Beneath the familiar appearance of coloured chips, a discreet but formidably effective technology is gradually transforming the gaming industry: RFID, or radio frequency identification. Invisible to the naked eye, these electronic chips inserted into each chip enable gaming establishments to track every bet, every move and every win in real time. It’s a silent signal, invisible to players, but formidably powerful for managers.
What is RFID?
At first glance, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) may seem abstract. Yet this technology is already everywhere: in biometric passports, transport cards, company badges, and now in casino chips.
The principle is simple, but highly effective. An RFID system consists of two key elements: a chip, called a tag, and a reader. The chip contains digital data such as a unique identification number. When it passes close to a reader, the latter emits a radio signal that “wakes up” the chip, interrogates it and extracts the information. All this is done without contact, often without the person even noticing.
Mastering the chip maze
Imagine thousands of chips scattered across the tables, circulating among crowds of anonymous players. Before, keeping track of them was a manual operation, prone to errors and theft. With RFID, the casino knows exactly where each chip is. The result? A real-time inventory, a drastic reduction in losses, and much smoother accounting.
Traditional tokens, often aesthetically simple, were easy to copy. Now, each RFID chip carries a unique code, linked to the casino’s internal system. Counterfeiting becomes almost impossible. These RFID chips are mainly used in the major casinos of Las Vegas and Macau.
The customer experience revisited
For players, these high-tech tokens mean greater speed at the cash desk: instant scanning replaces manual counting. Fewer queues, less waiting, more comfort. Some establishments go even further, offering dynamic loyalty programmes integrated into each bet, offering instant rewards.
At the heart of the tables
This system is also very useful during the game, as it enables the flow of money to be tracked accurately, identifying any human error (such as a wrong payout by the dealer) or suspicious behaviour (such as abnormal bet changes). If a player bets $5,000 in poker, the table automatically records the sum and associates it with the time, the game and the seat. In the event of a dispute, all you have to do is consult the data.
The game then becomes a transparent ecosystem, driven by invisible data. The player sees nothing (he bets as he always has) but the casino sees everything. To some, this looks like surveillance. For others, it’s a necessary step forward in a sector where fraud can cost millions.
Obstacles to overcome
However, this technology has a cost. Replacing chips, installing readers and synchronising systems are not free. Smaller casinos are often deterred. Added to this are the risks of hardware failure, interference or computer flaws. Introducing a reader is not enough: the coordination between hardware and software must be perfect.