VXD Mk1: Las Vegas Edition ('VERTEX DECK')

[shaitani]

I've got a question about something I assume you've already tested it out, and I imagine every casino you talked to probably wanted to verify immediately, but I am curious to get confirmation.

Have you tested to make sure the holographics don't create reflections on the table or in any way allow other players to determine what cards their opponents have?

Also, a tangential question, have you tested the cards in casino grade auto shufflers to make sure the thickness of the cards was acceptable, and that the holographics don't dull out over time or anything?

[VXD]

Shaitani

There are a number of issues that were discussed regarding potential use of VXD cards on casino tables:

Firstly, it was agreed that the back of the casino playing card would certainly stay just as it is now....i.e no transparent holographics and very plain pattern....this ensures cards cannot be distinguished from one another. Hence, there will be no issue raised regarding any unusual reflections etc from the card backs.

So the transparent holographics would only exist on the FRONTS of the cards and in a similar way to how we have used them on this Mk1 edition....i.e only inside the pips.

I had done my own research into auto card shuffler machines and this was also discussed of course....you can find videos on YouTube of exactly how the mechanics work inside....what you find is that the machines push the cards on the outside edges only into and out of slots, therefore the cards are not clamped or abraded on their front or back surfaces in any way....hence there is no concern over friction / abrasion on surfaces. The thickness difference is microns by adding transparent holographics.....it is negligible. Variations in base (black core) paper thicknesses by different playing card manufacturers are much larger than this difference already and the shuffle machines have relatively large tolerances to thickness.

The casino 'eye' (surveillance cameras) was a potential issue discussed....however it was noted that the effect on the playing cards is seen only at specific angles and hence with so many angles available to use for surveillance (there are SO many cameras). Lights can also be slightly adjusted to eliminate any issues for the 'eye'. That and the fact that the transparent holographics are shaped overall in pip shape anyway, so the recorded image is still the same as the original playing card front with inks alone. So no show-stoppers.

Overwhelmingly the Casino Managers or Gaming Directors found the concept 'interesting' (to quote quite a few of them) and they seemed to see the benefits of:

1) The 'gimmick' which created visual appeal and hence would likely bring new / curious players to the tables - hence higher revenues.
2) The ability to promote and advertise casino or casino-affiliated brands & events on the fronts, where the focus of attention is, without changing the classic ink artwork.
3) The additional security provided to the playing cards by the inclusion of transparent holographics - no player will ever be able to substitute a card in like these, as they are so difficult to produce.

A vital step discussed was to get VXD playing cards approved by the Gaming Board / Commission in Nevada, possibly with the backing of one of the big casino corporations. Interestingly though, the poker rooms within all the casinos operate independently to the main casino floors....they use different cards and are not subject to strict regulation....I spoke with about 4 or 5 of these rooms who were very interested and will speak to more on my next trip. They would appear the easier initial entry for VXD cards into casinos, while we try to sort out wider Gaming Commission approval.

Anyway, I've gone on there a bit and probably answered a lot more than your questions, but that's an overview of the practicalities of using VXD cards in (Las Vegas) casinos discussed so far.

People will get a much fuller overview from Shark Tank I'm sure

[vasta41]

A vital step discussed was to get VXD playing cards approved by the Gaming Board / Commission in Nevada, possibly with the backing of one of the big casino corporations.

I'm sorry to be the wet blanket here but as an avid Shark Tank watcher, I have to mention this. I've read several of your posts in this thread about your work trying to get these cards in casinos and all the speed bumps along your way. But one glaring speed bump you haven't mentioned is price and I'm shocked by that. I cannot imagine that casinos would spend even $0.10 more per deck just because they "sparkle." Having shiny pips might make an average passer-by or two more interested in playing a card game at a casino but ultimately I don't see how it would help the casino make more money (and let's face it- that's their main goal). And if the cards cost more than the decks they're currently buying, which I can only assume they do based on the pledge level I'm in for, and the decks won't help the casinos make a lot more money, then why would the casinos want to buy and use these decks regardless of how cool they are?

