Why Cashless Gaming Is Taking Longer Than Expected to Catch On

In an age where contactless payments dominate daily life, it seemed inevitable that casinos would follow. Cashless gaming was pitched as the future: faster, safer, trackable. But in 2025, adoption has stalled in key markets. And the reasons aren’t just technical, but behavioural, regulatory, and political.

Operators Built the Tech – Players Didn’t Show Up

Casino groups haven’t been shy about investing in cashless systems. Big names like IGT, Everi, and Konami have rolled out digital wallet platforms and smart card solutions across U.S. and European casinos. In theory, players could load credits from their phones, skip ATM queues and track their spending in real time.

But this change has been slow. According to a recent American Gaming Association‘s 2025 report, only 12% of regular casino players in the U.S. used a cashless casino option in 2024, despite more than 60% having access to one on-site.

So what’s the holdup?

A lot of it comes down to habit and psychology. For many players, especially older ones, cash feels real. It’s visible, physical, and it gives them a sense of control.

Digital wallets, on the other hand, feel abstract. You’re tapping a screen, not handing over chips. That can be a tough mental shift, especially when the branding and systems vary from one casino to the next.

In states like Nevada and New Jersey, similar concerns are slowing down widespread use. Regulators want proof that cashless tools won’t make spending feel too easy or invisible.

Regulators Want Guardrails Before Greenlights

In the UK, the Gambling Commission has taken a cautious stance. While it hasn’t banned cashless gaming, it’s made it clear that any rollout must include:

1. Affordability checks
2. Spending limits
3. Identity verification.

That makes cashless systems more complex than retail. You’re not just replacing cash, but building an entire audit trail. And for regulators focused on reducing harm, that audit trail needs to be player-facing, not just operator-friendly.

Inside the Floor: Tech That Still Feels Like a Pilot

There’s also a UX problem. In too many online casinos, the cashless experience feels bolted on rather than built in. Players might need to download a separate app, create an account, link a bank, scan a QR code, and then get approval, all while standing in front of a slot machine.

And if the connection drops?

You’re back to cash. So, until the tech becomes invisible and the process becomes seamless, most players won’t change habits.

Cashless Is the Future, But It’s Still in Beta

There’s no question that cashless gaming will eventually dominate. But in 2025, it’s still stuck in the slow lane.

Adoption will come, just not through flashy rollouts or app demos. It’ll come when players feel in control, regulators feel assured, and the process of spending £20 on a casino bonus feels easier than pulling out a £20 note. Until then, the casino floor will stay part-digital, part-traditional, and fully in transition.

Resources

• American Gaming Association
• SCCG – Future Trends of Payments in Casinos
• gamblingcommission.gov.uk