A Surefire Bet

Casino gaming equipment manufacturer comes up trumps with EMKO IPC box computer based on Kontron motherboard

“Kerching Kerching” - that so special sound synonymous with making money! It is somehow magnified and made even more exciting when striking lucky amid the vibrant hustle and bustle of a busy casino or entertainment venue. Whether it’s hitting the jackpot on the slots, winning big on a sports game, three zeros, a five-card trick, or seeing your lucky number come up in the lottery, the winning experience is even more magical when doing it in the company of hundreds of other people having as much fun as you are!

Market demand for land-based casino gaming machines is being driven not only by the continuing liberalization and legalization of gambling activities around the world but also the accelerating pace of technological innovation. From touch screen displays, interactive interfaces and multiplayer capabilities to the adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), these advancements are enriching the gaming experience for users and putting casino gaming machines in high demand from casino owners and operators looking to maximize customer footfall.

Project requirements

Two years ago Kajot identfied that it was necessary to find a replacement for the current motherboard used in its casino gaming machines. One that would be capable of providing a cost-effective and future proof approach to market, with reasonable delivery times and affordable warranty claims.

Essentially, Kajot needed a more versatile plug ‘n play industrial grade computer system to ensure greater functionality while also enabling product line continuity through compatibility with their existing as well as new machines. The motherboard at the heart of the new system would need to offer multiple I/Os and COM Ports, compatibility with existing software for investment protection and ease of integration, and have proven high reliability and long term availability. Crucially, the new motherboard solution must also use the same space-saving form factor as the previous product.

System requirements

  • Multiple I/Os and COM Ports
  • High reliability and long term availability for maximum product lifetime.
  • Enable ease of s/w integration
  • Same space saving form factor as existing motherboard – Mini-ITX
  • A fast and flexible production and delivery service
  • Exceptional Price/Performance

Following an evaluation of potential suppliers on the market, Kajot decided to engage EMKO IPC as its new industrial computer systems contractor. Kajot already had positive previous experiences of EMKO and was an established distributor for Kontron motherboards, which were well- known and regarded by all concerned.

The Solution

We worked closely with Kontron to address the customer’s exacting requirements including a fit for purpose Kontron motherboard solution for integration into the customised, self-contained metal chassis designed by EMKO IPC. The dimensions and ports are fully customizable to meet individual machine requirements and provide plug and play compatibility. For providing the additional level of computer functionality, connectivity and flexibility required, the Kontron motherboard controller features multiple COM ports and I/O shield ports. All ports are designed to be easily accessible on the box for convenience and efficiency.

For maximum security, the aluminum box housing of the computer system features a lockable door and an intrusion switch for detecting and monitoring unauthorized access. To provide enhanced accessibility, the box can be wall mounted.

In addition, EMKO developed the necessary API for enabling machine connection to the casino industry’s default SAS Engine accounting and analytics software. SAS is designed to enhance the overall gaming experience by tracking and managing various functions such as gaming bonuses and cashless transactions.

“We were delighted to be appointed by Kajot and work with Kontron on this exciting project which will result in the production of multiple hundreds of systems,” said Krystof Bajgar – Managing Director, EMKO IPC.

“Our success at Kajot is a clear example of how our close collaboration with best of breed industrial component manufacturers allows us to offer customers complete ‘one-stop’ industrial computer solutions. Along with Kontron, who we have partnered since 2018, we have also leveraged the services of our sister company which specializes in metal chassis production, enabling us to deliver Kajot a complete end-to-end service.”

Motherboard considerations

For the EMKO box, Kontron specified its mITX industrial grade Intel based motherboard as the optimal solution for Kajot’s requirements. Featuring a 9th generation Intel® Core™ processor, the board offers a right-sized solution based on a powerful Intel® Pentium® processor with active cooling.

Key Features

  • cTDP – Easy & flexible reduction of CPU TDP
  • Supporting Intel® AMT 12.0 / vPro
  • Dual Channel LVDS & eDP
  • M.2 SSD & Mini-PCIe Socket onboard
  • ATX PSU or Single 12 V Supply

“We quickly realized our Kontron industrial mini-ITX motherboard was a perfect fit for the new EMKO system thanks to its proven performance characteristics, high functionality and comprehensive feature sets which met and, in some cases, exceeded Kajot’s initial requirements,” said Emanuele De Marinis, Sr. Sales & BDM Motherboards at Kontron. “For example, for added versatility and space saving, the new motherboard can accommodate up to three internal displays therefore reducing the space that was previously taken up by additional graphics cards.”

He added: “As with all Kontron motherboards, our portfolio offers the highest quality and reliability through German engineering and production. For added customer peace of mind, the product is backed by our strict lifecycle management, extended product maintenance and responsive technical support regime.”

Results and Benefits

  • Compact, customisable and secure industrial computer design
  • Plug and Play compatibility with Kajot gaming machine products
  • Future proofed, long term motherboard availability and extended support options
  • Increased machine functionality without compromising customer investment in gaming software
  • Rapid assembly and JIT delivery for reducing stock holding and ensuring speed to market.
  • Aligned with Kajot’s strategy of unifying hardware and software into a single computer box design

Additionally, through Kontron’s strong relationship with Intel, there is the potential to integrate new generation Intel-based motherboards including, for example, the perfect fit solution for gambling applications - the K3836-Q/R mITX with 14th Gen Intel® Core™ processor.

“The seamless collaboration between EMKO and Kontron has met and exceeded our requirements while providing unbeatable price/performance,” said Ladislav Nováček - Chief Technology Officer, Kajot. “Together they are allowing Kajot to keep pace with the current and future needs of our growing and demanding customer base. This istestament to their expertise and our decision in choosing their computer solution to be at the heart of Kajot gaming machines. We firmly believe that we will continue and further develop this collaboration in the future.”