Slot machine manufacturers are planning to develop what is considered by some members of the industry as the most important innovation in slot machines since the invention of the one arm bandit itself. The new machines will be able to remember players’ names, take their drink order and sell them tickets to a show.

“I consider that we are in the casino industry today where the Internet was seven years ago,” Jeff Allen, Bally Technologies director of business development explained. “Once you have all the gaming technologies in place, you'll be able to change the gaming experience much faster than you can today, and that is revolutionary.”

However, casino operators are not sure about the personal nature of the machines and believe that some players would not feel comfortable with a slot machine knowing their name. “Guest tracking can be a creepy thing,” Tim Stanley, Chief Information Officer for Las Vegas Harrah’s Entertainment, said. “Not everyone wants you to know their name.”

The new slot machines are expected to be introduced in 2009 if casino operators accept them.