Inside Asian Gaming

May 2013 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 75 G2E ASIA 2013 Numbers Game Given the huge volumes of play on Asian baccarat tables, the accuracy of shoes and cards is critical, and Angel strives to achieve a 100% error-free record. As Mr Shigeta observes, “If an electronic shoe commits an error once every 1,000 cards, it works out to three to four errors every day on each electronic baccarat shoe. Even if the frequency of errors drops to one in every 10,000 cards, there would still be an error once every three days on each electronic shoe. That kind of frequency would negate the merits of implementing an electronic shoe, and so that level of accuracy [one error out of 10,000] is not sufficient.” Underlying the smooth operation of the ANGEL EYE is Angel’s playing cards. “In order for the ANGEL EYE to perform stably and accurately, it is important the cards used in the shoe are produced to Angel’s usual exacting standards,” points out Mr Shigeta. “The precision of card cutting and code printing is critical. Angel conducts 100% inspection for both the cut and the code print. Striving for our goal of 100% accuracy, all manufacturing processes of ANGEL EYE, from assembly to final configuration as well as inspection before shipment, are conducted in our factory in Japan. Operation checks and inspection before shipment are repeated many times. Inspection and compatibility testing is done using cards with the actual specification as the cards to be used in the casinos.” The value of Angel’s thorough inspection checks were highlighted last year when another manufacturer failed to shuffle a batch of what were supposed to be pre-shuffled cards delivered to the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, leading to the casino losing US$1.5 million to savvy players over 41 hands of cards dealt in sequence. Angel also stands ready to provide support for its products around the world.“ANGEL EYE shoes delivered to casinos are serviced by our professional technicians, who monitor the shoes to maintain reliability through regular service and maintenance work,” says Mr Shigeta. “Furthermore, in order to ensure security, even the casinos’ staff are prohibited from disassembling the components of ANGEL EYE shoes. All repairs or upgrades, including software, are managed and conducted by Angel staff only.” Visit Angel Playing Cards at Stand #603 Striving for 100% accuracy—Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd President and CEO Yasushi Shigeta Log onto www.asgam.com for the latest industry intelligence and a subscription to our digital edition—all absolutely free A Sure Bet