Please understand that this is not a knock at you or this deck. I LOVE this deck and concept and am happily backing your project. I'm just curious about the elephant in the room.

[VXD]

Vasta

The whole point is that we supply the casinos for free, unlimited, thereby under-cutting the existing normal playing card suppliers. The promoter / advertiser (the transparent holographics in the pips) pays for the production.

Regards

[vasta41]

Vasta

The whole point is that we supply the casinos for free, unlimited, thereby under-cutting the existing normal playing card suppliers. The promoter / advertiser (the transparent holographics in the pips) pays for the production.

Regards

Genius.

[VXD]

Vasta

Why thank you sir. The casino bosses seemed to think so too. For others who haven't put it together yet fully:

1) Casinos get free 'sparkly' cards - attracting more players and higher revenues, plus saving them upto $200 000 a year in playing card costs to boot.

2) Advertiser / promoter gets advertising on the fronts of playing cards (where attention is intensely focused for the whole time a player plays) to high-spend / high disposable income individuals. Example: Omnia nightclub inside Caesars Palace - I was speaking to the casino manager there and he said that Omnia pay Caesars Entertainment Corp $13M a year to rent the nightclub inside CP, but turn a huge profit still! Omnia make their money primarily from rich guys who go to this nightclub (as most girls go free and get drinks bought for them etc - we know the deal there). So the more rich men they can attract to the nightclub the better....so where better to advertise this than at the high-stakes table games in Caesars Palace, where these guys happen to be staying and playing (hypothetically). Omnia logo sparkling inside all the pips.

3) VXD cards get great exposure and we sell a separate retail edition inside the casino that is using them on their tables.

Everyone wins.

[vasta41]

Everyone wins.

Nope- only the house. [BACON]

[VXD]

Touché old chap

[VXD]

All

New VERY LIMITED tiers added just now on KS (with multi-unit pledge discounts and combined shipping benefits)

Thanks to all supporters.

Kind regards

[VXD]

All

Here is some amateur footage taken at home today of one of my sample VXD units (N.B - its best to zoom in a little):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-mOfpoq4HY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RichK]

Nice video! I'm amazed how the cards could go from standard red/black to holographic rainbow with just a slight shift in the light.

[rousselle]

The way the tier description is worded is a little ambiguous; if I were to pledge for the "3 Traditional Tuck Decks," could I choose them each to have different colors, or two of one color and one of a different color? Or, do all three have to be the same color.



Thanks.

[VXD]

Hi Rousselle

Sorry if it's not 100% clear. I wish I could re-write bits of the Rewards descriptions.

Re that particular tier....you can have any combination of colors you want.

Regards



NEW BONUS VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-mOfpoq4HY&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PrincessTrouble]

Can you make it so we can add-on regular tuck box decks?

[VXD]

Ladies & Gents

Add-ons for VXD are now available. Please view on the KS page at this link:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ze ... as-edition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kind regards all and thank you for your continued support.

[VXD]

I've just woken up and seen the news about the terrorist attack in Manchester.

It's maybe strange but I don't feel like promoting anything commercial right now / today actually...out of respect.

[VXD]

All

Add-ons are now available for this project. Please note: all extra shipping costs are included in the prices, as a thank you to existing backers.

For current and upcoming additional videos of the product, please visit our YouTube channel here at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/DDayLad23" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kind regards all

[VXD]

Fine diamonds holo-art for your viewing pleasure ladies & gents:

https://youtu.be/uGty35OltbY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers


N.B - Also, if anyone is on instagram and would like to follow the VXD story, please search vxd_playingcards on there. You can find some parts of the recent work and also some personal pics of myself and my business partner.

