Poker For Roulette - Coming soon to a casino near you!

I wanna start by saying thanks to everyone here who has given support to me and for my game concept in the last few years. Thanks.


Recently, charliepatrick posted here that he was at a gaming show at Grosvenor in London a couple weeks ago. I then asked if he had seen anything interesting for Roulette. His response was that there's one game in particular that might interest me: something called Trio-lette from Galaxy Gaming.

OK, I admit it. I have a deal with Galaxy Gaming to market my Poker For Roulette side bet. Yep, they're are calling it Trio-lette.

The thing is, I thought that Galaxy was going to have the game at a show somewhere in Europe towards the end of May. So when that post indicated a show happened towards the beginning of May, I thought it was a different show, one that Galaxy wasn't attending, which is why I asked about Roulette variants. I'm still interested to know what other Roulette games or side bets are out there, even though I assume that someone at Galaxy is keeping their eyes open for that sort of stuff.

As you probably know, when I first came up with the idea, it was a five spin side bet where poker type results are winners. As such, Poker For Roulette seemed like a fitting name - to me anyway. But even then I was well aware that if I sold it, the buyer might want to market it under a different name. Now that it's a three spin concept, it's even more distanced from poker and really did need a new name. I do like the Trio-lette name, although I tend to pronounce it as if it rhymes with Frito-Lay. Don't ask me why. Maybe because I'm a junk food junkie?

In my efforts to sell the idea, I visited Vegas at least 8 times including the last few G2E shows, a couple demo days at ShuffleMaster, a couple visits to Galaxy Gaming, and the 2014 Raving Table Game Conference. No matter who I showed it to, the reaction was generally positive, but many also commented that an electronic implementation of some sort would be best. While I do have a concept for an electronic implementation described on my website, actually designing and building it is way beyond my capabilities and budget.

I began to believe that the next, and perhaps last step for me, short of finding someone with deep pockets, would be to enter the game in the Raving Best New Game competition. However, there was no way I would do that without first seeing how the conference and competition operates. I wanted to know things like how many games are showing, how many of the booths have eye candy, how many have real candy or other giveaway goodies, and most importantly, how the actual demos and voting works. So I paid a reduced rate to go as a non-voting participant. It was a very valuable experience. I do beleive I got all my questions answered.

Also, during the first day of Raving, a meeting with Galaxy was set up. Apparently, all the talks and demos I had given them in the past, combined with PaiGowDan's constant suggesting they give my game a shot, worked. (FYI: Until recently, Dan worked for Galaxy. One of his duties was to invent and/or find/evaluate new games.) The meeting at Galaxy's office was the day after Raving and attended by several of Galaxy's top people. I got the feeling that they didn't have a roulette table in their office, because the meeting was conducted in a conference room which made any sort of demo impossible. In the meeting, they asked me to describe it one more time, and they hit me with a bunch of questions.

I don't know if that meeting was merely a formality or not, but I had no trouble fielding the questions. Afterwards, I had a private meeting with the CFO where we discussed terms, and ended with a couple big smiles and a handshake. A contract followed not long afterwards.

As you might imagine, one of the terms is non-disclosure. So I can't tell you many of the details. Well, hardly any details, actually. And the non-disclosure is why I didn't admit in the above linked thread that Trio-Lette is my game. But now that the game has been seen in the show, that part of the non-disclosure has been lifted.

After signing the contract, Galaxy sent me some cool branded SWAG, like a mouse pad and coffee mugs and stuff, which I proudly display/use at my day job. I also got a couple really nice items that were personal gifts from the CFO and PaiGowDan. Thanks again, guys!

Galaxy has a lot of work ahead to sell the game to the casinos. As is evidenced by their participation at the above mentioned show, they are certainly doing their part.

For starters, they produced some fantastic logos, table art, and player handouts, and made some minor and not so minor changes to the game and dealer procedures. The changes are ideas that seem so obvious, they make me say, "Duh!" Unfortunately, these are all items that I'm sure they'd rather be kept under wraps for now.

