Over the past decade or so, there has been massive innovation when it comes to gaming technology, as well as the types of wagers that are most attractive to gamblers.
On the slot machine side of casinos, reel-based slot machines and “low-volatility” games that have lots of smaller payouts have largely been replaced by ever-advancing digital games that focus on big payouts.
As a result, gamblers largely play them with the hopes of hitting elusive bonus games and winning hand-paid jackpots (a single slot machine win of $1,200 or more must be manually paid out by casino staff and IRS tax forms issued).
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Generally speaking, table games are designed around the main portion of the game. If you sit down at a $10 blackjack table, you’ll win $10 on some hands, lose $10 on others, and hope that your wins outnumber your losses, and you can cash out ahead at the end of the night.
There are often side bets and progressives with table games, but they are typically little more than a straightforward way to wager an extra dollar or two in order for a long-shot chance at a big prize. And one big pain point is that the progressives are often difficult to understand, with pay tables, rules, and payouts that aren’t prominently displayed and need to be searched for.
While table games like blackjack and three-card poker have begun incorporating side bets that offer potentially large payouts, slots have clearly been the more attractive place to pursue big wins. But that’s starting to change.
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Carnival is bringing big jackpots to table games
Galaxy Gaming's Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now live on over 50 ships operated by Carnival Corporation (this includes Princess and Holland America ships as well as Carnival Cruise Line).
In simple terms, the GOS incorporates progressive jackpots into table games, and in just months since its deployment has already awarded more than $5 million in jackpots to table game players.
Now, the idea of progressive jackpots incorporated into table games isn’t exactly a new idea. There have been progressive jackpots on table games for achieving certain rare hands for many years. But the GOS takes it to another level with new progressive jackpot options and innovative capabilities.
Just to name a few things, the GOS allows operators to add multiple jackpots with different tiers and denominations. As an example, there could be separate progressives for a $5 and $10 bonus bet at a certain game.
It also extends beyond card games, such as a “make’em all” progressive on dice tables. There are digital tracking capabilities that let players see past numbers, streaks, and more. And, it features prominent displays and animations to boost engagement and to generally make the progressive aspects of table games more exciting.
Carnival make table games more exciting (and profitable)
To be perfectly clear, any type of side bet on a table game at a casino generally has significantly worse odds than the main game. Table games like blackjack and craps are well-known for having some of the best payback percentages in a casino, but the same is not true for side bets and progressives.
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They can certainly add some excitement to your favorite games, but be aware that the odds on these bets are tilted more in the house’s favor.
In addition, these side games are generally weighted like slot machines when it comes to earning casino points. This could make the table games more attractive to gamblers who like card and dice games but also want to earn free cruises.
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With that in mind, if you’re a player who enjoys chasing large wins, Carnival is offering some new and exciting ways to do it from your favorite table games. If you’re looking for a hand-pay jackpot, you don’t necessarily need to find it from a slot machine.
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