Credit cards, slots could be future match
A trio of gambling companies is developing a system to allow gamblers to access credit and debit cards and checking accounts at slot machines, although they said approval in Nevada could be a hurdle.
Cash Systems Inc. and Bally Technologies Inc. of Las Vegas announced Wednesday they are teaming with Scotch Twist LLC to develop the system, which one official said could take a year.
Michael Rumbolz, chairman/CEO of Cash Systems, said getting approval could be most difficult in Nevada, which specifically prohibits credit card access from slots.
“I expect we are going to have very full discussion around any perceived social issues around this,” Rumbolz said.
The system will allow gamblers to connect players club cards to credit cards, checking accounts and debit cards, he said. They will be able to access funds in those accounts through the players club card they swipe in the slots. Players club cards are widely used in casinos to track gamblers’ betting, and to return a portion of the money bet as complimentary meals, rooms or other perks.
“You are not putting your American Express in a slot machine,” Rumbolz said. “You are putting your players club card in.”
Law prohibits
Nevada Revised Statute 463.3557 reads that “an electronic transfer of money from a financial institution directly to a game or gaming device may not be made with a credit card,” with the exception of online gambling, which has not been legalized in the state. The exception apparently was made should online betting ever be legalized.
Only the Legislature can change a statute, and it does not again convene until February 2007. Rumbolz said that because the card isn’t directly swiped into the slot, the system could be exempt from the statute. If regulators decide otherwise, he said the Gaming Control Board could approve the system in Nevada simply for access to debit and checking accounts, without credit card access.
Once the system is developed in nine to 12 months, Rumbolz said it will undergo beta testing, likely in a Native American gaming market.
