Konami Gaming, in partnership with Xailient, has made significant strides in the casino gaming industry with the introduction of SYNK Vision™, touted as “the world’s only player facial recognition solution for Electronic Game Machines (EGM).” This innovative technology has expanded its capabilities to include instant recognition of players at table games, promising to enhance the overall gaming experience. The solution will be showcased at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas from October 8 – 10, 2024.
A New Era of Player Tracking
The initial launch of SYNK Vision in 2023 marked a revolutionary shift in player tracking and harm minimization. By offering instant login capabilities for both known (carded) and optionally anonymous (unknown) players, SYNK Vision has effectively eliminated the need for traditional player loyalty cards. This system allows for seamless integration into the gaming environment, enhancing convenience and accessibility for all players.
Addressing Industry Challenges
SYNK Vision tackles several critical challenges within the casino industry. It effectively mitigates risks associated with identity fraud and duplicate player records by utilizing advanced facial recognition technology. The system enables comprehensive player tracking, even for anonymous users, which helps close gaps in player data and improves overall tracking accuracy. Additionally, the system focuses on regulatory compliance by aiding in the prevention of fraudulent activities, ensuring that all players are accounted for.
Non-Gaming Applications
The utility of SYNK Vision is not confined to gaming areas alone. The system is capable of recognizing and rewarding players in non-gaming settings, thereby providing a holistic solution that enhances guest experiences throughout the casino. This innovative approach not only improves the overall atmosphere of the casino but also contributes to player engagement across various contexts.
Enhanced Table Game Experience
With the recent extension of SYNK Vision to table games, casinos can now offer seamless player tracking in one of the most popular areas of gaming. Using smart cameras, the system detects players seated at tables and integrates this information with the player ratings system, ensuring streamlined operations and accurate data entry.
AI-Powered Automation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in automating the identification and verification processes, significantly reducing human error. This advancement not only speeds up player onboarding—from sit-down to buy-in—but also allows staff to focus on customer service and entertainment. As a result, the technology enhances both operational efficiency and player satisfaction.
Returning Staff to Core Roles
As Tom Soukup, Senior Vice President and Chief Systems Product Officer at Konami Gaming, highlighted, the increasing responsibilities of table games staff can detract from their primary role of customer engagement. With SYNK Vision, staff can focus on enhancing player experiences rather than policing IDs or tracking AML compliance. This technology ultimately allows for a more enjoyable atmosphere in the casino, reinforcing the importance of customer service.
Edge AI: The Game Changer
One of the standout features of SYNK Vision is its use of Edge AI, which processes data locally within the camera rather than transmitting video to centralized servers. This decentralized approach offers several benefits, including cost reduction, enhanced security, and efficient implementation. Existing networks and servers do not require significant upgrades, minimizing the financial burden on casinos while bolstering security and privacy for players.
A New Standard for Gaming
Lars Oleson, CEO of Xailient, has stated that Edge AI fundamentally changes the landscape for casinos. The ability to implement this technology without major infrastructure changes means enhanced customer experiences can be achieved affordably and without compromising privacy. As casinos embrace this new standard, they will likely see significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Importance of Secure Identity Management
In the context of the Asia Pacific market, particularly in Australia, secure and unique identity management is becoming increasingly vital due to new regulatory constraints. Gerard Crosby, Senior Vice President and Chief Games Product Officer at Konami Gaming, emphasized that SYNK Vision offers casinos best-practice technological solutions for identity management, enabling effective tracking and compliance.
Addressing Anonymous Player Dynamics
Jay Bertch, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Konami Gaming, has pointed out the importance of catering to anonymous players. Players who may forget their loyalty cards can now easily “card-in” using facial recognition technology, thereby reducing barriers to engagement and enhancing their gaming experience. This feature is particularly significant for fostering a more inclusive gaming environment, allowing for greater participation among all players.
Key Features of SYNK Vision
The innovative features of SYNK Vision are set to redefine standards within the casino industry. Cardless login allows players to simply sit down at a gaming machine or table and be instantly identified and logged into the player tracking system without needing to present their loyalty cards. The system pioneers anonymous player tracking and bonusing, preserving player privacy while delivering personalized rewards and bonuses, thereby creating a more exciting gaming environment.
Proactive Harm Minimization
SYNK Vision incorporates advanced AI algorithms to identify potential harmful behaviors and alert staff for timely interventions. This proactive approach enhances player safety and well-being, ensuring that staff can act promptly when needed. Additionally, the integration of secure identity management with anti-money laundering (AML) tracking ensures compliance and protection against fraud, benefiting both casinos and players alike.
Easy Installation
The camera modules for SYNK Vision are designed for easy retrofitting into existing gaming machines, and they come pre-mounted for easy installation at tables. Because these are smart cameras, the network traffic and server requirements are minimal, making the implementation process straightforward and efficient for casinos.
SYNK Vision represents a transformative approach to player tracking and safety in the casino industry. The strategic partnership between Konami Gaming and Xailient is driving innovation that prioritizes secure identity management, harm minimization, and responsible gaming practices. As the technology continues to evolve, SYNK Vision is poised to enhance the overall casino experience, making it safer, more personalized, and more enjoyable for all players.