RTFM 223: The Future of Table Games: Automation vs. Tradition
This episode, we kick off with a chat between Jon and interim stand-in co-host Melanie Ellis, who claims she is neither a doctor nor a professor. Who knew??? We get into personal experiences with mental health, the implications of blind boxes and loot boxes in retail, and the importance of live dealers in casinos. The conversation also touches on the role of casinos in local communities and the evolving nature of player engagement in the gambling industry [0:00 – 30:50].
Then we meet superstar returning guest Richard Marcus, who could also be a professor. It’s hard to say for certain, but he has a certain professorial elegance about him. We discuss the future of table games in casinos, particularly in light of the recent trend towards automation. Richard shares his concerns about the loss of human interaction and the potential negative impact on the casino experience, and we touch on the economic implications of automated games, the role of dealers in player protection, and the broader social consequences of reducing skilled jobs in the industry. Marcus emphasizes the need to preserve traditional table games while adapting to technological advancements [30:51 – 1:37:32].
Choice quotes:
- "It's not a great idea."
- "Humans are social animals."
- "Loneliness is a big deal."
Richard Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmarcusgameprotection/
As ever, we thank all of our sponsors for their vibrant and excellent support. Rhythm may be a dancer, but our sponsors are the funky funky beat.
In no particular order they are: the mighty EveryMatrix – the industry go-to for sportsbook platforms and data feeds. EveryMatrix’s coverage is so damn good, they’re gaining tier-1 operators all the time. The proof really is in the pudding, and OddsMatrix is so, so sweet…
Optimove,who turn customer data into something special, with tools that make businesses just plain work better. Optimove, your support helps us make things that bring people sunshine… Well, I say sunshine. I may mean rain, but it’s all weather, am I right? Oh, and tell them you came via us an d you get your first month free!
Then of course there is Clarion Gaming, providers of the magnificent ICE expo (January ’26 in Barcelona) and iGB Live! in London. We love you guys BIGGER THAN THE SKY.
The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.
Website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3A57jkR
Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cs6ReF
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGamblingFilesPodcast
Fintan Costello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/
Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/
Follow the podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/
Sponsorship enquiries: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/contact/
Get our newsletter: https://thegamblingfilestldr.substack.com/
