Next-Generation Cashless Bartop Slot Gaming From IGT Unveiled
Casino software supplier IGT has launched its next-generation cashless bartop slot machines, designed to provide a more seamless and safe gaming experience for bartop customers across land-based resorts on the Vegas Strip and outside Nevada. IGT, which is now headquartered in London, has long held an influential presence in “Sin City”, having brought the first bartop games to the Las Vegas Boulevard over two decades ago.
The all-new PeakBarTop cabinet was installed in a string of casino resorts throughout Southern Nevada, providing a fusion of some of the very best IGT video poker and slot titles. It first arrived in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget casino on Fremont Street, before being introduced to customers at Treasure Island on the Strip, which recently played host to spectacular Independence Day Weekend celebrations. Visually, these next-generation bartops are considerably more engaging and immersive, with 23” displays in high-definition (HD). They are a far cry from the old-school video poker machines that still exist today on casino floors up and down the Vegas Strip.
What games are available in the new PeakBarTop cabinet?
Under the bonnet, you’ll find video poker titles such as “Game King”, “Ultimate X Poker” and iconic slot games such as “Solar Disc” and “Scarab”. The latter is a major hit with slot fans across the globe, having been unveiled exclusively at the 2019 Macau Gaming Show. The ancient Egyptian-themed slot can be trialed for free at VegasSlotsOnline, alongside another 10,000 slot titles. Of course, IGT is best known for its “Da Vinci Diamonds” and “Cleopatra” slot games, with the latter also inspired by the ancient Egyptian era. The former is available on the new PeakBarTop cabinet in some form, with “Da Vinci Diamonds Keno” games up for grabs alongside variant roulette games too.
The main talking point about these new IGT bartop slots is the cashless gaming technology. The systems contain Bluetooth technology, enabling customers to transfer funds digitally from an e-wallet to a bartop machine of their choice. This feature will help to limit the customer contact of bartop machines, which speaks to the increasingly swift movement towards cashless transactions we’ve seen from consumers in all areas over recent years.
Why the new PeakBarTop cabinet benefits customers and staff alike
There are plenty of additional features that will appeal to players and casino staff alike. Nick Khin, chief operating officer (COO) of IGT, confirmed that players would benefit from improved audio and lighting capabilities on their curved 23” screens. Each unit will also incorporate a USB port, making it easier for customers to charge their mobile devices while they play.
The new PeakBarTop cabinets also make life easier for casino bartenders. The machine has a built-in indicator to denote players that have spent a considerable amount of time and money at their machines. These customers can be rewarded more easily for their gameplay with comps and free drinks.
Although the cost of these new bartop machines has not been officially disclosed by IGT, it’s clear they are likely to make bartop slot and table gaming all the more interesting for guests. Despite having been a brand synonymous with classic casino technology, IGT continues to secure nominations and awards at some of the most prestigious casino gaming awards ceremonies. As a former Global Gaming Awards winner, IGT has revealed it will be sponsoring the Land-Based Operator of the Year category at 2020’s Global Gaming Awards in Las Vegas.
This particular awards ceremony has been in existence for seven years, overseen by Gambling Insider and Gaming America. The ceremony is scheduled for 5 October, with the shortlists for all 12 categories decided earlier this month. The complete shortlist for each category will be publicly available from the beginning of September.