Nevada Gaming Commission OKs Prepaid for Slot Machines (Feb. 24, 2014)
The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved the use of prepaid cards for wagering on slot machines in the state. The Commission voted 4-0 last week to approve amendments in state laws that would pave the way for prepaid cards that would be tied to customers’ casino rewards accounts. With the commission’s passage, the measure now goes before the Nevada Gaming Control Board for final approval.
The effort to bring prepaid cards to casinos was supported by major gaming providers, including MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corp., along with gaming-focused payments provider Sightline Payments. The commission’s approval is “a historic development for gaming, not just in Nevada but potentially nationwide,” said Kirk Sanford, CEO and founder, Sightline. “The gaming industry has long lagged behind the broader economy in its utilization of electronic payments. The action by the commission clears the way to bring the benefits of electronic payments to both gaming operators and gaming patrons.” Those benefits include increased convenience and security for players who no longer have to rely on cash or face high ATM fees. Meanwhile, casinos save on paying employees who count money and perform cash accounting, according to Sightline.
In February 2013, Sightline inked a deal with Northern California’s Colusa Casino to create a GPR prepaid card that would work in tandem with the casino’s existing loyalty card program to reward customers with $50 to $100 in free play. The company also has partnered with three online gaming providers in New Jersey—which in November approved six casinos to begin operating state-sanctioned online gaming Websites.
