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CNN Saturday Morning News

Las Vegas Introduces a Slot Machine That Takes Credit Cards

Aired August 18, 2001 - 09:24   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Soon, you may not need cash to play the slots in Las Vegas, just a credit card.

We get those details from reporter Carolyn Jefferson of CNN affiliate KTNB.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CAROLYN JEFFERSON, REPORTER, KTNB (voice-over): The next big jackpot could be just a credit card away. New technology would make it easier for players to use bank cards at slots. But the new convenience is receiving mixed reviews among players.

MARYLU LUTHER, SLOT MACHINE PLAYER: I think it would be excellent.

JEFFERSON (on camera): But do you use it?

LUTHER: Sure, yes.

RICHARD WOLFORD, SLOT PLAYER: I'm not that interested in gambling, but I have to use a credit card to do it.

JEFFERSON (voice-over): The company that unveiled the cashless system believes many players are. Using your PIN and a bank card, you set a play limit at this machine, then take that card to a slot machine, punch in your PIN again, and you're ready to play.

DR. ROB HUNTER, GAMBLING ADDICTION SPECIALIST: For problem gamblers, though, there's some real risk with that.

JEFFERSON: Those who work with problem gamblers say the technology will make it easier for some players to pile up more debt. Six percent of all players in Clark County are problem gamblers, according to Dr. Rob Hunter, a local expert. He says there has to be a balance.

HUNTER: I think what we have to do is find the compromises were social gamblers are not inconvenienced, but problem gamblers are not unnecessarily tempted or unnecessarily put at risk.

JEFFERSON: Innovative Gaming Corporation of America knows there's a risk and says there are safeguards, self-set limits and cooling-off periods. Once players hit their limit, they won't be able to use that card again for several days.

Still, players we talked to were split.

WOLFORD: Well, I just don't believe in that. If I don't have the money, then I don't play.

LUTHER: I'm of an age where I should be disciplined, so I think for any disciplined player it would be a great advantage.

JEFFERSON: An advantage for some players that's waiting for final approval.

Carolyn Jefferson, News 13, inside Las Vegas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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