Boyd Gaming, which launched a digital wallet at two of the company’s properties in Indiana and Ohio, is now testing the cashless gaming technology at one of its Nevada casinos.
In a statement Monday, Boyd said its “Boyd Pay,” digital wallet was being used in a field trial monitored by Nevada gaming regulators at Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas.
The product, which links to a customer’s player loyalty card and can be used to fund slot machine play and cash out when the gaming session ends, was developed in partnership with gaming equipment provider Aristocrat Technologies.
Boyd said in a statement it hopes to utilize the digital technology at its 28 gaming properties in 10 states by this summer, pending regulatory approvals. The digital wallet is currently being used at the Las Vegas-based company’s Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana, and Belterra Park in Cincinnati.
The American Gaming Association has advocated since 2019 for the casino industry to adopt cashless gaming or digital payment solutions to help modernize the industry.
During 2020, spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous changes took place. Regulators in several states – including Nevada – approved rules to permit digital payment technology to be utilized by customers in their casinos.
Gaming equipment providers, including Aristocrat, IGT, Everi Holdings, and Scientific Games, are at various stages in the development of mobile wallets. Everi has provided the technology at tribal casinos in Oklahoma and Florida.
Aristocrat Executive Vice President Cath Burns said digital gaming technology is about “making the most innovative products that enhance the guest experience.”
Boyd Gaming Chief Information Officer Blake Rampmaier said the goal is to “create a unique and seamless payment experience” in which casino customers use smartphones to play casino games, cash out, and pay for restaurant meals, show tickets, or hotel rooms.
“By going cashless, our customers will be able to avoid the wait times and inconveniences associated with using cash and focus on enjoying their visit to our properties,” Rampmaier said.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
