lupo said. “The difference between seeing a computer image, as opposed to the kind of machine that a customer has been playing for years, it may be easier to understand.”
The live slot machine cluster is on the second floor of Hard Rock’s casino. On-site guests are welcome to observe the machines but are not permitted access into that particular area. A single gambler can operate up to 12 live slot machines simultaneously and a waiting list functionality has been implemented for players who are waiting for a ‘seat’ to open up.