Initially detailing the deployment of cashless wagering digital wallet technology at the venue last year, the move sees patrons enable to load funds electronically from a personal account of their choice, after which they can then safely and securely use the digital cash to make wagers directly onto slot machines.

At the culmination of play any funds left on the machine can be optionally transferred back to their digital wallet to be used at another game in the casino. In future phases the solution will be expanded to include table games, restaurants, and a host of other amenities at the venue.

“Building on our partnership with Sightline and Aristocrat, we are proud to introduce a solution that has been designed from the ground-up to give our guests an unmatched cashless experience offering convenience, safety, and security,” said Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer of Boyd Gaming.

Sightline cites American Gaming Association research in emphasising the importance of the introduction, after it was previously found that 59 per cent of casino visitors are less likely to use cash in their everyday lives because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was further reported that 57 per cent of those who have visited a casino during the last year have reported that the option for digital or contactless payments on the casino floor is important to them because of the health crisis.

“Sightline thanks Boyd Gaming for its vision and congratulates Blue Chip and Aristocrat on this launch,” said Joe Pappano, CEO of Sightline. “A mobile-centric payments ecosystem that works across all channels and verticals is the future of all regulated gaming in the United States.”

Over the coming months, pending regulatory approvals, Boyd intends to expand these capabilities to its patrons nationwide, and extend the utility of the ecosystem to all patron-facing touchpoints.   

“At Aristocrat we believe in creating exceptional customer experiences and we are deeply grateful to Boyd in entrusting us to create such an experience for their patrons,” added Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions for Aristocrat. 

“This collaboration between Boyd Gaming, Sightline Payments and Aristocrat Technology will serve as a blueprint for the path forward for the industry.”