Member card in physical casinos, better or worse?

[alani123]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.
But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.
This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

[Findingnemo]

I don't know whether it is to track the player's wagering habit but what I know is it is to make them forget how much they are wagering, once they reload the money into the card they just keep on wagering for one more time when it's a win and when it is a loss but that might be less when we use real hard cash. The same logic of swiping cards and pay with real cash at the cash counter, there is difference and some kind of guilt feel will be there when we spend more that what we planned if we count and pay them.

[alani123]

I don't know whether it is to track the player's wagering habit but what I know is it is to make them forget how much they are wagering, once they reload the money into the card they just keep on wagering for one more time when it's a win and when it is a loss but that might be less when we use real hard cash. The same logic of swiping cards and pay with real cash at the cash counter, there is difference and some kind of guilt feel will be there when we spend more that what we planned if we count and pay them.

There exist also some casinos who still let you deposit cash but winnings are put in your balance which as you say again is very easy to spend a digital balance without considering how much you're depositing physically. It's just the press of s button to lose it.

So even the casinos with the old machines thought to upgrade them to membership cards machines while still keeping the cash slot for the initial deposit.

[Russlenat]

Depends on how that card is being used, but even if they track your activity I don’t think it’s a big deal. You’re still playing under their system anyway they already know who’s winning and who’s losing.

The main purpose of those casino cards is really just to make things more convenient for players, which in turn makes you gamble more. Nothing deeper than that, I guess. Whether it turns out good or bad really depends on how we handle it.

[moneystery]

...
I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

We know that when something changes at a physical casino, they must have something behind it... but I think it's more about tracking user activity, because using the card means the casino can monitor players playing habits, the games they spend on, and many other things, and all this information is very important for the casino's marketing strategy and business operations.
And for users, this might make it easier for them to play, as they can deposit money onto the card, and rewards, bonuses, and various offers will be automatically credited to their account. but we are aware that it can also cause players to lose control over their spending and playtime-- with easy deposits and tracking of rewards, players might be tempted to play longer, which would be increasingly beneficial for the casino in the long run.

[Beparanf]

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

We don’t know exactly if that speculation is true but I believe the main purpose of member card is for AML policy requirements to track player spending to avoid potential money laundering.

This records is helpful for local authorities in case they are suspecting someone for money laundering. A recent case on Philippines that a corrupt government official use casino to launder stolen funds from the government.

Additionally, it’s for the VIP benefits tracker.

[danherbias07]

That will be a risky move for them, and there's a chance it won't work. The gamblers who played at that physical casino with small balances could exit after winning, which means losses for the casino. There's no assurance they will be back to gamble more. It's not like it is an online casino that could be accessed as often as we want.

Physical casinos are mostly far from residential areas because of the area restriction rules. It will be a big gamble for them if they let them win just to lure them back or other gamblers to the casino.

[cxtreenal]

You made an important point. I never thought of it this way. I thought membership cards were only for debit or credit. It can track you because they can read your records. If casinos use these tracking techniques, it should be a crime, but it might be happening without you knowing.
I doubt that casinos can track those gamblers and do any manipulation because most of the technology in physical casinos is still behind. Most casinos favor new gamblers.

[Cointxz]

You made an important point. I never thought of it this way. I thought membership cards were only for debit or credit. It can track you because they can read your records. If casinos use these tracking techniques, it should be a crime, but it might be happening without you knowing.
I doubt that casinos can track those gamblers and do any manipulation because most of the technology in physical casinos is still behind. Most casinos favor new gamblers.

There’s no way it’s a crime to track their players records especially expenses on the casino. It’s their responsibility to do it as part of being a regulated casino.

It’s a crime if they release their players records especially expenses to do public without their consent but on this case this just a regular tracker.

I’m also curious how a physical casino can allow players to win big as if they have control on the all their game results because their machine and facility typically being audited by a license provider.

[Justbillywitt]

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Like you said, the casinos are just trying to make sure that they keep statistics of their customers physical customers, same way they have records of their online customers. It's just about gathering database. I don't believe that the casino intention of doing this is to lure new players by giving them big wins, or are you trying to say that it is the casinos that decide if gamblers should win bets or not?

[libert19]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.

But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.

This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I don't know if it's that deep, everywhere I go these days, it's all digital cash, and rarely a cash is being used. I think it's just evolution. Even from user perspective, digital payments are easier to keep track of compared to cash (this sounds as if I responded in economics section).

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Do you mean casinos manipulating results in user's favor at first? If so, that's shady, and one should stay away from such casinos.

[Dave1]

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Since I also frequented local casinos, yes I have a physical card that I've used to play and earn points. I just do insert in on the machine let's say in slot games or give it to the dealer in games live baccarat and roulette. It's obvious that this card can track which games you regularly played and obviously, they can send you sms to give you updates on new games and what not.

So I do agree that this is being used to track your activity and then you lure you. One thing I'm positive though is that you are earning points and then you can convert this point to real money and play, sort of rakeback like in online. I say positive because my wife was able to win big thru that points in one of those days and went home very happy.

[woez]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.
But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.
This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

It seems like casino owners are implementing additional rules. Yeah, I agree with your assumption above. At first glance, this improved pattern seems elegant, as you already have a membership card and can collect the small rewards they offer. However, the downside is also present because we're easily tracked and read because everything is automatically entered into their database.

Maybe It's better to bring small amounts of money and play sparingly, even if there are rewards, just ignore them rather than continue to be trapped by their small prizes, which will encourage us to play even more.

