Aristocrat Technologies has united with casino operator Boyd Gaming to launch Aristocrat’s cashless wagering digital wallet technology. 

The tech will be utilised at Boyd Gaming’s Blue Chip Casino Resort Spa in Michigan City, Indiana, with the new innovation being a cornerstone of a new “Resort Wallet” feature in which patrons can place cash on account at the cashier cage. 

The launch also builds on the use of player loyalty card to instantly access those funds on the casino floor, removing friction from the customer journey by removing the need for cash handling. 

Blake Rampmaier, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Boyd Gaming, stated: “Building on our strategic partnership with Aristocrat, Boyd Gaming continues to add best-in-class mobile cashless wagering and contactless solutions that will greatly enhance the patron experience at our properties. As previously announced, we will continue to leverage our partnership with Aristocrat to drive mobile innovation in a secure and exciting environment for our patrons.”

The Blue Chip launch will initially provide access to the wallet for slot machine players, allowing them to use their B Connected player loyalty card to place wagers and cash out credits. In future stages, access to the digital wallet will be expanded to table games, restaurants, and other amenities at Blue Chip.

Based on the success of the Blue Chip launch, and pending regulatory approvals, Aristocrat and Boyd Gaming intend to expand digital wallet technology to additional Boyd Gaming properties across the country. The two companies also plan to integrate the digital wallet into Boyd Gaming’s B Connected Mobile app, creating a truly digital, touchless experience for Boyd Gaming customers.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many regulators have asked manufacturers to accelerate their cashless strategies. Aristocrat believes the time is now for cashless gaming and has invested heavily in expanding digital and mobile strategies that will assist in transforming the casino floor to be a more robust patron experience while supporting responsible gaming initiatives.

Cath Burns, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience Solutions for Aristocrat, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Boyd to bring this new and exciting solution to their patrons. We are passionate about the patron engagement and that Boyd continues to roll out Aristocrat’s suite of innovative CX mobile solutions to aid in the transformation of the patron and industry experience.”