It appears that all good things must come to an end, no matter how long (or little) they've been around.
Resorts World Las Vegas is phasing out its pioneering cashless wagering system for the time being. This was announced by the property's president and CFO, Carlos Castro, during a Nevada gaming regulators meeting.
In an article for CDC Gaming, he said: “We’re phasing out of our cashless system and are going to reevaluate that going forward. It’s basically the traditional model where you insert cash into the machine and begin your gaming journey,” Castro said.
No detailed public explanation was given for the decision (e.g., low adoption, technical issues, guest feedback, costs, or operational complexity). But this announcement comes just days before Resorts World Las Vegas will close the doors on its poker room.
Background on the Cashless System
When Resorts World Las Vegas opened in June 2021 as the first major new casino on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade, it heavily promoted a fully integrated cashless gaming experience via its GamingPlay platform (powered by Sightline Payments' Play+ and Konami's SYNKROS system).
Key features included:
- Mobile app-based digital wallet for funding slots, table games, and sports betting.
- Cardless logins for loyalty members (Genting Rewards).
- Remote enrollment/verification options (added in later updates, including biometrics and a single omnichannel wallet).
- No need to carry or handle physical cash/chips for much of the gaming floor — a first-of-its-kind approach on the Strip at the time.
Why Resorts World Las Vegas is Discontinuing It (For Now)
Cashless systems involve digital wallets, transaction tracking, and integration with banking/fintech partners, which can add layers of monitoring but also potential compliance risks or complexities in a highly regulated environment like Nevada gaming.
The shift to traditional cash/chip handling may simplify certain operations or cage processes in the short term. Current Status and What It Means
- The system is being phased out, not permanently abandoned — they'll reassess later.
- Guests will likely revert to standard cash, chips, and ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO) methods for slots and tables.
- Existing GamingPlay/Play+ accounts would presumably need to be handled per the terms (funds can typically be cashed out, with dormancy rules after inactivity).
- Other Las Vegas casinos have adopted cashless elements to varying degrees, but none matched Resorts World's full integration at launch. This move could influence broader industry thinking on adoption speed versus practicality.
The announcement fits into a period of adjustment for Resorts World, including other changes like staff adjustments and a focus on strengthening AML programs.
No major guest impact details (e.g., exact timeline for full discontinuation) were specified, but expect traditional methods to become the default soon.
Announcement Comes Amid Bigger Difficulties
Despite all of this, the timing comes amid broader challenges at the property, including the significant regulatory scrutiny Resorts World faced over anti-money laundering (AML) failures.
In 2025, it settled with the Nevada Gaming Control Board for a $10.5 million fine (one of the largest in state history) related to allowing known illegal bookmakers to wager large sums without adequate oversight. This led to leadership changes (including Castro stepping into a key role), enhanced compliance focus, and a public emphasis on "compliance over commerce."
If you're a player who used the system or is planning a trip, check directly with Resorts World or the Nevada Gaming Control Board for the latest on account wind-down or alternatives. The decision highlights how even innovative tech in casinos must balance convenience, guest preference, costs, and strict regulatory demands.
