IGT has obtained a patent that enables consumers to carry out cryptocurrency transactions for popular slot games, such as Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune.
The patent is a step towards the future in which regulated gambling will involve cryptocurrencies, says Phil O'Shaughnessy, a spokesperson for the company.
By adopting cashless and cryptocurrency solutions, IGT hopes to achieve two things.
First, the company wants to improve the casino experience and facilitate payments while minimizing the risk of touching surfaces and transmitting disease and pathogens.
Second, IGT is hoping to attract a younger generation of players who are already keen on using cryptocurrency.
According to a report by Tokenist, some 44% of all millennials are currently planning on buying cryptocurrency in the next five years. More importantly, casinos see cryptocurrency as an opportunity to attract more players to the brick-and-mortar segment.
Presently, Las Vegas doesn't offer any crypto gaming solutions, but this may change. Casinos such as Bitcasino, FortuneJack, and 1xBit are still the preeminent choices when it comes to online crypto gaming, but a boost from the brick-and-mortar segment could be on its way.
IGT's technology will allow players to use a special QR code to load cryptocurrency onto their slot bankrolls and play funding their experience with a virtual wallet.
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