Fixed Terminals Usher in Online Gaming in Macau
Published December 25, 2019 by Lee R
Macau will be taking it slow, but the introduction of online gaming remains a huge breakthrough.
With the long-awaited arrival of online gambling, Macau is going to get a first hand look at fixed terminals.
The Machines
In response to expected initially long lines, MGM China’s MGM Macau casino has officially launched eight digital “fixed terminals” and four “hand-held computer tablets” offering a diverse range of games to individuals populating land-based casino floors to duplicate the Las Vegas casino style experience.
Supplier
The new digital gaming devices provided to MGM Macau by the cloud-based GameSource electronic platform of local firm International Alliance Systems Ltd (IAS) offer seven different casino games in low denomination formats pending working out kinks to regulators' satisfaction.
Online Gaming Adaptation
IAS has been working since 2015 against a backdrop of famously skittish regulators to bring online gambling to Macau.
IAS CEO Anthony Ip called it a “long journey” to bring local regulators around on board but ultimately expressed pride to be the one to make digital gambling in Macau happen.
Current Rollout
IAS currently offers some 80 casino products including slots, table games and virtual sports via GameSource: additional games and newer model terminals at MGM Macau will be rolled out over the next two months before expanding the digital product to MGM China’s glitzy MGM Cotai property.
Plans for Expansion
Ip looks forward to signing both additional Macau operators and casinos from other Asia-Pacific markets.
Ip says table games are most in demand from local casino operators, with IAS working with third-party game developers to further expand GameSource’s offering in the opening months of 2020.
Casinos Responsible for Data
Ip also added another key regulatory detail: GameSource doesn’t store any player data in its systems, leaving all sensitive information in the hands of the jurisdiction's casino partners.
Outlook
The arrival of online gambling in Macau ushers in an era which will bring Macau casinos on par with other large casinos around the world when it comes to customer experience. The adaptation will likely be deliberate, to remain on par with the attitudes of regulators. However, the delicate period should give way to a sustainable model once continuity is established for the landmark event that is the introduction of online gaming in Macau.
