Station Casinos is exploring an innovative method to facilitate slot funding that eliminates the need for cash, kiosks, or even a casino loyalty account. The company has initiated a field trial for TrustedTap, a direct-to-machine Apple Pay funding solution, at Durango casino bars, all Seventy Six taverns, and Wildfire Anthem.
This groundbreaking technology, created by Adostics—a Las Vegas-based tech startup established in 2024—enables users to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to effortlessly transfer funds from their debit card within Apple Wallet directly to a slot or video poker machine.
As reported by Casino.org’s Vital Vegas, the trial is currently awaiting approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. However, early feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Players appreciate not needing to carry cash while on the casino floor, which many view as both a convenience and a security advantage,” stated Adostics Chief Marketing Officer Brad Egnor in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He also remarked that guests are utilizing built-in responsible gaming features, such as self-imposed wager limits and 24-hour spending caps—indicative that the system’s protective measures “are functioning as intended.”
TrustedTap leverages Apple Pay’s robust tokenization and biometric authentication, ensuring that card numbers are never stored on the slot machines or casino networks. Players simply tap or scan a QR code to fund their gaming session, enjoy their gameplay, and print a standard TITO ticket for any leftover funds or winnings. This system seamlessly integrates with the existing casino framework rather than overhauling it.
This hybrid model aligns with current trends and what industry analysts believe the market requires.
Still Show Us the Money
The initial momentum toward completely cashless casinos is now viewed as a miscalculated strategy. Resorts World, which started as the Las Vegas Strip’s first “totally cashless” casino in June 2021, reverted to traditional cash methods and TITO by March 2026. Regulators pointed to complications in the signup process, anti-money laundering concerns, and low acceptance rates among visitors.
Boyd Gaming has also implemented cashless technology through its BoydPay platform.
“The belief that casinos can completely eliminate cash—certainly in the next decade or so—is misguided,” emphasized Martin Bauer, U.S. sales director for currency technology leader Giesecke+Devrient (G&D), during a conversation with Casino.org.
Bauer remarked, “Casinos aim to cater to all types of players. Promoting a ‘cashless’ environment could deter potential customers, as over 90% of gamers still prefer cash. A hybrid casino experience is the way forward.” He also highlighted the financial incentives for casinos to maintain cash options within their operations, such as ATM fees and the ease of existing cash handling processes. “The adoption of cashless solutions has been much more gradual than anticipated,” Bauer stated. “It’s a slow progression—single-digit use increases year after year.”
TrustedTap’s model of converting debit transactions into TITO may signify the next pragmatic advancement for the industry: facilitating digital convenience without completely abandoning cash.
As Bauer succinctly put it: “Cashless options will emerge in some capacity. However, progress will be sluggish until barriers are minimized. The hybrid model truly reflects the future direction of the market.”