Light & Wonder Installs First Cashless Slot Machines in Nevada

Game maker Light & Wonder is joining the move toward cashless gaming. The company has installed its first slot machines with pay-by-bank technology at Crystal Bay Casino in Crystal Bay, Nevada.

The company announced RapidPlay, its cashless gaming solution, in 2024. The system lets players transfer money from their bank account directly to a slot machine. Company officials describe it as bringing an ATM to every slot machine. Players do not have to go to a separate location to withdraw cash.

RapidPlay uses payment infrastructure from Koin Payments, a leading pay-by-bank provider. The player scans the QR code on the machine with their phone, and money moves from a checking or savings account to the machine through a secure bank transfer. Players do not need to download a mobile app or join the casino's loyalty program to use the system.

During the pandemic, casinos were largely cash-based businesses. When reducing physical contact was recommended to slow the spread of the virus, the industry sped up its move toward digital payments. The Nevada Gaming Control Board also approved the regulations that allow manufacturers to develop cashless gaming systems.

Light & Wonder plans to roll the system out to other casinos across the state in the coming months. Eric Roe, general manager of Crystal Bay Casino, said the goal of the technology is to make the guest experience easier. In July, Station Casinos introduced cashless slot and poker machines supporting Apple Pay at several of its casinos in the Las Vegas Valley.