LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Whereas synthetic intelligence is reshaping industries from finance to quick meals, there’s one shocking profession in Las Vegas proving immune to the rise of the machines: slot machine restore technicians.
In a metropolis powered by blinking lights, spinning reels, and jackpots, slot machines are the beating coronary heart of almost each on line casino. However behind each spin is a technician, usually armed with a toolbox and many years of expertise, making certain these machines are functioning correctly and legally.
Based on Barry Driskill, proprietor of Klar Slot Machine Repairs and a 25-year veteran of the trade, no robotic is able to take his job.
“A lot of times with Artificial Intelligence, it’s an instant answer, and there might be some follow-up. As far as continuing down that process, that’s where a lot of the time is spent, and you have to have a lot of patience,” Driskill stated.
Driskill’s firm providers machines throughout the valley, from historic downtown casinos to huge Strip resorts. He stated the rising range of machines from classic three-reelers to modern, high-tech touchscreens solely makes the job extra advanced and safer from automation.
Whereas casinos have leaned into automation in lots of areas, together with customer support bots, facial recognition safety, and even AI-based sport design, the intricate upkeep and compliance wants of slot machines nonetheless demand human palms and educated eyes.
“It’s a very physical job being in the repair industry. You have to do a lot of moving parts, you need a lot of experience thinking outside the box, and you need innovative thinking to do the repairs,” Driskill stated.
Slot machine technicians usually should be licensed and licensed, and their work touches every little thing from circuitry and sport logic to making sure state gaming laws are met, areas the place nuance, troubleshooting, and accountability nonetheless matter.
It’s not simply the job’s complexity holding AI at bay, additionally it is the private contact.
“The human connection is thinking outside of the box. It’s the pros and cons of what you are trying to do with it, and understand how it works. A lot of times it’s just dumb luck,” Driskill stated.
