Florida-based Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a premier entertainment destination for the central part of the state, owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. As one of the crucial successful and biggest casinos within the world, its slot floor holds thousands of slot machines. The responsibility of managing this massive array of gambling devices falls to Dan Ingster, vp of slot operations for the property, who has over 15 years of expertise in slot operations, slot performance and sales/marketing for Seminole Gaming. Recently, Ingstertook a while to respond to slot operations and other questions provided by Casino Journal Associate Editor Joan Mantini.

Here are some excerpts from his responses:

Do slot machines have an outlined lifespan and the way do you figure out when it's time to retire a machine? What are one of the metrics you utilize to figure out the actual popularity and worth of a slot? Is there some form of keep/replace benchmark you go by? 

Ingster: Because of the size of the valuables we won't compare individual machine performance to deal with average. Instead, we break the ground down into smaller sections and compare the performance to the machines in that area. Our focus is on maximizing the utilization and function of the machines which might be performing above average in each section and converting or replacing the machines which might be significantly below average in each section. In addition, we also watch the historical performance to figure out when a machine title peaks and when it begins to say no in order that we will take action before it drops too far.

When it’s time for a brand new slot machine, how does the decision-making process actually work?

Ingster: We're open to considering any new slot machine. In terms of choosing new slot machines we glance on the math, the sport style and any comparisons to strong performers that we currently have on our floor.  We even have a useful tool at our disposal in our communication and data sharing with our sister properties, allowing us to look what machines are working and what machines don't seem to be. I work alongside the director of slot performance to make the selections on what new machines we will be able to choose and which machines we can pass on.

What impact does game/machine cost have to your slot replacement decisions?

Ingster: Pricing may be very important, as we're always occupied with controlling costs. That is most vital with premium lease and wide area progressive (WAP) machines.  My ultimate responsibility is to maximise revenue while minimizing expenses.

What slot manufacturers do you hold high in your watch list when considering integrating new slots to the ground? What new slot manufacturer game line-ups are you most excited about?

Ingster: We evaluate product from all manufacturers when considering adding new slot machines to the ground as all of them have certain cabinets or game titles that perform exceptionally well. We're waiting for the brand new Scientific Game TwinStar cabinet and the mixing of recent titles together with established Bally and WMS game families.  We've also had some recent success with the Incredible Technologies’ SkyBox cabinet and we're excited to peer how they continue their creative game design to make use of the 55-inch screen at the top box.

How do new machines fit into the property’s floor plan? Are they concentrated or spread out?

Ingster: We strive to position new machines in visible locations to create excitement. After they develop a longtime following we can move them further back into the casino since the players will find them. We designate certain banks by the casino entrances to make sure we've got the most recent game titles that develop an excellent baseline for performance expectations.

What sorts of slot machines are currently the preferred at your facility?

Ingster: Progressive jackpot slot machines (WAP) have always been strong performers. Currently we've got great success with Bally Quick Hits progressive game titles in various denominations. Our players also favor Ainsworth machines, with their creative and versatile use of stand-alone and linked progressives.  A few of our newer progressive winners include: Bally 88 Fortunes and 5 Treasures, Aristocrat’s Lightning Link and Incredible Technologies Crazy Money Deluxe at the SkyBox cabinet. Non-progressive, long-time favorites include: IGT high line video reel titles Stinkin Rich, Bombay and White Orchid along side probably the most newer Aristocrat titles at the Helix cabinet and plenty of of the titles at the Bally Wave and Wave with Wheel cabinets. 

Regulations are making way for skill-based slots being integrated onto the slot floor, is that this something you might have considered adding? If yes, what kinds of skills-based games have caught your eye? 

Ingster: I FEEL that there'll be a time and a spot for skill-based gaming.  Players have shared with me though how slot machines can become too complicated. In my opinion, a lot of them still like traditional reel slots. I'VE had players who're doctors and attorneys owners tell me how they enjoy playing slots as it is their opportunity to disconnect and relax.

Do you host slot tournaments? If so, what slot tournament management system do you employ and why did you select it over the competitors? 

Ingster: We currently use the IGT SpinFerno S3000 Slot Tournament machines and the IGT tournament manager software.  We're the first property to put in SpinFerno and the players benefit from the exciting lighting and sound, along side the combo of normal reels with an interactive touch screen for added bonus wins. The selling team loves the versatility and straightforwardness of configuration for diverse forms of tournaments. The initial game titles perform well in live cash mode and we're looking ahead to new titles which might be currently being developed.

One of the most important challenges facing a slot manager is figuring out the correct level of participation or revenue sharing games to place at the floor. Do you think revenue sharing games bring value to the gaming floor? Why or why not?

Ingster: In a locals market, I THINK players know their possibilities of hitting $1 million jackpots are slim, so that they wish to play games with a view to give them more time on device and keep them entertained longer. You will need to have the games that players want, therefore you will need to have the preferred games which can be often participation. 

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