Casino patrons love their table games, sure, but most players’ heads turn away from even the most exciting pit anytime the bells and whistles of a big slot payout blast out nearby. A double-down table win is always nice, but there historically hasn’t been much of a way to make a quick six-figure score.
That’s in the process of changing. A new table game progressive system by AGS, called STAX, is starting to draw casino operators’ interest. The Las Vegas company is at NIGA this week to demonstrate some new ways that table games patrons can chase their dream of life-changing money. Long well-known in the industry as a leader in progressive technology for slot machines, AGS is now applying its expertise to progressive systems for table games.
STAX is a five-level, progressive jackpot system for table products that integrates with Super 4 blackjack and Royal 9 baccarat, two games purchased last fall by AGS from New Jersey-based In Bet Gaming. The STAX system can also be used on Chase the Flush and Criss Cross Poker, along with any table game, so properties with special customer interest in one game or another can create the same big-money gaming area.
“This is the first time in table games history that a five-level progressive system with a must-hit-by feature has been introduced, rivaling some of the best progressive systems for slots,” says John Hemberger, senior vice president of table products for AGS. “That translates to potentially life-changing wins for players, and the opportunity to win smaller jackpots more frequently as well. It really adds a lot more excitement to the pit.”
For example, when the dealer shows an ace in Super 4, every active Super 4 wager wins. When the dealer hits a blackjack, the Super 4 Bonus triggers, and players then make a four-card poker hand combined with the dealer’s two cards for a progressive jackpot win. Progressive prize amounts on Super 4 have regularly climbed to more than $1 million, AGS reports.
STAX also has an optional random, must-hit-by level, creating more anticipation, heightened excitement, and more winners more often.
AGS, which went public earlier this year, is showcasing progressive ecosystems for its slot and table game offerings. It includes an Xtreme Jackpots multi-level progressive system connected to nearly every slot game in the booth and in use across AGS’ three different cabinet lines: ICON, Orion Portrait and Orion Slant.
“Xtreme Jackpots links to our progressive game families, which are currently on Icon and newly available for our Orion portrait and Orion slant cabinets. These connections mean players get more frequent awards and more explosive jackpots across a variety of game styles, bet levels, and volatility,” says AGS slot product manager Brett Vela.
Strategically cycled attract messages and celebrations periodically burst across the cabinet screen to showcase jackpot totals, game play, and bonus rounds. AGS officials say excitement spreads when a jackpot hits and a special win celebration message explodes across the game screen, because it creates “a community-win feeling.” The configurations are customizable, so casino operators can create an “excitement zone” that’s unique to their property.
“Xtreme Jackpots offer players a great value proposition and a sense of achievability that customers enjoy,” Vela says. Games in the Xtreme jackpots (XJP) series include some of AGS’ most popular titles, including Gold Dragon Red Dragon XJP, Longhorn Jackpots XJP, and Winter of the Dragons XJP, along with the new Orion slant games Dragon Fa and Phoenix Fa.
