Thursday, May 18, 2006

Slot Machines May Soon Act As ATMs

As if it wasn't already easy enough to lose your life savings in a slot machine, manufacturers are now working on systems that would allow you to access your bank and credit card accounts without every leaving the one-armed bandit.

The next generation of cashless slots would allow gamblers to tie their players' club cards for each casino directly to their bank accounts or credit cards. Need an extra $100 for that machine you're convinced is going to pay out? No problem. Just enter your PIN and the players' club card will access whatever account you have specified and load the money directly into the credit meter, thereby eliminating the need for you to go to the ATM or cash-advance machine.

Even though the systems are already being developed by several manufacturers, the state's gaming regulators are not sold on the idea, citing concerns about abuse for people without the willpower to know when they should stop.

If the new technology is approved (and that's a big if) it'll be at least a year before you see them on the casino floors.

Vegas4Visitors.com