One of the last things the CFO said to me in his office was that if I come up with any other games, to be sure to show them to Galaxy. That struck as kinda odd. I mean, we're in bed together. Of course I'd present any new ideas to them. But the reality is, I seriously doubted that I'd be able to come up with something else. I kinda shot my load, both emotionally and mentally, on this. Amazingly, as I was flying home the next day, I thought of two new games, neither of which have anything to do with anything already on the casino floor. But I haven't even begun the patent process on them yet, so I'm not saying a word to anyone about them.

OK, so maybe the title of this thread, "Coming soon to a casino near you" is something of a stretch, but I'm very happy with the deal I have with Galaxy Gaming, and equally happy with the things that they have been doing to get Trio-lette, ahem, to a casino near you.


Once again, thanks to Galaxy Gaming, and to everyone who helped me get this far.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I'm still interested to know what other Roulette games or side bets are out there, even though I assume that someone at Galaxy is keeping their eyes open for that sort of stuff..

There's a Roulette side bet in the casino where i work. It's called 'Prime Time', a 5 consecutive spins bet on the prime numbers on the wheel. I think Geoff Hall came up with it.

Good luck with the game DJ. I was too busy to check out your game at Coventry, but you should hear about how it went there, and if you have any installs from it, in early June.

DJ,

Many congrats and many installs! I could not be happier for you, with all the effort you put forth in making this happen. Yay!

Excellent progress DJ, as you know I have been a fan of the game concept since we met at the first SHFL Focus group. Lots of tweaking since those days (every good game concept needs that along the way), and here you are.

I do think the PFR concept is best held in the hands of distributor, it is just too hard in my opinion for an indie to get a house to try something new on their roulette table like PFR. My hats are off to the Luck Bros. for accomplishing that with their Riverboat/Rainbow Roulette concepts......it is extremely difficult.

Galaxy ought to be able to get it on the floor of a few houses and then the proof will be in the pudding, that pudding being drop/win/hold numbers before and after the game is installed. I think multi-spin roulette has a niche alongside the regular game and when I saw that football bonus concept fully implemented in an electronic format at last year's G2E, I was like, "PFR is way better than that bonus concept.......why hasn't someone picked up DJ's PFR?". To which the answer is "now they have!!".

I do hope that you get to see your little baby in action so hopefully the trial install(s) are relatively close to you. My guess is they will be Vegas or West Coast, so you may have another trip ahead of you. I can tell you there is nothing like seeing players play and win at your game......definitely spend the dollars when it goes live and get yourself there!!

It will be great to see the game on the floor of G2E and perhaps Raving as well......that will be another big milestone!! Congrats and best wishes!!!

Many thanks to you all.

Quote: Paradigm

My hats are off to the Luck Bros. for accomplishing that [via the indie route] with their Riverboat/Rainbow Roulette concepts......it is extremely difficult.

Ditto. I wish them the best of luck. I don't know if I would have had the balls to try the indie route, even if I had the time and money to do so.

I don't think I ever mentioned this, but a couple hours before going to Galaxy's office for that meeting, I ran into the Lucks' parents in Bally's. They wished me luck at the meeting, and we talked about conquering the roulette world. After all, with the thousands of roulette tables in this country alone, we agreed that there's no reason we can't each take half. LOL.

Quote: Paradigm

...when I saw that football bonus concept fully implemented in an electronic format at last year's G2E, I was like, "PFR is way better than that bonus concept.....

Yeah, I saw that football game too. I loved it because it proved to me that I'm not the only one who thinks the roulette world needs a good side bet. Too bad that football game isn't it.

Quote: Paradigm

I do hope that you get to see your little baby in action so hopefully the trial install(s) are relatively close to you. My guess is they will be Vegas or West Coast, so you may have another trip ahead of you. I can tell you there is nothing like seeing players play and win at your game......definitely spend the dollars when it goes live and get yourself there!!

Yeah, I'm ready to travel no matter where that first install will be.

Quote: Paradigm

It will be great to see the game on the floor of G2E and perhaps Raving as well......that will be another big milestone!! Congrats and best wishes!!!

