Distributed by SEGA Amusements International, SMARTS Darts AR is at its core a physical darts game (complete with steel-tipped darts) that projects video game-style graphics and scores directly onto the board itself. The effect transforms a competition-grade dartboard into a screen that reacts to darts thrown in real-time. It’s a new darts experience that carries the centuries-old pub game into the present and in doing so expands darts’
appeal to include younger, tech-savvy players in addition to existing darts fans of any age.
“An eclectic nightlife venue in Vegas is the ideal place to debut 501 Entertainment’s modern update on classic darts,” said Jonny Powell, CEO of 501 Entertainment. “Gold Spike is wildly popular and SMARTS Darts AR fits in perfectly in terms of aesthetics and young, fun-loving clientele.”
Gold Spike is part of DTP Companies’ efforts to revitalize Las Vegas’ storied downtown district. Once a hotel and casino, the new Gold Spike is a bar and nightlife venue that offers interactive games, special events, great music,and fun drinks. Given its location in the heart of one of America’s entertainment epicenters, Gold Spike features round-the-clock drinks and entertainment options that keep the fun going. Gold Spike is a popular weekend nightclub and on weekdays it bustles as a social hangout and casual coworking space featuring life-size games in the ‘Backyard’ outdoor courtyard.
‘With SMARTS Darts AR now featured at Gold Spike, we’re specifically appealing to the Millennial generation, which is our core demographic in bustling Downtown Las Vegas,” said Steven Stettler, Gold Spike’s General
Manager. Settler added that he was blown away by how easily SMARTS Darts AR integrated with Gold Spike’s chosen aesthetic. “It fits the ‘midnight bowling’ vibe we’ve created perfectly. We’re thrilled that Gold Spike has
this amazing new darts game, and you can play it here, first.”
That the SMARTS Darts AR installation went smoothly at Gold Spike is the culmination of years of development and extensive on-location testing. Partnerships with high-profile UK partners including Gravity Active
Entertainment, Lane 7 and Funlab in Australia have helped 501 Entertainment refine Smarts Darts AR into a crowd-attracting investment that increases footfall, dwell time, and average spend per person, all hallmarks of competitive socializing, an Amusement Industry growth concept that’s at the heart of Gold Spike’s business model.
“We expect Smarts DARTS AR to reel in large groups and keep people playing and drinking,” Stettler said. “The competitive aspect of Smarts DARTS AR reminds me of Top Golf,” he elaborated, “we’re hoping to bring that sort of feeling to Gold Spike. Smarts DARTS AR recently joined Gold Spike’s collection of nostalgic adult games like giant Jenga, oversized Beer Pong, and larger-than-life Twister.
