Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | November 2012 28 JCM Global The use of mobile e-money services is widespread in Japan, where millions of smart phones are enabled for what is known as “near field” communications technology, or NFC. Outside of Japan, the technology is just starting to be accepted in all aspects of automated transactions. It is anticipated to grow quickly in North America, where Google recently announced the launch of a “Google Wallet,” and all mobile providers are now equipping their smart phones with NFC. Also on show at G2E were JCM’s other signature products, including the iVIZION, UBA-RC and Vega-RC bill validators; the PayCheck 4 thermal printer; the Intelligent Cash Box 3.0; and the Sentry 2.0 smart bezel. The iV8 Better Handling At last month’s G2E, JCM Global showed off the latest developments in its bill validation and mobile transactions solutions in addition to its full range of signature products J CM Global, a leader in currency validation solutions for the gaming industry, created a sensation earlier this year at G2E Asia with its new iV8 table game bill validator, which was developed specifically for large table game markets like Macau. Currently, the buy-in process on high- volume tables like those found in Macau can slow a game dramatically. Counting and validatingcurrencyinbaccaratcanshutdown play for minutes at a time. With its ability to process currency at eight notes per second, the iV8 instantly and significantly increases the number of hands played per hour. The prototype of the iV8—“iV” stands for “intelligent validation,” the 8 for the processing speed—was unveiled at G2E Asia 2011, and based on extensive field research and customer feedback, the unit’s overall design has since been modified and compacted to be sleeker, more streamlined, more dealer-friendly and more efficient at increasing playing time. Buy-ins are inserted directly into an adjoining tray where every note is then validated and counted and the total value displayed for everyone—–the player, the dealer, pit management and overhead surveillance—to see and verify, and in seconds. Rejected or suspect notes are automatically sorted into a separate tray during tabulation. This“reject”tray is capable of handling up to 50 notes per buy-in. The entry tray has a capacity of 200 notes, enabling the iV8 to process the largest buy- ins. And because iV8 validates and counts each note, it helps eliminate human error and potential fraud, adding to the casino’s bottom line. But the real return on investment is in the number of potential additional games per hour. JCM Global’s G2E stand also featured a demonstration of a fully interactive mobile wagering network that connects players through their “Mobile Wager Wallet” to redemption kiosks and the gaming device. The technology is the result of a partnership between JCM Global, Techfirm and NRT Technology Corp. JCM and Techfirm previewed the technology at last year’s G2E to rave reviews. Now, NRT, a leading provider of multifunctional redemption kiosks, has integrated Mobile Wager Wallet technology into their ATM network. The integration allows casino patrons to withdraw virtual funds fromATMs onto their phones and into their mobile wager wallets for use at gaming machines, and potentially at retail, food and entertainment venues within the casino. Additionally, players can transfer virtual funds from the MWW back into their accounts on the NRT ATM, or dispense funds, if desired. The technology is a major step forward for JCM and the JCM product line, which will continue to help casino operators evolve and grow their business. Director of New Product Development Brian Montano said, “JCM has long been the leader in automated transactions in the gaming industry and has a long history of bringing stakeholders together to advance technology. We are thrilled to bring the major players of Techfirm, NRT and JCM together for a project of this magnitude that will be a game-changer for the industry.” “Near field” communications technology in action at JCM Global’s exhibit at G2E The iVIZION bill validator