According to the latest report from the American Gaming Association, US land-based casinos may be removing cash payment options, as they implement digital payments.
It turns out that casino players said they were less likely to use bills and cons in their everyday lives after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, both casino operators and regulators are considering eliminating cash and introducing mobile payments to limit the risk of Coronavirus exposure.
News Highlights
- Casino players no longer want to use cash to place wagers at land-based casinos
- The CDC recommends Mobile payments instead of cash
- The majority of payments across online casinos are digital and contactless
Newly Reopened US Casinos to Limit Cash Payments
Even though the newly reopened casinos in Las Vegas welcome players with sanitizers for both hands and chips, with dealers wearing masks behind shields made of plexiglass, they are still giving players the chance to place wagers only with cash.
However, things are apparently about to change. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as part of good hygiene and better prevention measures for COVID-19, recommends “tap-and-pay payments to limit the handling of cash.” Even though states don’t allow digital or mobile payments on casino floors, it seems like gaming regulators may start permitting them to prevent the spread of the virus.
Casino Payments Digitalization
On June 25th, a hearing will take place about these cashless payments. Meanwhile, the American Gaming Association conducted a survey asking casino players whether they’d like to use cash to place wagers with across casino floors: 59% said they were less likely to, and would like to use cashless payment solutions.
The gaming industry’s group stated that any customers uneasy about using cash on the gaming floor due to health or safety concerns should have an alternate payment option.
Its CEO, Bill Miller, has been encouraging regulators since then to consider cash alternatives. He said:
Casinos are looking for some modernization in an industry that for too long has been almost entirely reliant on cash.Bill Miller
Major operators like Jay Snowden, Penn National Gaming’s CEO, agree with this. Snowden said that the industry is working with the regulators to see if they can accelerate the digitalization payments in their properties.
A possible solution for this problem could be Sightline Payment’s, Play+, already used at the online sports betting sites of William Hill, Caesars, Draft Kings, MGM Resorts, FanDuel, and Pennsylvania’s iLottery website. Kirk Sanford, Sightline Payment’s CEO, explained:
Winnings can be immediately cashed out and used for spending, both on-premise at the casino or off-premise, everywhere that accepts Discover cards.Kirk Sanford
Sanford added that the payment solution could also replace chips used at gaming tables, “removing one more obstacle to the hygienic running of the gaming floors.”
Payment Options at Online Casinos
And while land-based casinos are still dealing with physical cash, digital payments are standard across online casinos, internet sports betting, and lottery sites. Considering your well-being and the ease-of-use, playing at online casinos is the safest option.
Digital Payment Options
Online casino players have the chance to fund their accounts and cash out their winnings online, and also have a wide choice of digital payment methods at their disposal.
With Bitcoin, credit cards, gift cards and vouchers, along with many other cashless options, online casino players have no contact with bills or coins. Digital payments ensure a more seamless gambling experience without having to worry about your health during the pandemic.
Benefits of Online Deposits and Withdrawals
These online payment methods have proven to be quite efficient, considering most of them process transactions instantly.
Plus, they all implement the most advanced SSL encryptions and other high-end security protocols that guarantee safety.
Players have to request a deposit or a withdrawal, log in to their respective payment method account, and press Confirm. The money is then instantly transferred. Many online payment methods are fee-free, so players receive an experience similar to the cash payment experience when playing with them.
You can try fast and safe online payment methods at any of our recommended real money online casinos.
