A Las Vegas company is pushing for a change in Nevada gaming regulations that would allow the use of prepaid cards directly into slot machines.
But advocates for problem gamblers worry that the plan would get casinos closer to direct access to a player’s bank account. While automated teller machines are allowed on casino floors, Nevada has never allowed players to put their ATM cards directly into a slot machine.
Now Sightline Interactive has proposed a similar step—allowing the use of prepaid cards inserted directly into slot machines.
The company argues that winners would not have to carry cash, making them less likely targets for robbery.
In a workshop meeting of the state Gaming Control Board, Sightline introduced proposals to amend two gaming regulations that would enable the use of prepaid cards.
Company officials argued that the use of cash in society continues to shrink with statistics showing that less than 10 percent of all transactions will be done in cash by 2015. In casinos, however, betting is largely done through cash transactions, but 60 percent of that cash is acquired in the casino through either check cashing or ATMS.
The company is proposing a system similar to prepaid gift cards. The cards could be loaded at banks and debited and credited at slot machines. Players would be required to fill out a registration form at a participating casino with a validated name and street address.
Problem gambling advocates immediately pointed to potential problems.
Carol O’Hare, executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling told the board she’d prefer a system where gamblers could not immediately withdraw winnings to allow some time before gamblers could play again. She also said a problem gambling message should be seen before player’s access funds.
Sightline officials pointed out, however, that before a losing player could re-use the card they would have to go to their bank to replenish its funds.
Gaming Control Board Technology Division Chief Jim Barbee also told the board that the state already sees cases of player fraud through the use of loyalty cards and deals with a number of technical glitches. He fears such instances with prepaid cards would leave the state dealing with disputes over cash access.
Board Chairman A.G. Burnett said the board will likely send the amendments to the Nevada Gaming Commission for consideration in February.