Looking forward to it. I already have my G2E trip booked. Raving is on the calendar, but I'm on the fence about which day to travel.

Congratulations DJ, good you hung in there. Did Dan start his own gaming company yet?

Congrats DJTeddyBear! I really enjoyed reading your write up. I've never heard of "right of first refusal" but it makes sense why a company would put this in place. I had a great conversation about a week ago with a person from Galaxy Gaming regarding my video poker games and I'm hoping to continue talking with them to see if we have some opportunities to work together. It's great to know there are a vast number of companies out there looking for great products. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Quote: allinriverking

Congratulations DJ, good you hung in there. Did Dan start his own gaming company yet?

I've had a gaming company with a partner that pre-dated Galaxy, since 2010. I have several games (aside from EZ Pai Gow), that I will now try to get moving.

Quote: Paigowdan

I've had a gaming company with a partner that pre-dated Galaxy, since 2010. I have several games (aside from EZ Pai Gow), that I will now try to get moving.

I knew of this, DJ said you didn't work for Galaxy anymore, at least that's the way I took what he said...

I'm sure I said this many times before (we old folk repeat ourselves a lot) but when you get your first install let me know the pertinent details and I'll be happy to write it up on the Odds site.

That is tremendous. I am ultra jealous since I have 2 games in my mind that I love but don't have the time, energy, or MONEY to even attempt to get them out there.

Quote: allinriverking

I knew of this, DJ said you didn't work for Galaxy anymore, at least that's the way I took what he said...

Dan isn't with Galaxy anymore? Since when?

Quote: Wizard

I'm sure I said this many times before (we old folk repeat ourselves a lot) but when you get your first install let me know the pertinent details and I'll be happy to write it up on the Odds site.

Yeah, I remember a lot of your comments - including on more than one occasion you telling me that you didn't think PFR would make it. And I realized that it still hasn't made it yet. But you also said that you tend to be pessimistic about new games, so I can retain my optimistic point of view.

Quote: EvenBob

Dan isn't with Galaxy anymore? Since when?

I'm not sure. I think a couple weeks. Someone did mention it in at least one other thread, which is why I didn't mind repeating it.

Please PM him, or start a new thread if you want to continue this part of the conversation.

Congrats DJ

Congrats! Hope you get tons of placements!

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Yeah, I remember a lot of your comments - including on more than one occasion you telling me that you didn't think PFR would make it. And I realized that it still hasn't made it yet. But you also said that you tend to be pessimistic about new games, so I can retain my optimistic point of view.

In my defense, even great games have a hard time making it. In my opinion, it takes a company with good connections and deep pockets to subsidize a game until it takes on a following. Also, I think I said this before side bets started coming to electronic roulette. Your odds are a lot better now.

Congratulations, DJ. You're a good guy; glad you caught a break. (They should put your picture in the dictionary under the word "persistence.")

Thanks Roger. That means a lot coming from you. See ya at G2E.

---

For those that don't know, PacMan is Roger Snow of ShuffleMaster / SHFL / Bally Technologies / what's it called now? fame.

DJTeddyBear

Congrats and wish you the very best. Since I don't like roulette, I would not want to give you my 2 cents on any side bet for this.

I do agree with Pacman, I have not seen a person more persistent in trying then you. You have worked hard enough that you merit a chance to show your game in a live casino setting.

Cheers

Quote: AceCrAAckers

Congrats and wish you the very best. Since I don't like roulette,...

Ace -

Thanks.

Truth is, I'm not much of a Roulette guy either. I'm just a guy with an idea for a Roulette side bet...

Quote: DJTeddyBear

... PacMan is Roger Snow of ShuffleMaster / SHFL / Bally Technologies / what's it called now? fame.

BTW, upon re-reading, it occurs to me that the "what's it called now?" remark can be taken the wrong way.

They've changed their name a few times in the past few years, and have recently been bought out (merged?) by a company whose name I simply couldn't think of at the moment. It's Scientific Games.

I meant no disrespect.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Thanks Roger. That means a lot coming from you. See ya at G2E.

