High Tech and Poker

I love high-tech gizmos and gadgets. At this point in time, there are very few that are used by poker rooms, but many rooms would be well-served to use some of the more modern innovations that are available. Here are a few examples:

Tournaments

Clock – Not unlike the scoreboard at a sports event, tournaments need some type of clock that displays information needed by floor personnel and players. Several are currently being used. At the very least, they should show how much time is left in a round. I like the ones that also display the betting structure of the current round and the number of players left.

Chips – Although I know of no venues using high-tech chips, I do know they are available. Each chip can be uniquely identifiable by placing a small computer chip in it. For security purposes, the chips can then be easily tracked in a number of ways.

Live Action

Poker tables – Often, particularly in larger rooms, there is a lot of racket that can be aggravating at times. Much of this can be attributed to dealers and players literally shouting for chips, drinks, open seats, fills, or decisions. I would like to see each table have a button that could be pushed to alert the appropriate personnel of that table's needs. For example, perhaps the table number would light up on a panel in a certain color to indicate that a chip runner is needed at the table, and another color might indicate that a seat is available.

Wait lists – In busy rooms, it is often difficult to find out how far down a list we are, and it's time consuming for casino personnel to provide us that information. A wait list spreadsheet could be displayed on a monitor for all to see.

Beepers – Many high-volume restaurants give waiting patrons vibrating beepers to alert them when their tables are ready. This idea would work well in many poker rooms.

It amazes me that casinos do not use them for buffet customers, who could be gambling instead of waiting in line for an hour or more at times.