Konami Gaming and Xailient will launch new features for SYNK Vision players at G2E Las Vegas 2024.
Press release.- Konami Gaming and Xailient have announced that SYNK Vision™, "the world's only facial recognition solution for electronic gaming machines (EGM)," has been expanded to offer instant recognition of casino players at table games. Konami will demonstrate the solution at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, which will take place from October 8 to 10.
In 2023, the launch of SYNK Vision revolutionized player tracking and harm minimization by offering both carded (known) and anonymous (unknown) players the ability to log in instantly, eliminating the need for player loyalty cards or other login methods in the player tracking system.
Thanks to Xailient's secure facial recognition technology, Konami's SYNK Vision addresses issues such as identity fraud, duplicate player records, and gaps in player tracking data, even for anonymous users. By employing secure and patented facial recognition methods, SYNK Vision allows for the de-identified tracking of all players, whether carded or anonymous, eliminating gaps in anti-money laundering procedures, as all players are tracked, and facilitating the anonymous acquisition of bonuses.
Moreover, SYNK Vision is not limited to gaming environments but can also recognize and reward players in non-gaming areas, offering a comprehensive solution that enhances the overall customer experience in various settings.
With the addition of SYNK Vision for table games, casinos can benefit from seamless player tracking at table games (both carded and non-carded), providing a consistent player experience throughout the establishment. SYNK Vision for tables uses smart cameras to detect players seated at the tables, integrating with the player rating system to streamline operations and ensure accurate data entry.
Artificial intelligence (AI) assists casino staff by automating player identification and verification tasks, eliminating human error possibilities and streamlining the player experience from the moment they sit down to when they make a purchase.
Tom Soukup, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer of Systems at Konami Gaming, stated: "The job of table game staff is becoming increasingly difficult, SYNK Vision returns staff to their primary role of customer service and entertainment more quickly. Staff enjoy interacting with players, but sometimes the role of checking IDs and tracking AML is an impediment to establishing a good relationship. This extension of SYNK Vision for table games helps keep the fun going."
Smart cameras process AI within the camera itself, rather than transmitting video for processing on servers or in the cloud, and can be easily installed on EGMs or at the tables. This decentralized processing approach, known as "Edge AI," drastically reduces the costs associated with AI systems because there is no need to upgrade existing networks and servers. This approach also improves security and privacy.
Lars Oleson, CEO of Xailient, declared: "Edge AI changes the game. Casinos can deploy this technology without major infrastructure upgrades, reducing costs, risks, and hassles. The bottom line is that we can affordably offer a better customer experience without sacrificing their privacy. Together, we are setting the stage for the next generation of gaming experiences."
SYNK Vision emphasizes secure identity management and harm minimization, ensuring a safer, more responsible, and personalized casino experience.
Gerard Crosby, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer of Gaming at Konami Gaming and Director of Konami Australia, added: "In the Asia-Pacific market, and in Australia, under new regulatory restrictions in particular, the secure and unique identity of players becomes key to the good operational governance of casinos. Whether it's ensuring the identity linked to AML transactions or the identity of players redeeming a promotional activity, SYNK Vision uniquely provides casinos with best practice technological solutions."
Jay Bertch, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director of Konami Gaming, emphasized: "Cards have known friction points, but the anonymous (or unknown) player is probably much larger than we can measure. Consider a player who has left their card in the room and has met with some friends for dinner. Will they play while waiting? Or, since they are not earning points, will they get distracted with their phone? SYNK Vision removes that impediment to the customer experience by allowing the player to 'clock in' through facial recognition."
Among the highlights of SYNK Vision are:
SYNK Vision is revolutionizing the standards of the casino industry in terms of harm minimization, secure identity management, and responsible gaming, and has been made possible thanks to the close strategic collaboration between Konami Gaming and Xailient. SYNK Vision is a testament to the shared dedication of the industry to innovation and to improving the overall casino experience.
