There are multiple reasons why cash continues to dominate in casinos, particularly in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Handling physical money gives players a sense of control over their spending, since notes and coins set a clear and visible limit. Losses also feel more tangible, which helps discourage reckless betting. 

Many players value the privacy cash provides, as it leaves no digital footprint compared with card payments, bank transfers, or mobile apps. Additionally, the physical act of handing over cash creates a psychological pause, slowing down impulsive decisions at the tables or machines.

From an operational standpoint, cash provides simplicity and reliability. Transactions are instant, free from network dependencies, and avoid processing fees. Casinos benefit from smoother social interactions, like tipping staff directly, and simpler budgeting. Older demographics, accustomed to traditional payment methods, feel more comfortable using cash.

The push to promote online options 

Despite these advantages, European regulators and operators are increasingly exploring cashless options. Over the last few years, the UK, Malta, and Nordic countries, gaming rules have been modernised to accommodate digital wallets while maintaining strict anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling safeguards. Advanced Ticket-In, Ticket-Out (TITO) systems now allow electronic credits across multiple machines, and contactless card or mobile payments have been introduced in many casinos.

Digital platforms also provide multi-currency handling, automated loyalty programmes, and real-time account tracking, enhancing operational efficiency and player protection far beyond cash-based systems. Yet, the transition to cashless transactions remains slow.

The underlying problems 

To understand why adoption remains slow, experts point to a complex mix of regulation, player behaviour, and tradition. Riaan Van Rooyen, an iGaming expert & CEO of Aria Group International, explains that even in markets with strong digital adoption, casinos remain a different environment.

“Despite online options, cash isn’t disappearing anytime soon,”

– Rian Van Rooyen, CEO, Aria Group International

Speaking to SiGMA News over the issue, Van Rooyen stated, “Players, especially older ones, perceive cash as more ‘real’ and manageable. In South-East Asia, I’ve seen similar behaviour: consumers may use e-wallets for groceries, but on the casino floor, cash still feels trusted. The sluggish adoption isn’t technological; it’s cultural, regulatory, and operational all rolled into one.”

Furthermore, Regulators often cite AML and responsible gambling safeguards as reasons for caution. Van Rooyen noted, “These concerns are valid, but it’s about sequencing. Digital systems provide more traceability than cash. In Asia, hybrid e-wallet pilots allowed operators to flag irregular play patterns far faster than manual cash reports. Once safeguards align with digital transparency, the efficiency benefits are undeniable.”

No single and unified regulation at place 

Fragmented regulations and legacy infrastructure are also slowing down the transition. Unlike the US, where Nevada or New Jersey can pilot cashless initiatives in a unified framework, Europe’s patchwork of jurisdictions presents varied tax, licencing, and banking systems. Many Southern and Eastern European casinos continue to operate on legacy slot accounting systems that don’t integrate easily with modern digital payment technology. Operators, wary of alienating loyal cash-preferring customers, often adopt a cautious approach.

Market pressures, however, are mounting. Younger, tech-savvy players increasingly benchmark casino experiences against retail convenience—tap-and-go payments, QR codes, and instant e-wallet top-ups. Van Rooyen warned, “Operators that lag risk losing market share. If a neighbouring casino offers faster digital onboarding, players will switch, especially in competitive regions like Spain, the UK, and the Baltics.”

Operational risk under consideration 

Cost considerations further complicate the picture. Cashless systems reduce operational risks associated with cash handling, including armoured transport, cage management, staff training, and shrinkage. Sharing his personal experience, Van Rooyen added, “In one mid-sized property, for shifting part of the floor to digital wallets saved close to 20 percent in cash handling costs. So, Integration costs are upfront, but once the system scales, efficiencies outweigh initial hurdles. It’s short-term pain for long-term gain.”

Player resistance hinders online push

Looking ahead, analysts predict that hybrid models combining cash and digital payments will dominate the Euro-Med casino floor for at least the next decade. Closed-loop ecosystems using wallets, RFID, or QR codes will appear in select jurisdictions, particularly Northern Europe, but cash is unlikely to disappear completely.

In the end, Van Rooyen concluded, “Even in Singapore, with high e-wallet penetration, casinos maintain cash infrastructure because a portion of players insist on it. Europe will follow the same path: digital will grow, hybrid will become the norm, and cash will slowly fade but never vanish entirely.”

A bag of problems or an opportunity? 

The adoption of cashless payments in Euro-Med casinos has been gradual, shaped mainly by tradition, regulation, and customer habits. While digital systems promise efficiency, transparency, and stronger safeguards for players, operators remain cautious, striking a balance between innovation and cultural and operational realities.

So the “sluggishness” isn’t technological, it’s cultural, regulatory, and operational all rolled into one. For now, cash still dominates the casino floor. However, as a younger population overtakes the traditional players, and regulators work to harmonise rules across jurisdictions, hybrid models that combine cash and digital options are expected to gain traction, providing a safer and more adaptable gaming environment.