autoshufflers

[Gator_Nutz]

Are the autoshufflers that are being used more and more in casinos available to the general public for home use? Perhaps a cheaper, home model? I'm thinking maybe not because I can't find any info on them at all. Has anyone put one in their home table?

[Guthrie]

As far as I know the shufflers used in casinos are not available for purchase by anyone. They are leased to the casinos at an outrageous monthly fee. Whoever designs one that works and can be sold at a reasonable price for home use will retire rich.

[keats]

When I asked this at a local casino they told even they have to rent them on a month to month basis. WHen I asked why they just didn't use a diffrent provider they told me that only 1 company was allowed me make an autoshuffler that works the same way the casino's does. So short of one of those really crappy and loud ones they've been selling for years I dont think this will happen.

[kodonnell]

I wanted an automatic shuffler too until I realized there really aren't any between the ones you find on eBay ($24.99) and the ones made by Shufflemaster ($11K+ or monthly lease). So for the past couple months I have been developing one (I have about 110 hours into it now).

I quickly realized why there are no middle market shufflers available. It's a tough nut to crack getting a machine to randomize cards. However, I am still working on it and am getting pretty close. The toughest obstacle is skirting the many patents Shufflemaster (and others) hold.

I have pretty specific criteria as to what my final product will be like:
1) It has to be small (the holy grail would be a device that fits in a drink holder...which is not far from where I am now) and battery or manually (maybe wind-up?) operated.
2) It has to effectively randomize the cards (seems like a basic requirement for a shuffler, but the "cheapo" shufflers do not do that).
3) It also needs to continuously shuffle the cards without reloading (my biggest pet peave about the "cheapos"), and...
4) never, ever, ever tear, bend, or otherwise damage any card... and lastly...
5) I want a product that will retail somewhere around $100-$150.

My plan is, once I have a completed prototype product and patents, I will make a small number available here either for free or a minimal price for testing and feedback. If you want me to put you on my list of interested people, PM me with your email address. Don't expect anything soon though. I will likely select people based on how many posts they have made here and/or product development/testing/marketing experience so feel free to mention any qualifications.

Again, don't expect anything anytime soon, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I feel we will have a decent card shuffler available for the home market in the not-to-distant future......if all the cards fall right.. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[warewulf]

Definitely keep us updated! A shuffler at that price range would be a huge hit assuming it can accomplish all the things you mention.

I suggest designing it so it can be built into the table, or can also be a stand alone unit that is portable. A crank system probably wouldn't be a good idea, would require too much time. Battery wouldn't be bad as long as it is something re-chargeable and can hold a charge long enough to last through the average game. I think a unit that would work with both a battery and electrical cord would be the best of both worlds. The cord can charge the battery, etc.

[kodonnell]

I just don't want it to be corded. However, rechargable batteries is a possibility. Especially with how technology has advanced in that area. Many power tools are going cordless. As of now, I do not know how much energy it will consume so anything is possible.

Since I have a nice table with cupholders, one of the things I am keeping in mind is the ability to be built into the table, I am really hoping to get it to fit in a standard drink holder (or the hole) so no table modifications will be needed. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[duma]

thanks for your work on this. there definately needs to be a mid range shuffler out there. but why so small? fitting inside a cup holder would mean only 1 deck right? and are you going to shuffle them horizontally or laying down?

[SirPsycho]

This would be awesome! Do you really think it could be $100-150? If not, don't let that hold you down. I am sure if you can make an autoshuffler that is fairly comparable to card room shufflers, you can charge more and still get a lot of business (card rooms that don't want to pay the hefty fees and home users that have money to burn)

[slamdunkpro]

Don't worry about the price so much. I'll bet serious players (like myself) would pony up $500 - $600 for such a device.

[guller]

Hold on, slow down, $600 for an autoshuffler? Count me in for one if you can keep it under $250. I hope you can pull it off.