Casino Life is thrilled to be chatting with Frank Mugnolo and Peter Mastroianni, the creators of Knockout 52. They’re fresh off their historic win at the Global Table Games Conference. They’ve created a brand-new table game that's turning heads in Las Vegas. It’s called Knockout 52.
Gentlemen, thanks for taking the time. I heard you made history.
Mugnolo: We did make history, thanks. We created a brand-new, first-place-winning table game that, for the first time in history, is not a variant of an existing table game. We took the top prize at the Global Table Games Conference, held at the Sahara Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Was this your first time at Global Table Games Conference? Is it an event you would recommend to others and if so, why?
Mastroianni: Neither of us is a stranger to this competition or to table games. Each of us had games at the past two conferences that were received well. But once we combined forces, our one-two punch combination literally led to a Knockout 52 table game. The competition was intense. The other table games in the competition were all top-notch. It is certainly an event table game enthusiasts should attend.
You must be both very proud and excited with the news that Knockout 52 will have a field trial at The Strat on the Las Vegas Strip.
Mugnolo: The Strat is Vegas royalty. It is an honor and a privilege to have our game showcased at such a prestigious casino, right on the Las Vegas Strip. The action is fun and exciting, just like The Strat. We believe players everywhere will enjoy the gameplay.
Have you always been fans of casino table games?
Mastroianni: Each of us is a long-time fan of classic table games. There’s nothing like sitting around a casino table, meeting new people, interacting with live, personable dealers. Frank has been a successful table-game inventor for many years. Currently, he has two games, Muggsy’s Corner and 2G’s, placed on over 40 tables in several casinos.
Please can you explain to our readers Knockout 52?
Mugnolo: Knockout 52 is a fun, fast-paced, easy-to-learn table game. Here is how to play: Up to 52 cards are dealt into designated card spaces, laid out in four rounds, from Ace to King. Players wager on the round (one through four) that the knockout will happen. As cards are dealt, players will often say or shout the card numbers in unison “Ace! Two! Three! Four!” until the card drawn matches the underlying card space. That is a knockout. We like to say, “Put Knockout 52 on your casino floor and listen to the crowd roar!” The anticipation when every card is turned is the X-factor. It’s like nothing else at the casino.
Image: Frank Mugnolo and Peter Mastroianni
One of the primary requirements when promoting a new table game to a casino is that players, dealers and casino managers must be able to grasp the game very quickly. Is Knockout 52 easy to learn?
Mugnolo: Yes. Knockout 52 takes a minute to learn. It is easy for players to understand and bet, easy for dealers to deal and pay, and easy for pit bosses and surveillance to track. Knockout 52 is both simple to learn and exciting to play.
The other major factor in a casino’s consideration when deciding on trialing the new game is based on the response to the question of “What’s the house edge?”
Mastroianni: Knockout 52 has a house edge that ranges from three percent to five percent. The blended house edge gives players the ability to increase their risk tolerance for significant rewards. Payouts go up to 50 to one.
Do you have computer analysis of the game results?
Mastroianni: The math has been certified to regulatory standards by BMM Test Labs, an industry leader. All the calculations are available on our website, www.Knockout52.com.
What, in your opinion, are amongst the key aspects of Knockout 52 that make this a game casinos should field test?
Mugnolo: Knockout 52 is a unique table game experience. It is a fast-paced game with more than 60 hands dealt per hour. It will energize your casino’s floor. Players will be shouting out the cards with the dealer and cheering for a knockout. Other patrons at the casino will be excited just being close to the action. Once word gets out, players will come to your casino to play Knockout 52.
How can our readers find out more about your company and game?
Mastroianni: Please visit Knockout52.com for more information. In April 2024, we will be exhibiting at two industry events: the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in Anaheim, and the East Coast Gaming Congress in Atlantic City. Plus, look for our casino launches at The Strat in Las Vegas, Firekeepers Casino in Michigan, Par-A-Dice Casino in Illinois and many more.
IS KNOCKOUT 52 THE NEXT BIG THING?
Richard Marcus, you’re a casino table game protection consultant and trainer. You’re also the founder of the Global Table Games & Game Protection Conference. Tell us about the buzz surrounding Knockout 52's historic win.
The buzz is huge, Peter. Knockout 52 just won “Best New Table Game” and it’s the first-ever winner that’s a completely original concept — not another variation of poker, blackjack, roulette, craps or baccarat. This is a watershed moment for table games. Knockout 52’s fresh, exciting gameplay could revitalize the entire industry. I’m incredibly excited to see Knockout 52 in casinos worldwide — it has the potential to become a global sensation. Spread the word. Table games are thrilling again.
*** This exclusive feature interview was originally published in May 2024 edition of Casino Life Magazine Issue 165 ***
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