Table games benefit from slot-like enhancements

(November 17, 2009 7:03 AM) -

by GT Staff |

DEQ turns the tables on slots

The side bet for table games was introduced a couple of decades ago with Caribbean Stud Poker, and the idea has spread to other table games. But little has been done to enhance the concept, except for a few mechanical and high-tech improvements.

But an up-and-coming company out of Canada, DEQ Systems Corporation, has taken side betting to new levels. By using key concepts that have made slot machines so successful, DEQ Systems has evolved table game play through bonusing, mystery prizes, multiple-credit betting, jackpots and loyalty solutions.

At the heart of their product line is the G3 table system equipped with its Real Link system. And the system has slowly begun to catch on with casinos. The Monte Carlo casino in Las Vegas has been operating this enhanced version of table game bonusing for more than a year on their Caribbean Stud tables and has recently migrated the concept to Shuffle Master’s games, three card poker, Crazy Four and Texas Hold’em Bonus, in which all the games are linked to a common jackpot.

Monte Carlo was the first Strip casino to adopt this concept, and it’s paid off with table drop and profits well above expectations. The Monte Carlo has a full pit of DEQ bonusing systems spread among its aforementioned table games.

Treasure Island was the second Strip resort to adopt the DEQ system, and it took a step further forward by linking all of their pai gow games. The MGM Grand will soon install the DEQ system on its poker derivative games as well.

Other jurisdictions that have embraced DEQ products are California and Arizona, whose casinos not only link their blackjack tables, but also link blackjack tables between two casinos.

Casinos are finding that these enhancements – multiple credit betting, betting on dealer’s cards (where applicable), linked jackpots, and mystery prizes – increase the entertainment value for the player (as well as increase the chances to win big), as well as increase the casinos’ bottom line.

"Our goal is to increase our client’s existing revenue and to create new ways for them to make money," said DEQ President and CEO Earl G. Hall. Hall added that company has more than 300 installations of its product lines in the U.S.A., and is working on jurisdictional licenses "as fast as we can." "By mid-2010 we should be fully licensed in the entire USA, which will provide us with the platform for strong growth," Hall said.

DEQ Systems’ products will be on display at G2E this week in Las Vegas. Also showcased will be seven new table games – Progressive EZ Pai Gow, Lucky Lucky Progressive Blackjack, Two Fisted Poker Progressive, Bunko Bucks Dice Game, Cash Poker, Progressive Flop Poker and Progressive Two Card Bonus Challenge Poker.

GAMING TODAY NOVEMBER 17, 2009