---

For those that don't know, PacMan is Roger Snow of ShuffleMaster / SHFL / Bally Technologies / what's it called now? fame.

Don't worry about getting their name right. Wait a while and it will be changed again. :0)

Quote: AceCrAAckers

Don't worry about getting their name right. Wait a while and it will be changed again. :0)

FWIW, the parent company has their name on a few things (in casino installs), but seems to be staying in the background on table games/slots/vp machines. They appear to be doing a lot of marketing under Bally for both tables and machines, but the newest promo for tables is the 3 card poker tournament qualifying this month in over 100 casinos around the country - using the Shufflemaster name. So I guess they're continuing to use their branding investment in both Bally and SHFL no matter who owns them. Just my observation...could still be in branding transition.

edited

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Thanks Roger. That means a lot coming from you. See ya at G2E.

Was your game at G2E? You haven't said anything
for months about this.

Quote: EvenBob

Was your game at G2E? You haven't said anything
for months about this.

No.

Then again, I think Galaxy's booth was a little smaller this year. Some of thier best stuff wasn't in their booth.

Hopefully, I'll get some booth exposure at the Table Games conference next month.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

No.

Then again, I think Galaxy's booth was a little smaller this year. Some of thier best stuff wasn't in their booth.

Totally agree, P for R included.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I think Galaxy's booth was a little smaller this year. Some of thier best stuff wasn't in their booth.

I agree with DJ here as Galaxy was also not exhibiting their new Double Play 3 Card Poker at G2E and only had that game back at their corporate office showroom. I am guessing Galaxy was using G2E to generate sales on their more established content as opposed to using it to showcase their new innovative stuff.

Quote: Paradigm

I agree with DJ here as Galaxy was also not .

Was Dan there? Does he still work for
Galaxy?

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Hopefully, I'll get some booth exposure at the Table Games conference next month.

Anything happen with your game at the conference?

Quote: EvenBob

Anything happen with your game at the conference?

for a variety of reasons, my game wasn't in Galaxy's booth... And I agree with the reasons.

There was plenty of discussion between me and the Galaxy team, but it wasn't on the floor.

Quote:

OK, I admit it. I have a deal with Galaxy Gaming to market my Poker For Roulette side bet. Yep, they're are calling it Trio-lette.

It's been since May of last year, has Galaxy
got your game placed anywhere yet?

Not yet.

When I'm in town for the Spring Fling, I plan on stopping by their office to kick some ass to get the ball rolling.



OK, not really, but I do have a meeting set up...

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Not yet.

When I'm in town for the Spring Fling, I plan on stopping by their office to kick some ass to get the ball rolling.



OK, not really, but I do have a meeting set up...

Any word from them as par as placement potential?

I don't think I'm at liberty to go deeply into details, but, they're still working on getting a field trial. That comes before a placement.

I don't think they've been dragging their feet on this, just very much pre-occupied with other stuff.

Anyway, the meeting happened as planned, and went very well.

Wish I could tell you more.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I don't think I'm at liberty to go deeply into details, but, they're still working on getting a field trial. That comes before a placement.

I don't think they've been dragging their feet on this, just very much pre-occupied with other stuff.

Anyway, the meeting happened as planned, and went very well.

Wish I could tell you more.

Don't worry about the detail, I understand of course.

Just wanted to make sure everything was moving along as planned.

I hope to see it live soon!

Quote: mrsuit31

Don't worry about the detail, I understand of course.

Just wanted to make sure everything was moving along as planned.

I hope to see it live soon!

Best of luck with that, seriously. Best of outcomes.

If all else fails you can get a job as a slightly older, slightly overweight, and slightly wrong sex cocktail waitress! Great job with the Hor D'oeuvres (sp) tray at the McNugget challenge, showed some natural talent! I hope you haven't missed your calling ;-).........Pls, no offense intended....

Had my attention when Hors was mentioned ;-)$

Thread bump.

In my new thread about Galaxy Gaming, I suggested not making comments about my games in that thread.

I'm bumping this thread just to give people who want to read / comment about Poker For Roulette a place to do so.