Computer Vision in Table Games: Surveillance Integrated or Table Mounted Hardware – An Untimely Debate

Matthew Porter
Mar 12
4 min read

Updated: Mar 18

Over the last two weeks at back-to-back casino Table Games protection conferences - the ATGS and the WGPC - the conversation about computer vision and AI was the hot topic.

Gamevue was honored to be on the floor of both of these conferences demonstrating live to the public our real-time monitoring solution for Blackjack and Carnival Games.

Gamevue showed casino professionals from across the world how computer vision and true AI can allow us to read every chip and every card in action. Paired with advanced game logic and reporting analytics, Gamevue gives every casino operator the full-scale power of computer vision in Table Games.

These were our first two conventions, and we are the new company on the block. We did not expect to be a large part of the conversation yet, but we feel that is about to change.

Defining Terms

We were extremely proud that Gamevue was able to show in real-time how Precision Chip Detection is possible with computer vision. Where others are talking about this possibility, or implementing Chip Pile Detection or RFID, Gamevue has stood above the crowd as the only product capable of reading every card and every chip on the table with pure computer vision and true AI.

As we showed this in real-time, a new reality became evident to an industry reluctant to change. The terms use to describe this new reality are important for understanding the true power of computer vision and AI in Table Games.

Surveillance Integrated vs. Table Hardware - This describes the different strategies to achieve computer vision and AI capabilities in Table Games. Surveillance Integrated solutions operate through the existing camera system. Table Hardware solutions bring the cameras to the table through hardware like table limit signs.

Precision Chip Detection vs. Chip Pile Detection - This describes two stages of computer vision technology as it applies to chip detection. Identifying a Chip Pile, is an early stage of identification. Precision Chip Detection is the ability to detect exact chip stack composition with a highly reliable degree of accuracy.

Viable Accuracy vs. Experimental Theory - In the advancement towards computer vision in Table Games, it is important to distinguish between the high level of accuracy that is required to be viable in the real-world, and a level of accuracy that is more experimental and can ultimately have a negative impact on business operations.

The Untimely Poll

At the World Game Protection Conference in Las Vegas, a panel was formed to discuss the future of computer vision in Table Games.

The question put to the audience:

Would you rather have computer vision in Table Games through existing surveillance cameras or through additional hardware mounted on the tables?

Based on the framing of the question, the audience was naturally led toward an obvious choice. It sounds great to have the magic of computer vision in Table Games through an existing infrastructure.

But that question does not fully represent the realities of today. To unleash the true capabilities of computer vision takes processing power, high-definition images, and true AI engineering. Gamevue brings all that to your table today, not in a vision of the future.

Important Factors to Consider

Accurate Precision Chip Detection through existing surveillance cameras is not possible to date - only Chip Pile Detection has been achieved.

Without precision chip detection, the largest value propositions for computer vision in Table Games remain out of reach: true player ratings and skill analysis, proper payouts, and side bet tracking.
Today’s surveillance cameras do not offer the consistency, the definition, or the processing power required for precision chip detection.

Pairing with RFID technology for achieving chip values for Surveillance-Integrated solutions is adding hardware.

Adding RFID, represents a considerable amount of “additional hardware” requiring significant table modifications and investment.
RFID is the "been-there-done-that" solution to Table Games Intelligence. True computer vision is an escape from this outdated concept.

Adding Gamevue to your tables allows you to replace your currently outdated and over-promised displays.

Gamevue replaces hardware that already exists on the table. This is hardware that currently offers no learning capability and no analytical value.
The current table sign solution has occupied space for years, often promising analysis features but never delivering.
Your existing, outdated table hardware will be replaced by the sleek, custom-built Gamevue monitors that provide real intelligence.

What Makes Gamevue So Special?

The founders of Gamevue never gave up on the pursuit of reading every chip and every card in action while providing the learning software and reporting analytics to bring real power to every Table Games operator in the world. Where others have moved on, the founders of Gamevue stayed the course. They dedicated years of research and formed a team of the most talented AI engineers in the business to achieve the goal of reading every chip and every card.

They kept working through multiple iterations of their real-time monitoring systems, refining both the logic and the hardware. They partnered with manufacturers to combine the highest-definition cameras available with the processing power required to interpret the information in real time. The result was a system built specifically for the demands of today's table game environments.

They pursued this path for a simple reason: reading chips is essential if computer vision is going to deliver its full value to casino operations. Without Precision Chip Detection, this technology can only bring a small portion of the potential value.

A New Conversation

In our public debut at two of the leading Table Games protection conferences, the system demonstrated its ability to adapt to new environments and perform accurately in front of industry professionals.

Standing alongside many of the leading voices in the field, we were able to demonstrate something that has largely existed only in discussion. We demonstrated that Precision Chip Detection is possible.

The true value of intelligent Table Games comes from reading every card AND every chip, and with Gamevue that is now a possibility.

Follow Northernvue on LinkedIn to stay informed on product updates and innovations.

Click to visit our LinkedIn page