Sports gambling goes ticketless, wireless in Vegas
28 December, 2009
category: Contactless, Financial
Gamblers betting on sports games in Vegas casinos can now make their wagers via wireless handhelds, according to The Gainesville Sun.
Under the new system, customers hand over their cash to casino employees, who convert the amount into electronic credits. Customers then have the option of placing bets at interactive touch screen kiosks, or renting a wireless handheld device called an eDeck, which resembles an iPhone.
eDecks function anywhere within the casino–but cannot be used at gambling tables–and include built in blackjack and baccarat games. Users checking out an eDeck are required to register for a contactless card that keeps the eDeck on an electronic tether of a few feet. Once the eDeck is take out of range of the card, it automatically shuts down, ensuring that no other casino goer can steal your eDeck and use it.
The new technology also allows gamblers to bet on events within the game as they unfold, which has up until now been only a pipe dream for casino oddsmakers. With “in-running betting,” you can bet on the outcome of a football game, as well as whether a kicker makes a particular field goal or misses, for example.
Casino operators are hoping this increase in betting opportunities will boost their revenue, as last year in Nevada revenue from sports bets was only $125 million, or 1.25% of the state’s total revenue from gambling.
Read more here.