Do casinos benefit from cashless gaming? Could it lead to an increase in problem gambling?
Both questions have no definitive answers, but as technology advances, members of the responsible gaming community continue to worry.
At the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas last month, a new cashless wagering feature that enables slot machine players to link the game with their mobile bank accounts raised those worries.
According to Noah Acres, chief operating officer of Acres Manufacturing, a Las Vegas-based company that presented its Universal Payment Adapter at G2E, the software features built-in precautions, such as limits on the amount of money and the number of times a player may use the program.
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He did point out, though, that a study revealed that cashless players would buy 92% more gaming credits per session than cash-funded players and were more likely to repurchase credits. Longtime gambling industry writer John Mehaffey negatively highlighted these findings on X, calling the technology a “responsible gambling disaster.”
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers’ director of responsible gaming, Connie Jones, stated that gaming equipment manufacturers rely on regulators and casino operators to decide what degree of player protections, including responsible gaming technologies, are necessary.
Jones stated, “Unfortunately, it’s frequently more about the optics than protecting players.” “I’ve had a lot of questions about why game producers aren’t making the games safer. Sadly, the qualities that make a game entertaining and thrilling are also those that are said to lead to addiction.
According to Alan Feldman, a responsible gaming specialist at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, studies may indicate that consumers who use responsible gaming systems have greater control over their gambling behaviours.
Feldman stated, “It may show no meaningful change.” “It could, of course, demonstrate that players using these more recent financial transaction models are negatively impacted in a quantifiable way.”
More than two dozen casinos around the country use cashless gaming systems, which rely on a QR code that enables users to link the game to their mobile bank account.
According to Acres, certain gambling jurisdictions mandate the implementation of protections, which the operator may choose to do. Credit cards are among the payment types that might not be accepted.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s testing laboratory certified the system in August, and by January, it should be accessible in a number of Las Vegas casinos.
The Acres system was covered by a Nevada gaming regulation that covers wagering accounts or a control board technical standard for systems that enable direct transfers from a debit card to a game, according to Jeremy Eberwein, deputy chief for the test lab. However, the agency was unable to comment specifically on the approval process.
Courtesy: https://www.covers.com, https://www.casino.org, https://pechanga.net
What is cashless gaming in casinos?
Cashless gaming allows players to link slot machines or games directly to their mobile bank accounts for digital transactions.
Why are experts concerned about cashless gaming?
Experts fear it could lead to increased spending and potentially worsen problem gambling habits.
Do cashless players spend more than cash players?
Yes, studies show cashless players purchase about 92% more gaming credits per session than those using cash.
Are there safeguards in cashless gaming systems?
Yes, systems like Acres Manufacturing’s software include spending limits and usage caps to promote responsible gaming.
Where is cashless gaming currently being used?
Over two dozen U.S. casinos, including some in Las Vegas, have begun implementing cashless gaming systems.