[Slow death]

Nowadays, all companies use aggressive marketing, not just casinos. Companies nowadays don't care about their customers' privacy. They want to know everything about their customers so they can offer what they need or want, and that way, companies can have regular customers. The struggle of companies nowadays is to have regular customers, someone they know will consume their product constantly.

Casinos also want regular customers, especially customers who have a lot of money to spend at the casino. That's why they keep offering VIP cards to rich and regular customers with exclusive benefits so that the rich don't stop using the casino constantly.

[rdbase]

Things are going virtual nowadays and the physical brick and mortar casinos are not an exception to this fact to the longest running industry.
They are simply changing with the times and now more than ever with A.I taking away jobs from those industry workers are more prevalent in it's history.

Just seen a live dealer show up on a live casino stream but in an animated form.
This is a new concept that I have been interested in following for awhile now.
And all the sudden the other day this wish had been granted with Animo Sky Roulette and Port Roulette.

[cryptoaddictchie]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.
But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.
This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Thats not the case in our country. I can play on casino even not registering with them. I dont know if theres a require membership if were to chip in some money (minimum) but so far I didnt asked to register for that purpose but they encourage users to register to br able to take advantage of the perks of being a member. If the casino got some suspicious approach like that then people will be hesitant. Maybe for some in other countries.

[btc_angela]

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

We don’t know exactly if that speculation is true but I believe the main purpose of member card is for AML policy requirements to track player spending to avoid potential money laundering.

This records is helpful for local authorities in case they are suspecting someone for money laundering. A recent case on Philippines that a corrupt government official use casino to launder stolen funds from the government.

Additionally, it’s for the VIP benefits tracker.

Lol, no, physical cards in the casino are used to understand your betting pattern. If it is being used then everyone will be required to have the card, it's not a requirement so for sure you haven't been in one land base casinos.

You can even fake your identity if you wanted to and get that card. In the Philippines they uses fake identity right?

VIP and regular players are too different as well. Like in online, VIP has certain level that you need to achieved and you should be playing in the VIP section of the casino although you can go out and play in the regular table.

It's used is to really track the games you played and then offered you perks for free hotel accomodations or used your points and get freebies.

[TravelMug]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.
But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.
This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Thats not the case in our country. I can play on casino even not registering with them. I dont know if theres a require membership if were to chip in some money (minimum) but so far I didnt asked to register for that purpose but they encourage users to register to br able to take advantage of the perks of being a member. If the casino got some suspicious approach like that then people will be hesitant. Maybe for some in other countries.

That's correct, I have cards in our local casinos, but sometimes I will forgot it and play or there were days that I will forget to removed it in last slot games that I played then I will get another one the next time that I will play, and everything is intact, with my points in it.

So it's not like everyone that goes to the casino will have to registered. Maybe others see it as a privilege, but maybe there are some who are concern about the casinos knowing them that's why they played without the card.

[Lanatsa]

Physical casinos used to be able to be played without an account and just cash. This was one of the main advantages.
But probably they realized that tracking player habits even on the individual level was too valuable to miss and started making player accounts mandatory.

Now to play at any machine at a physical casino, you can't just drip some cash in, you need to insert a card.
This way the casino knows who has played what, which game you won what on etc.

I'm having a suspicion some casinos might even use their ability to track player to lure new players in with bigger wins only at first runs with small balances. What do you think?

Thats not the case in our country. I can play on casino even not registering with them. I dont know if theres a require membership if were to chip in some money (minimum) but so far I didnt asked to register for that purpose but they encourage users to register to br able to take advantage of the perks of being a member. If the casino got some suspicious approach like that then people will be hesitant. Maybe for some in other countries.

That's correct, I have cards in our local casinos, but sometimes I will forgot it and play or there were days that I will forget to removed it in last slot games that I played then I will get another one the next time that I will play, and everything is intact, with my points in it.

So it's not like everyone that goes to the casino will have to registered. Maybe others see it as a privilege, but maybe there are some who are concern about the casinos knowing them that's why they played without the card.

Casinos moving from pure cash play to player accounts and cards is part of a larger shift toward data tracking and customer profiling years ago the appeal of physical casinos was the anonymity you could walk in with cash, play, win or lose, and walk out without leaving a trace now most major casinos want to know exactly who is playing, what games they prefer, how long they stay, and how much they spend all that information helps them design loyalty programs, adjust machine settings, and even tailor promotions to individual habits. The suspicion that casinos might use player tracking to manipulate early wins isn’t impossible but it’s hard to prove legally machines and digital systems are regulated to maintain certain payout percentages however, casinos are businesses and they do use psychological tactics to keep players engaged new or returning players might notice streaks of small wins early on, not because the machine is “rigged,” but because of random variance combined with reward patterns designed to encourage more play.

In some countries the system is stricter and you must have a membership card for almost everything even inserting cash requires one that’s mainly for tax and anti money laundering regulations not just marketing but in other places like yours, it’s optional members get perks like free spins, meals, or hotel discounts while others can still play anonymously if they prefer.

[Darker45]

If a membership card means you will have to provide personal information, that must be bad. Having a membership card means you'll have an account in the casino. Although aliases are a common thing--even the casino itself would facilitate your membership with fake identities--it's probably giving you problems in the long run. It could even be used by the casino against you in the event of conflict.

I wonder why everything has a membership card nowadays, even stores and pizzeria have it.