Should I Repair My Casino Machine?

In the entertainment industry, casino machines represent one of the most important investments for operators. Whether in a traditional casino, a gaming hall, or a bar with betting terminals, each machine is not only an asset but also a constant source of revenue. With natural wear and tear over time, the inevitable question arises: is it better to repair or remanufacture a casino machine instead of replacing it with a brand-new one?

In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why.

The cost of a new casino machine can be very high, especially if it’s a state-of-the-art model with multiple digital functions. Repairing or remanufacturing an existing machine drastically reduces the initial investment.

• Repairing means restoring the equipment to optimal operation by replacing faulty components.
   
• Remanufacturing goes a step further: the machine is rebuilt almost from scratch, with new parts, system upgrades, and an extended lifespan of several more years.
   

Both approaches represent a significantly lower expense than purchasing a completely new unit, freeing up resources to invest in other areas of the business.

Every minute a machine is out of service is a minute it stops generating revenue. Having a corrective or preventive maintenance plan ensures that equipment is back in operation quickly.

Additionally, when opting for remanufacturing, not only is the original functionality restored, but technological upgrades can also be incorporated, such as:

• Updated electronic boards. 
• More efficient displays. 
• Modernized payment and collection systems.
   

This means the machine returns to the gaming floor with improved performance and greater appeal for customers.

The spare parts market for casino machines is highly specialized, with manufacturers and workshops offering compatible components for virtually any model. This support makes repairs easier and ensures that the investment in the machine remains profitable in the long run.

Unlike brand-new machines—which often require costly maintenance contracts and exclusive parts—repaired or remanufactured machines maintain flexibility in sourcing spare parts.

Another key factor is the ecological impact. Reusing and remanufacturing parts reduces electronic waste and maximizes the use of existing materials. Casinos that adopt this practice not only save money but also strengthen their reputation as responsible and sustainable businesses.

By Tony Wideen

Today in the world of hotel and casino carpets there are many more options then only 10 years ago. New technology in carpet manufacturing equipment and improved fibers continue to evolve allowing much greater creativity which has changed the way casino architects, designers & gaming properties think about their carpet needs. The great recession forced properties to look more at costs and value in their renovations or new construction.

You now have three options in pattern carpets. Die injected carpets using nylon from DuPont or

Monsanto chemical companies. Axminster woven 80/20 wool blends & solution dyed nylons that are virtually 100% stain proof carpets. Solution dyed carpets are gaining ground quickly with both pros and cons in their use.

Pros of solution dyed nylon is essentially it’s stain proof, which is vastly different than the words stain resistant. Think of solution dyed nylon the following way vs. traditional nylon... Normal fiber is white like a radish inside and dyed with color using various methods. Solution dyed nylon is like a carrot in that the color is put into nylon during the fiber’s liquid state. It’s then made with pre-colored nylon. Like a carrot, when cut in half the color is throughout and can’t be taken out in any way. You can pour a bottle of bleach right on it and it won’t create a bleached out spot like any carpet that is dyed. These carpets, while excellent in any casino application, are a natural for heavy soil areas like restaurants. The cons are a maximum of six colors can be used and limitation on colors available is around 125 colors. Solution dyed is growing continuously in the gaming market. It’s a simple question of design flexibility vs. maximum performance.

Pattern repeats have improved dramatically with properties now doing large repeats that are virtually unlimited. Past designs were 3 ft. x 3 ft. repeats. Certainly the biggest trend in pattern carpet is that you can now create designs to have bigger medallions and the latest look is large pattern repeats with smaller elements within the repeats. This new freeform organic look can create any size repeat such as 12 ft. x 12 ft. or even combining one roll of carpet to match a second differently designed roll that creates 24 ft. x 12 ft. patterns. All casinos and other areas such as restaurants or meeting rooms should always have the carpet scale work correctly within the room size. Be aware that a large repeat should be used to the scale of your particular room. Native American casinos are now as large as many Vegas properties, but medium or boutique properties should stick with midsize repeats.

Patterns could be made exactly the same design in 3 ft., 4 ft., 6 ft., and 12 ft. repeats.

In hotel guest rooms which are gradually being built or added to many Native casinos, new technology can produce large scale multi-level loop and cut pile combination with full room repeats that create somewhat of a sculptured look. Solution dyed nylon is now used in 98% of guest room carpets, from Best Westerns to Four Seasons.

Borders are another big change, as we see less of them all the time. Today, borders are out

completely from both a practical and visual way. Seams splitting cause shorter replacement time, extra yardage of carpet and they are simply overdone by designers. We’re now seeing few borders unless truly necessary. Even hotel corridors have gotten away from area rug types of bordered looks. Manufacturers are coming out with more random type corridor looks or putting in broadloom carpet.

Theming of properties has also left us a bit. More contemporary free flowing patterns with organic looks are in, but one can go too far. You can’t theme a 3000-room pyramid as the Luxor did inside. Living just two miles behind it, I should know. Caesars Palace is an example of sticking with a theme and making it cool as well. Each property must decide for themselves, but I believe Native American Casinos should stick with the theme that works best in there geographical area and tribal beliefs.

Theming is not out completely and never will be. You can have both a theme and be hip by simply being a bit more subtle on your themed design.

Color trends have classic red or various shades of it coming back. Black or grouping of pattern and blending colors are still hot as background. All colors POP against black. The more blends of color, the more dirt is hidden. The new blends may have a second layer of color which hides soiling extremely well compared to solids.