Interblock Gaming Manufacturer CEO Predicts More Electronic Tables and Stadium Setups in Coming Years

Posted on: April 27, 2019, 02:00h. 

Last updated on: April 29, 2019, 09:47h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The CEO of gaming manufacturer Interblock predicts that electronic table games (ETG) will take up more floor space inside casinos across the United States over the next five years.

gaming manufacturer casino stadium Interblock
The trend of stadium setups spreading to casinos across the country is expected to continue. (Image: Interblock Gaming)

Speaking at an event this week at the UNLV, Interblock CEO John Connelly said innovative tables and stadium gaming is the future of the industry. CDC Gaming Reports attended the discussion and relayed the chief executive’s comments.   

Within the next five years, if you want to sit in front of a human and play a live table game, it’s going to be a $2,500 per play option,” Connelly opined. “All of the table games below that will be automated.”

Scientific Games Senior VP Roger Snow agreed. He said ETGs are more appealing to younger gamblers.

“This is what’s coming to a casino near you,” Snow stated. “It reminds me of that line in Back to the Future where Michael J. Fox said, ‘You guys may not be ready for this, but your kids are going to love it.'”

Backed With Deals

Less than 24 hours after divulging his comments, Connelly’s Interblock broke news that the company reached a partnership agreement with regional casino giant Penn National Gaming.

The deal gives Interblock exclusivity on new product installations at 20 Penn National casinos. Connelly said Interblock will deploy various products to the casinos including standalone automated video units, bar tops, and stadium gaming setups.

Interblock explains with fewer live dealer tables, operating expenses are reduced and profits increased. Hollywood Lawrenceburg, Ameristar East Chicago, and Hollywood Toledo are the first Penn National properties that will bring new Interblock products to its casino floors.

Interblock says its stadium automated games “attract core gamblers who like the security and comfort of their own station and new players who can experience the fun of live tables while learning at their own pace.”

Industry Trends

Executives at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut spoke earlier this month with Casino.org about plans to modern the integrated resort and create social media-worthy experiences.

Anika Howard, VP of brand marketing and digital for the tribal property, said numerous upgrades designed to bring in new customers have already been implemented. She pointed to such non-gaming attractions as TopGolf, zip lining, indoor go-karting, and escape rooms.

In terms of the casino floor, Howard is working closely with several gaming manufacturers. Already in operation: Foxwoods Great Cedar Casino is home to the Play Arena, which allows bettors to switch between games with the push of a button. The Rainmaker Stadium features 30 gaming terminals before three live dealers in a stadium setting.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) – the industry’s leading lobbying group in DC – said last month that technological advances must be embraced by casinos and state gaming regulators.

“Change truly is the new normal in our industry,” AGA Senior VP of Public Affairs Sara Slane declared. “As technology continues to disrupt the gaming world, regulatory reinvention must keep pace.”