On the cashless wave

Due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, a large portion of the gambling industry has now set its sights on a digital future. This also includes the payment side of the sector, with more and more operators now embracing digital wallet technology.

table game solution powered by Aristocrat

The Aliante Casino, Hotel, and Spa in Las Vegas is one casino that has joined this cashless gaming revolution. On Wednesday, owner Boyd Gaming Corporation announced the successful launch of its cashless table game solution powered by Aristocrat Gaming.

On Wednesday, the casino retweeted a post from The Nevada Independent writer Howard Stutz announcing news of the launch:

Boyd has integrated the Boyd Pay Wallet into its B Connected App for a field trial of the technology. Players can use the app to buy into a table game and utilize traditional casino chips to play. At the end of their game, they can transfer funds directly back to the app.

From slots to table games

The launch of the Aliante’s table game technology represents the next step in Boyd’s cashless plans. In a statement released on Wednesday, Rampmaier affirmed that the field trial will help “drive mobile innovation in a secure and exciting environment” for gamblers. The operator will utilize technology from Aristocrat and Genesis Gaming to monitor activity and reduce risk.

The field trial follows a test of similar cashless technology for slots, launched in February this year. Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer for Boyd, spoke with The Nevada Independent regarding the results of that initial trial in September. He said the company had received positive feedback from Aliante customers.

launched the digital wallet in Cincinnati, Ohio and Michigan City, Indiana

Since then, the company has increased its commitment to cashless. Boyd has expanded the technology to its slots at Cannery Casino Hotel in North Las Vegas, as well as Suncoast Hotel and Casino and Main Street Station in downtown Vegas. It has also launched the digital wallet in Cincinnati, Ohio and Michigan City, Indiana.

Cashless payments taking over

In June of last year, the American Gaming Association urged US regulators to commit to cashless casino payments. The gaming industry body released research showing that 57% of casino visitors would rather gamble using contactless payments due to COVID-19. An additional 59% said coronavirus made them less likely to use cash in their everyday lives.

As evidence of the increased shift towards cashless, organizers of this year’s Global Gaming Expo, which took place in Las Vegas last week, chose to dedicate no less than seven panel discussions to the topic. Meanwhile, numerous suppliers showcased their new cashless payment solutions on the exhibition floor, hoping to capitalize on the latest trend.

Outside of the US, the Australian gambling industry has also taken some steps towards cashless. The first cashless gaming venue in New South Wales began a live trial in September using Aristrocrat’s technology. Meanwhile, Crown Resorts has pledged to go cashless in a bid to minimize the risk of money laundering in its casinos.