I went to the Star Casino in Sydney yesterday prior to flying home (had time to kill and went to play Poker).
My god, the process to get money on to the gaming floor.
- Arrive, have two different identity documents taken, primary and secondary (Drivers License + Bank Card)
- Photo of my self against my ID, and my signature (had to match exactly to the signature on the back of my drivers license, keep in mind this is just to enter the casino (gamign floor))
- I had cash, to enter poker I was then forced to join the loyalty program due to the gaming card regulation/responsible gambling and AML conditions, another 10 - 15 minutes of photos, ID documents and registration
- I get the cashier window to convert the cash into chips, they first take the cash, deposit it onto the card, make me sign a document confirming the $200 deposit on to my loyalty card.
- I then get $200 in chips and have to sign a document confirming the withdrawal.
To me the barriers to entry to gamble were far to great, and I imagine it is to much of a barrier for many young and drunk tourist to be bothered with.
Won't be investing in any casino related companies on the ASX that's for sure, it appears the cashless gaming cards are going to really cripple a lot of the revenue, and I wont be surprised to see other states follow suit.