Nevada OKs Cashless Transactions

Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman John Moran

It’s “all systems go” in Nevada after the state Gaming Commission took the first baby steps toward establishing a cashless wagering process when it changed and approved several regulations. The prohibition against using such systems was the first to go, which opens the door to beta tests for systems developed by various manufacturers.

The commission unanimously approved eight regulations that will make it easier for players to establish accounts, create e-wallets and buy tickets to gamble at the state’s slot machines. The tickets, such as Everi’s QuikTicket, are purchased at kiosks with a set amount and can be used at slot machines and tables, and maybe later restaurants and retail.

“It’s a monumental first step in cashless wagering systems,” Commissioner Steve Cohen said.

Acting Commission Chairman John Moran said the changes will be good for the industry and for the patrons, saying it will “enhance the gaming experience.”

Direct transfers from patrons’ bank accounts to gaming machines will still be prohibited, but several systems envision transfers to a second account—an e-wallet—that can then be transferred to gaming devices. Any winnings would then be transferred back to the e-wallet.

Gaming Control Board officials noted that the use of e-wallets will allow a transparent view of the money used to gamble should investigations be required.