Cashless gambling is taking on new life, as casino operators come up with more innovative and convenient ways for players to wager on poker machines. In Nevada, the gaming commission recently approved a bill that will allow players to use prepaid debit cards to wager on pokies. The new system would make it more convenient for casino visitors to play their favourite poker machine.
They would not have to withdraw cash and carry enough change to play pokies nor would they have to transfer funds from their personal bank account to their loyalty card. It would also be safer for players, as they would not have to carry large amounts of cash. “It would provide an enhanced level of safety and security,” says Steve Des Champs, General Manager of United Coins.
Prepaid cards would also benefit the casino operator by cutting costs. According to Nevada casino operators, they face significant costs with regards to obtaining and handling cash. The new system would eliminate these costs to help struggling Las Vegas casinos begin turning a profit. Recent amendments to the bill have addressed major concerns that were raised about the potential for prepaid debit cards to harm problem gamblers.
According to Dennis Neilander, an attorney representing Sightline Payments, monetary limits are administered by the federal government while banks impose limits on the amount of money that a user can spend per day. Players can also set their own limits by limiting the amount of money that they can load on to the card.
Before the technology can be used, Nevada’s Gaming Control Board must weigh in on the issue. As is the case with any cashless gambling system, there is the potential for opposition from responsible gambling advocates. So the technology will likely have to face one more hurdle before it is offered at casinos across Las Vegas.
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