The president and CFO of Resorts World Las Vegas told Nevada gaming regulators Thursday the casino that pioneered cashless wagering on the Strip when it opened in 2021 is discontinuing its use for now.
Carlos Castro appeared before the Nevada Gaming Commission, where he was unanimously approved for a gaming license. While there, he responded to a question about cashless gaming.
“We’re phasing out of our cashless system and are going to reevaluate that going forward,” Castro said. “It’s basically the traditional model where you insert cash into the machine and begin your gaming journey.”
Castro joked in response to a question that they aren’t returning to the old-style coin-in machines, but TITO is available.
Commission member George Markantonis congratulated Castro on the move, saying he wasn’t a fan of cashless gaming.
Castro has been praised by members of the Gaming Control Board and now by the Commission for addressing Resorts World’s anti-money-laundering issues that resulted in a $10.5 million fine for its dealing with an illegal bookmaker before Castro came on board.
Markantonis said he was proud and honored to see the progress Castro has made over his career. “The fact that you are with Resorts World, along with all of the other initiatives that have been implemented, have been a great blessing for our city and industry,” Markantonis said. “Your reputation is amazing and just what that property needed at this sort of time.”
Commission member Abbi Silver said Castro’s experience, work ethic, and experience make him “eminently qualified.”
Commission member Brian Krolicki told Castro, “Every team needs that last piece of the puzzle, and you’re the guy.” He said a lot of weight goes along with that and called him “the right guy at a tough moment. Resorts World is fortunate to have you.”
Krolicki said there are exciting the opportunities for Resorts World and the area surrounding it on the north end of the Strip. Castro has talked about the property being a good location for an arena.
During the meeting, Krolicki honored former Commission member Sue Wagner, who died last week at the age of 86. She was the first woman to be elected lieutenant governor of Nevada. She survived a 1990 plane crash that ended her political career, but served on the Commission for 12 years from 1997 to 2009.
“Last week we lost one of the great daughters of Nevada,” Krolicki said.
Krolicki said what happened to Wagner led to his public service, where he served as lieutenant governor.
“The accident and injuries she suffered impaired her public service for the rest of her days,” Krolicki said. “I really believe she would have been governor. We talk about the empowerment of women and leadership and fierceness of policy and faith and doing what’s right and ethical. She was that champion.”
