Things just got a little easier for casino players in Nevada.
On Thursday, the state’s gaming commission approved a rule change that will allow players to use remote registration to sign up for casino accounts, meaning that instead of standing in line at a casino’s rewards desk and filling out a paper form, consumers can just verify their identity on their digital devices. The rule change was proposed by Sightline Payments, a digital payment provider.
“This shift to allow for digital identity verification for wagering accounts allows Nevada’s gaming industry to leverage the best practices from across the financial services industry to enhance customer security and the customer experience,” Jennifer Carleton, Sightline’s chief legal officer, said in a press release. “Nevada’s new regulation is in line with federal guidance permitting both new verification methods, including knowledge-based authentication, as well as traditional documentary measures, such as a customer’s driver’s license or passport. We look forward to working with regulators in gaming jurisdictions across the country to advance similar regulatory innovation.”
Sports betting still requires in-person registration
As Nevada casinos have begun to introduce cashless technology, patrons can use their casino cards for gaming, dining, shopping, and other services without having to access cash. The ability to register remotely removes “friction” for customers, Sightline executives previously told US Bets, and streamlines the registration process.
But the new rule does not allow for online gaming, nor does it allow for sports betting accounts to be remotely created. In Nevada, bettors must continue to register for such accounts in person at a casino.
Sightline Payments first submitted its idea to the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 2020, but it did not gain any traction. Last year, two of Sightline Payments’ partners, Resorts World in Las Vegas and Boyd Gaming’s Aliante Casino in North Las Vegas, began offering a cashless casino option, and the company then resubmitted its proposal. The gaming control board held workshops on the change and late last year recommended it be adopted.
Remote registration for accounts should take less than 10 minutes and requires customers to upload an approved government-issued ID.
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