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Sands Casino in Bethlehem has debuted its new gaming system, hybrid table games that combine the ease and fast pace of a slot machine with the feel of a live dealer. The Sands incorporates stadium seating as part of the experience.
The establishment likely has taken a cue from its Macau property as the new system is already gaining popularity in that gambling hotbed as well as Singapore.
"We thought about phasing it in, but decided if we're going to do it, let's do it big and let's do it right," Sands CEO Mark Juliano told the Morning Call. "We figured it would take something this size to create an energy — to make it a place that people gravitate to."
It is being billed as the nation's largest live electronic table games "stadium" in the nation in a state that is widely anticipated to become the 4th in the nation allowing online slot machines, bingo games, blackjack and poker.
Marx Casino in Bensalem recently installed 50 of the hybrid slot machines, and Mohegan Sun near Wilkes-Barre will feature 20, minus the stadium aspect, however, as both establishments are considered “too small”.
Whether the concept catches on in the US remains to be seen but the Sands, Marx and Mohegan Sun will certainly provide the ultimately test.
"You can bet they're all watching to see what happens at Sands," said Richard McGarvey, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. "If this turns out to be popular, they'll all want them.'
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
