Slot manufacturer International Game Technology and table game supplier Gaming Partners International Corporation have announced an alliance under which IGT will employ GPI’s radio-frequency identification chips and readers in its online table game accounting and tracking system, and the two companies will market the technology to mutual customers.

IGT and GPI have entered into an RFID license and transfer agreement that will allow GPI to develop, manufacture and distribute additional high-frequency RFID products and systems worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, GPI will combine its low-frequency chip detection systems with IGT’s high-frequency systems to “bring about the most advanced and widely implemented chip tracking technology available in the marketplace today.” RFID chip-tracking systems allow casinos to inventory chips and “securely and efficiently transfer gaming chips” throughout the casino.

“This transaction will allow our mutual customers to enjoy the technological and creative benefits that will undoubtedly arise from uniting disparate pools of RFID technology under a pit-focused organization like GPI,” states Javier Saenz, IGT’s VP of network systems. “IGT is committed to serving its customers not only directly with its own market-leading products but also through third-party relationships with companies like GPI.”

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.