Ticket-in, ticket-out
Ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) is a technology used in more modern slot machines. Originally developed by International Game Technology (IGT) and Casino Data Systems (CDS)[1] under the name EZ Pay, a TITO slot machine prints out a barcoded slip of paper, which can then either be redeemed for cash, or inserted for play into other TITO machines.
Overview
Ticket-in, ticket out (TITO) machines are used in casino slot machines to print out a slip of paper with a barcode indicating the amount of money represented. These can in turn be redeemed for cash at an automated kiosk.[2] The machines utilize a barcode scanner built into the bill acceptor, a thermal ticket printer in place of a coin hopper (some rare machines are set up to pay with coins if the payout is less than the payout limit, and to print a ticket in situations where a handpay would normally be required) and a network interface to communicate with a central system that tracks tickets.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any system, TITO has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Hopper fills for TITO machines are virtually eliminated.
- Casino patrons no longer have to wait for an attendant to perform a hand pay for large payouts.
- Makes multi-denomination gaming machines possible.
- Streamlines accounting procedures due to reduced cash handling[3]
- Enables ticketed bonusing, coupons and drawings.
Disadvantages
- May cause some people to disassociate gambling using tickets from gambling using cash, in much the same way "credits" are indicated on some machines rather than a cash value.
- Tickets can be easier to misplace than a large bucket of coins.
- The lack of the sound of a big coin pay out is a turnoff for some players.
References
- ↑ "International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT)". Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- ↑ Saylor, Michael (2012). The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change Everything. Perseus Books/Vanguard Press. p. 304. ISBN 978-1593157203.
- ↑ "Ticket-in, Ticket-out Technology". Retrieved January 22, 2014.