Gamblers across the state have become comfortable with electronic gaming via PA online casinos and apps, but what if you could bet electronically on live dealer games in a party-like environment while hanging out with friends?
That’s the idea behind the brand new Pulse Arena at Rivers Casino Philadelphia that launched on Jan. 12.
The Pulse Arena technology is a product of Interblock, a company that develops and supplies electronic table games to casinos. Rivers Casino Philadelphia is the first casino in PA to offer the product.
Stadium gaming combines table games with an entertaining atmosphere
The technology allows players to game and bet using a touch-screen at their own terminal, while live dealers lead the action.
Eric Althaus, vice president of gaming at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, told PAOnlineCasino, “Pulse Arena allows guests to play, socialize and migrate their entertainment experience onto the casino floor, in a unique fashion. It’s a fun setting that will attract both new and existing players.”
A 34-seat stadium configuration of play stations face the Pulse Arena stage near the BetRivers Sportsbook. The stage features dealer tables and a huge 585-square-foot video wall, according to a Rivers Casino press release. The area is decked out with its own lighting and sound systems, making for an immersive experience.
Eight more Pulse Arena terminals are located in another area, next to the Pulse Arena craps tables.
Pulse Arena features four games from every terminal
The Pulse Arena stage launched offering roulette, blackjack and mini-baccarat. Rivers plans to launch craps soon. Guests can play any of the games from a single station.
Live dealers conduct the table games, but the burden of counting chips is removed allowing the games to move at a quicker pace. According to the press release, “Wager outcomes are determined by using real dice, cards and roulette wheels, not by computers.”
What can players expect from the new Pulse Arena at Rivers Casino?
Interblock’s Pulse Arena technology makes some interesting things possible. Most obviously, the video wall can add to the entertainment value. Special effects and the ability to display personal messages like birthday wishes add to the fun. According to a 2017 Interblock product video, the video wall can also be themed for holidays, casino events or parties.
Behind the scenes, dealers can see some player information on their own terminals, including players’ winning streaks. The video wall can be used to recognize a big win or shout out a particular player.
In addition, the hybrid gaming model can be more beginner-friendly. New players can learn the game at their own pace. According to the product video, dealers can also set a “trial mode” for a new player, so they can learn the game before spending any money.
Top table game PA casinos offer stadium gaming
While PA online casinos have gained in popularity for their convenience and ease of play, PA’s land-based casinos have continued to improve their offerings to attract in-person visitors. Stadium gaming is part of these efforts for at least two casinos that excel with retail table games.
“We’re excited to be ‘first in market’ with the Pulse Arena technology and to provide Philly gamers with this thrilling new experience,” said Justin Moore, general manager of Rivers Casino. “This dynamic addition is part of our ongoing commitment to reinvesting in our gaming floor and keeping it fresh.”
Rivers Casino Philadelphia peaked at No. 3 for single-month retail table games revenue in November.
Wind Creek Casino was among the first to introduce live dealer stadium gaming. That casino set a single month table games revenue record for PA last year and remains the top table games revenue producer.
The new addition to Rivers Philadelphia could give the casino an edge over the competition.
Lead image courtesy of riverscasino.com