Global gaming leader International Game Technology (IGT) has received official approval for its cashless gaming solution Resort Wallet in the state of Nevada.
With the approval, IGT will be able to deploy its innovative technology, unlocking the potential for one-step external funding via its highly praised payment solution IGTPay on personal mobile devices.
The approval comes days after IGT signed a strategic sports betting agreement with Meruelo Gaming to power the SaharaBets mobile sports betting app for Arizona. Meruelo is affiliated with two brick-and-mortar casinos in Nevada as well as the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes. The newest betting platform in the Grand Canyon State accepted its first wagers on January 12.
“IGT earning Nevada regulatory approval for our award-winning, fully integrated, cashless solution is a perfect bookend for a year marked with tremendous momentum for our Resort Wallet and IGTPay cashless gaming modules of the IGT ADVANTAGE system,” said Ryan Reddy, Senior Vice President for IGT.
“This milestone achievement will allow for players and operators throughout the state to enjoy the many benefits of cashless gaming and reinforces Nevada’s reputation as a future-forward gaming jurisdiction that is committed to advancing the player experience.”
It is yet another milestone for the entertainment provider, who can now roll out its award-winning technology further in the regulated US markets after completing the final stages of the Nevada regulatory approval procedure.
Last September, IGT was crowned the Technology Provider of the Year at the International Gaming Awards, where its Mobile Lottery Solution also received accolades. Resort Wallet and IGTPay were recognized as Product Innovation of the Year at the 2021 Global Gaming Awards in Las Vegas.
Casinos in Nevada utilizing the IGT ADVANTAGE system will be able to offer patrons the option to fund their cashless wallets with a few simple steps from their personal mobile devices. This makes a trip to the casino cage, ATM, or kiosk and the handling of cash notes obsolete. All transactions are protected by PIN and can be connected with various payment solutions for a seamless deposit and withdrawal experience.
Meruelo Partnership Facilitates Sportsbook Launch in AZ
Earlier this month, IGT and Meruelo Gaming entered into a partnership in Arizona leading to the launch of the SaharaBets mobile sports betting app, which went live on January 12.
The successful debut made the Meruelo Group owner, multi-faceted Cuban-American billionaire entrepreneur Alex Meruelo, the first person in the US to own a sports franchise and a sportsbook. The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, formerly known as the Phoenix Coyotes, are among the assets owned by the business mogul.
SaharaBets utilizes IGT’s PlaySports technology to run its sports betting platform in Arizona, allowing Coyotes supporters to place bets prior to the games and conduct in-game wagers while following the action inside Gila River Arena.
There are now a total of nine online sports betting operators active in Arizona with industry giants DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sports, and Caesars Sports leading the pack. The state only regulated and legalized online sports gambling a few months ago, in September of 2021.
During the AZ market’s first two months, the nine operators collectively made $68 million in revenue and generated more than $1 million in taxes for the state. This amount will likely be far higher in the following weeks with the playoffs of all major US sports approaching.
