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Science fiction writers warned us of robots taking over. The fear of technology turning on mankind has inspired dozens of books. Yet, none of them suggested that casino workers could save the planet!
In Las Vegas, there are fears that increasing levels of automation could cost jobs. This brings to mind images of robots spinning roulette wheels and dealing cards. At the moment, this isn’t the case. Could it be the future?
The Fear of a Strike
Robots carry out varied jobs in the city’s casinos; such as mixing drinks and even room service. With technology advancing, many jobs could be replaced. The issue came to light in 2018, when Las Vegas casino workers’ unions demanded better conditions and job security.
Fear of a strike was highest at the start of June, 2018. Industry sources calculated at the time that this could’ve cost $10 million each day. The action was averted with a last-minute agreement. An MGM spokesperson said that they, “can resolve the outstanding contract issues and come to an agreement that works for all sides”.
The long-term issue hasn’t gone away, however, at the moment things have gone quiet. It seems that humans and robots are living and working in harmony in Los Angeles, for now.
What Casino Jobs Could Robots Carry Out?
In many ways, there are many benefits to employing robot workers. It is easy to imagine one scooping up chips, and handing out winnings and dealing cards isn’t impossible. Neither is throwing dice, spinning wheels, or reading results.
This doesn’t have to mean humanoid robots gliding over the floor, it could simply mean automated machines. Change machines have replaced people who used to walk around dealing coins. Casinos with hotels have also started to automate the check-in process.
Big casinos have more occupations that could be automated. Food delivery staff, cashiers, and casino supervisors are all roles that could be at risk. Some estimates suggest that, in 20 years’ time, 65% of casino jobs in Las Vegas could be automated.
Online Casinos Are Becoming More Human
While land casinos are suitable for robots, surely these sites are already filled with them. Picture one of these casinos and you probably think there is not a single human in sight.
Yet, internet casinos are increasingly going the opposite way. Instead of hiring more robots, they are taking on more humans. Why is this?
One of the growing trends in online gambling is that of live dealer games. Instead of seeing a virtual game of blackjack or baccarat, the player takes part in a real game. A human dealer appears on-screen, deals the cards, and spins the roulette wheel.
How popular are live dealer games? A list of the best Playtech casinos shows that nearly all online casino sites now offer extensive collections of these games. These include 777, William Hill, and Mansion casino. It would be ironic if land casinos became more automated just as their online counterparts took the opposite approach.
What Does the Future Hold?
Will we see casinos with no human workers eventually? From a technological point of view, there is no reason why this couldn’t happen.
Yet, the growing popularity of online live dealer games suggests that we like to see human faces while playing. Perhaps those sci-fi writers have finally found their heroes that will stop the robots in their tracks.
Check out the latest live dealer games to see how this way of playing brings back the human touch!
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