Using Debit Cards to Place Directly in Slot Machines - Good or Bad Idea?

A new concept in Vegas has created a lot of controversy. A company called Sightline has proposed a prepaid card that could be used for Slot and Video Poker play by slipping the card in the same way players place their Rewards card directly into the machine.

This would also allow players to load their winnings including big Jackpots on their prepaid card. It would be a convenience to not have to get up, chance losing your seat to head to the nearest ATM in the casino.

Players would load the prepaid card from their personal bank accounts and would also serve as a gift card to give to gamblers.

While it may be convenient there is also concerns that players will drain their bank accounts much faster and give back their winnings back quicker with this new service.

Do you think this prepaid debit card placed directly in machines is a good or bad idea?

Lips

I don't think it matters one way or the other. Where there's a will there's a way and we are gonna spend. If anything it seems like it would involve less fees (ATM fees etc.) since you load money onto it beforehand. You are actually able to set a budget and load just what you need onto the card although, you could also just as easily budget the cash you bring in with you to the casino. Either way is fine as long as you leave the debit card at home! I do like the gift idea though!

Eek, I don't think it's a good idea. I get that regardless your gna spend your money either way, but I have to make that conscious effort to take money out of my account. I feel with this I would completely deplete the account in minutes if I wasn't winning. It would also eliminate budgeting. I go with a certain amount and that's it, this would be horrible for me!!!

I tend to agree with you fried eggs. At least if you have to get up and go to the cashier or ATM you have time to think it through instead of impulsively withdrawing funds instantly at the machine. I think it would take an enormous amount of control to stick within your budget which is hard enough!

I think I would worry if it was a debit card connected directly to your bank account.  Prepaid cards aren't so bad I don't think.  Very convenient to limit your spending and withdraw your winnings.

I get what you're saying fried eggs and if this were the ability to stick your bank card right into the machine I would be terrified that I would have no control. This is a prepaid card where you load cash onto it ahead of time so I don't see the risk or the point really. It would be great for a gift but that's about it imo.

That is true about prepaid vs debit card. Where my concern would be is winning a major Jackpot and having it loaded on the prepaid card. I think i would rather have cash in hand otherwise i would most likely drain the prepaid card and have nothing to show for my winnings. If it is a small win i would consider loading it up on card.

I do know at one time some casinos were considering debit/card cards that could be placed directly in the machine but the credit card companies said no way it was too risky.

Lips

I can't imagine I would ever accept the payout on the card. I would want all that jackpot cash counted out right into my hot little hand!

Aside from the fact that it is way easier to spend money with a card, like Feeling froggy, I want to see the coins or chips or whatever being counted