Jackpot processing: Getting it done

Aug142019

You’re sitting in your favorite casino at your favorite slot machine with your favorite drink – it doesn’t get much better than this. Jackpot! Or maybe it does! You just hit a jackpot for $3500! Time to cash out and hit the town. Where’s the money?

Well, your money is going to take some time to get into your hands; sometimes it could take over an hour. Instant gratification associated with websites & smartphone apps boasting on demand, buy-it-now and free next day shipping has made people impatient. Therefore, it’s easy to see why we would get upset having to wait, especially for money.

So why the wait? The answer is process and technology. Getting your jackpot requires a multitude of identity and other authentications such as AML, SSN and fraudulent ID checks which happen outside of the casino’s control. During that time, verification via the casino staff is happening through their own systems/technology which include notifying proper departments of a jackpot hit, coordinating paperwork, getting signatures, releasing funds and ultimately getting money into your hands.

Can we speed up the process? Yes, through technology. There are multiple providers today that offer amazing jackpot technology solutions that help speed up payouts. Some of these companies include, Everi, DRGT and NRT which offer solutions featuring kiosks, redemption machines for players and floor personnel, mobile processing, software/hardware bundles that “seamlessly integrate” with casino property systems and more.

Why aren’t high-speed jackpot solutions in every casino? Cost and implementation prevent high-speed jackpot solutions in every casino. Smaller properties generally do well with patron relations, have stable operations and some of which have been around for over 60 years. However, they simply cannot justify the cost of high-end jackpot solutions. Also, regardless of property size, system integration is like opening a can of worms. Many tech providers claim of having “seamless integration” however it’s not that simple. Some properties have ended up working years on integrating new tech. Every casino is different and what works best for one property most likely won’t work for others.

Who has the best tech? That answer falls onto casino personnel, patron feedback and individual property preferences. Floor operators might be pleased with having cash dispensing units to reduce lines at the Cage. However, a slot attendant might be upset with getting replaced by a machine that allows patrons to process jackpots for themselves.

What other options are available? The possibilities are almost endless. In some cases, smaller properties could purchase Surface Pro/iPad tablets and work with their IT or other tech solution providers to integrate the mobile devices into their current systems. This approach may take a bit of time and engineering, but it could prove to save a property [potentially] hundreds of thousands of dollars. Operators and staff may be delighted to know that they can speed up processes as well as getting additional tech without having to disrupt their current work flow.

What’s the point? The answer falls back onto the very first question – where’s the money? Whether a jackpot is processed on a tablet, phone, authenticated through complex software bundles or old school methods – the bottom line is, get money to patrons as fast as possible. Period. As for the cornucopia of awesome tech providers and which to choose from – casino properties and floor operators must study their environments to find what works best for them… and then they must choose, but choose wisely.