Why Cashless Gaming Is Taking Longer Than Expected to Catch On

Since contactless payments are dominant in 2026, the fact that casinos started using it was inevitable. 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 also behavioural, regulatory, and political.

Operators Built the Tech – Players Didn’t Show Up

Casino companies haven’t been shy about investing in cashless systems. Our experts saw that popular names like IGT, Everi, and Konami have rolled out digital wallet platforms and smart card solutions across US 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?

However, it’s worth noting that a lot of this also depends on psychological aspects. To many gamers, particularly those who have been around for a while, money is tangible. It makes sense because it’s something you can see and touch, and it makes you feel in control.

For digital wallets, it’s a bit different. It’s a screen, and you’re essentially just tapping it. It’s not “real” chips you’re putting down. It’s a tough psychological change, particularly because the names and systems may change from casino to casino.

Even in states like Nevada and New Jersey, similar issues are holding back the adoption of cashless systems. Regulators need to be assured that it’s not too easy to spend money.

Regulators Want Guardrails Before Greenlights

Via our verifications, our experts saw that in the UK, the UKGC took a careful position. They don’t ban the cashless gaming; instead, they make it clear that any new implementation needs to have the following:

• Affordability check
• Spending limits
• ID verification

This approach makes cashless systems more complicated than regular retail. They aren’t replacing cash but building a massive audit trail. However, for the regulators that are focused on reducing harm, the audit trails must be player-focused, not operator-friendly.

Inside the Floor: Tech That Still Feels Like a Pilot

We saw that there are issues regarding the usability of this tech tool; it needs improvements. In too many online casinos, the cashless experience feels difficult rather than built in. You might need to download a separate app, create an account, link a bank, scan a QR code, and then get approval. This takes time, which many players don’t have.

And if the connection drops?

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

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

From what we saw via our research at BetterGambling, the cashless gaming will become dominant soon. Still, in 2026, we’re stuck on a slow path due to the fact that this approach isn’t very widespread since it requires an infrastructure.

The enforcement of these features will come, just not via flashy rollouts or app demos. It’ll come when players feel in control, regulators have built a strong infrastructure, and the process of spending £20 on a casino bonus will feel easier than pulling out a £20 note. Until then, the casino floor will stay half digital, half traditional, and fully in transition.

Resources

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