Initial rollout in Ohio
Hollywood Casino Columbus has rolled out new technology on its mobile app that allows for cashless gaming at the property. Guests are now able to create a virtual wallet and connect it to table games and slot machines. They can add funds to this wallet and collect any winnings they earn at the casino. NBC4 Columbus tweeted on Friday about the launch:
This technology was first launched in Pennsylvania last month by Penn National Gaming; Hollywood Casino Columbus was the first casino in Ohio to use it. Penn National Gaming plans to have cashless gaming on offer in its Youngstown, Dayton, and Toledo properties by the end of this month.
Other cashless gaming launches in the state
In addition to the Hollywood Casino Columbus rollout, another casino operator in Ohio has already launched a cashless mobile app. In July, Everi and JACK Entertainment announced the launch of the JACK Mobile Wallet. Powered by Everi’s digital CashClub Wallet, it was launched through a multi-phase strategy at the JACK Cleveland Casino and the JACK Thistledown Racino.
JACK Thistledown Racino went live with the app as part of its initial rollout phase. The first phase allows for remote enrollment, adding funds to the wallet, and getting touchless access to funds at the kiosks.
Other features like purchases at retail, food, and beverage facilities are also set to follow.
The next phase will look to enable casino patrons to use the mobile wallet to fund their slot machine and video lottery terminal gameplay, pending regulatory approval. Other features like purchases at retail, food, and beverage facilities are also set to follow.
A growing trend
Cashless gaming is growing in popularity across the United States. This trend has been particularly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as casino operators looked to reduce the number of times that patrons had to touch different surfaces. Other perks of cashless gaming include better safeguards for anti-money laundering, engagement with rewards programs, and the establishment of transaction limits.
Some of the other states that have casinos offering cashless gaming in some shape or form include Nevada, California, Indiana, and Florida. Many major casino operators are developing their own forms of cashless gaming solutions. Last week, Boyd Gaming announced the beginning of a cashless table game trial at its Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas.