This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of World Gaming Magazine.
An Australian company, EPayment Solutions, has thrown its hat into the ring with the Asian launch of its new casino game, Racing Card Derby™. It is a little hard to know if it is a table game or part of the large e-gaming army, so World Gaming allowed the Tiger out for a few days to discover what makes this game tick.
Racing Card Derby is unlike any other casino game. It has a dealer, a light-up layout similar to Sic Bo and a television screen that allows players to cheer their bet on. The aim of the game is pretty simple. There are four horses, each of which represents one of the four suits: spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds. You can bet on any horse, or any number of different combinations, like quinellas (the first two suits to cross the line) or trifectas (the first three suits to cross the line). You can even take a bet as simple as just red or black. The dealer deals out cards and when a card is dealt the horse of that particular suit progresses along the racetrack on the television screen in front of the players.
Racing Card Derby has a number of strengths. Like most casino games it initially looks complicated but in reality it is very easy to learn. It can easily attract a large group of players and it lends itself to theatrics. A good dealer could make all the difference when it comes to entertaining the crowd and getting the collective hearts pumping. Another advantage is its multiple versions: RCD has a casino table game, a slot machine and even a version for online casinos. It’s a smart move to maximise brand recognition by having offerings of the game for all these different gaming environments.
The hardest thing for any new game is to get that initial break which places the game in a real casino and demonstrates its worth on a real-world floor, not just a showroom. The boys behind Racing Card Derby put on a good demonstration at gaming industry show G2E in Macau in 2010 but the proof was always going to be in RCD’s performance when it hit the floor. The table game has just gone live for play on a cruise-ship casino running between Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Those involved with the launch were very happy with the game attracting plenty of action on all bets offered, and many players coming back to the table again and again.
The entertainment value and ease of learning appeared to attract players of all ages but seemed particularly popular with those between 40 and 75 years old and female players.
The action on the $5 minimum game was equal to that of an average $10 blackjack table making it a game that is attractive to players and the casino alike.
Racing Card Derby is working with Gaming Control Boards in Nevada and the Philippines and aims to be in casinos across the world shortly. The game is fully automated, so dealer error is almost entirely eliminated.
While a new game must be popular with players it also needs to work for the casino. RCD has a full back end log for complete game analysis and all operator training is provided at no cost, so casinos will be attracted to the game.
For a more in-depth look at this new game visit racingcardderby.com. If you like the look of the game, just ask your favourite casino if they are thinking about putting in ‘Racing Card Derby’.