[PrincessTrouble]

VXD, will you be using Backerkit, CrowdOx, or something else to manage add-ons once the project ends or just the plain Kickstarter survey where it's not possible to add anything on after the project ends?

[VXD]

Hi PrincessTrouble

I'm not entirely sure to be honest....I will have a look into it over the next few days. Thanks for the heads-up that there is another option on that.

Cheers

[PrincessTrouble]

Hi PrincessTrouble

I'm not entirely sure to be honest....I will have a look into it over the next few days. Thanks for the heads-up that there is another option on that.

Cheers

If you use Backerkit, for example, after the projects ends and when people are filling out their surveys, you can give them the option to add on more (non-limited) decks and pay the difference. I tend to really like that option, especially when I have more funds available at survey time than at the time the project ends.

[VXD]

I see PT...thanks. I will look into it and whether it will cost us upfront to do so (?? anyone)....

Thank you

[VXD]

I've just had a quick Google on the Backerkit thing.....

My answer is that I'm not sure....may just be a waste of $199 upfront if only a couple of people add something on after. I shall consider it, just hard to tell whether it will be worth it or not.

Cheers

[VXD]

A more interesting shot of VXD Las Vegas cardbacks....shiny disco-balls spring to mind

[VXD]

Regarding the title update....

No we have not invented something else (disappearing holographics).

The news I do have is that following plenty discussions and tinkering, in a bid to reduce high production costs and therefore RRP / list prices in future, the intention is to remove the transparent holographics from the BACKS of VXD playingcards.

Please note: THIS WILL NOT AFFECT ANY KS BACKERS or the 499 BLACK & 299 STARS & STRIPES 'FIRST DAY ISSUE' units earmarked and promised for production .....it will take effect on the next production runs of the Las Vegas Edition (i.e those sold in LV shops or on our website down the line).

The costs to do this on the backs and the fronts is just prohibitively high. We will concentrate our efforts on our USP....custom-enhancing all the FRONTS individually with our patented tech and then also aim to produce greatly improved our standard ink card back designs as we evolve. We are keen to produce some cardistry-based decks too, in addition to the World Cities Series we have planned.

Regards and thanks for backers continued support!

[VXD]

All

I don't expect everyone to be tracking this project every day....so I just thought I'd send a reminder out that the project will be closing for new pledges and add-ons in 3 days.

This has been a great start for us and shows that playing card collectors, cardists, magicians, friends and family are behind the project and are intrigued by it. I hope and believe the product will surpass your expectations in the visual and quality departments. I'm now looking forward to backers receiving their packages more than anything else!

If you want to pick up any last minute additional units of these extremely limited first ever VXD decks, as a gift to a friend, a spare to keep sealed in your collection etc....now is the time. I don't want anyone to miss out by not realising that the time is nearly up.

We have huge ambitions for the future here at VERTEX DECK and I expect VXD Mk1: Las Vegas Edition to be the opening lines of Chapter 1 in an epic story, not least including the door opening to a revolution in table gaming in casinos across the world. Watch this space.

Thank you for your continued support folks....and this is just the beginning!





N.B - Please follow us on instagram (vxd_playingcards) if you would like to.

[VXD]

Please see the new image posted, showing the 3 traditional tuck colors available.

These will be available in black, blue and red matte-effect standard card tucks. The tucks will be sealed with the white circular VXD logo sticker that seals the paper sleeves (see that image). All the white artwork portions of the decks will be holographic and will therefore shine up brightly against the matte card.

This was a late edition to our project, but as you can probably see from the rest of our product, we are very keen on have a stand-out luxurious container for our special playing cards...so we will certainly make sure the traditional tucks are up to scratch too!

Cheers

[vasta41]

I'm assuming we get to pick which color we want after the project ends?

[VXD]

This is correct Vasta

[shermjack]

Hey Felipe, I noticed that the picture of add-on black deck is that of the First Day of Issue...so does that mean that it will only be 49USD to add on a FDI black deck or did you use the wrong picture?