Cash seems to be getting used less and less in the modern world, but there are a lot of places where it is still king. One such place is land-based casinos, where slot machines still accept banknotes and cash can be exchanged at tables for chips. But where you get that cash from to play at the casino, can be an interesting point to ponder.
Players joining any established gambling sites or new UK casinos online aren’t going to have worries about things like where to get cash from. Instead, they will be faced with a range of deposit options, from digital wallets to bank cards. While there has been an explosion in the popularity of online casinos, land-based establishments continue to contribute a great deal to the industry, but is using casino ATMs trickier than using local cash points?
The Tricky Fees
ATMs found in casinos typically have a much larger fee system for getting money. The charges are going to be well above those at a local ATM and that is simply because convenience comes at a price. Players in a casino want to get cash immediately, so premium fees are slapped on for delivery of that service.
Casinos are also likely to have a deal with ATM providers to station their machines within the building. Therefore, the operator may have to up their fees to make enough revenue on their end to pay for that privilege.
In contrast, people using a local ATM, very often don’t have to pay any fees to get their money. That’s because the demand for cash out on the street isn’t at the same level as within a casino. Even a centrally located ATM isn’t going to be convenient for everyone to get to as well, and the lack of fees on them, reflects this.
Types of Transactions
On top of things like standard debit card withdrawals, some casino ATMs have the option of getting credit card advances. Although UK casinos do not accept credit cards for gambling purposes, this does not apply to cash withdrawals from ATMs. However, these come with high interest rates and are not recommended for gambling, especially in the spur of the moment when there is a desire to access more cash to play with.
Cash advances from casino ATMs can be a little more involved too. Typically, a cash advance will involve the machine printing out a receipt which is then taken over to the cage to get it converted to cash. That will involve an ID check at the same time for security.
Another reason why a person may have to go to the cage for cash, is because they have hit the maximum withdrawal limit on their debit card. More funds could be available from the account, of course and this is another form of advance.
So if you are trying to get your hands on some quick cash to enter a poker tournament that’s starting in five minutes, the process of getting cash could take longer than that. Give yourself just a little extra time when using a casino ATM, because even in the instance where a machine is short of £20 notes, for example, it may again print a receipt to take to the cage.
Minimums and Maximums
Another tricky thing could catch people out when using casino ATMs is a higher minimum withdrawal amount. At local cash points, people can typically pull out as little as £10, but in a casino there may be something like a £60 minimum withdrawal amount.
Given that the fees are higher on casino ATMs pulling more money out actually makes greater sense. Assessing a £6 fee for £60 is going to feel a lot tougher to swallow than a £6 fee for a £100 withdrawal. But it’s a good idea to plan for exactly how much you’ll need and maximum withdrawals will vary between casinos and ATM operators.
More Than an ATM
A lot of casino ATMs are more complex than regular High Street ones because they may not only dispense cash but will redeem winning tickets from slot machines as well. Bill breaking is another feature that’s typically found on casino ATMs, something which isn’t present on local cash points.
The Key Difference
The main difference that people will notice however is the fees. But this is to be expected because you are walking into an establishment where everything, from a cup of coffee to fast food, comes at a premium price.
Casino ATMs provide a convenient service and players should be well aware of those fees and budget for them. The alternative is getting your hands on cash first before heading to a casino, but while that will be cheaper, it comes with different risks of driving or walking around with the cash before ever stepping foot in the gambling hall.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or gambling advice. Always gamble responsibly and be aware of local regulations regarding cash withdrawals and gambling transactions. Fees, policies, and regulations may vary by location.