Star Entertainment Group, an Australian company, has recently faced issues with its slot machines after upgrading systems in preparation for a transition to cashless gaming. The company made the decision to shut off all slot machines at its casinos in Brisbane, Sydney, and the Gold Coast after encountering performance problems following the system upgrade.
The decision to turn off the slot machines has resulted in a significant drop in revenue for Star casinos. This move was made to ensure compliance with regulations and to uphold the company’s commitment to safer gambling practices. Star Entertainment Group is currently working with Konami, the external provider of the slot machines, to resolve the issues and get the machines back up and running as soon as possible.
While the slot machines are offline, other operations at the casinos, such as table games, restaurants, and bars, remain open to guests. The introduction of cashless gaming at Star casinos requires players to scan a card to verify their age and identity before being able to use cash on the machines. This new system is aimed at combating money laundering and identifying problematic gambling behavior.
Star Entertainment Group has until the end of August to ensure that the necessary changes for cashless gaming are fully implemented. The company believes that these new measures will not only improve security and compliance but also enhance the overall gambling experience for patrons.
Overall, the temporary shutdown of slot machines at Star casinos highlights the challenges that come with transitioning to cashless gaming and the importance of addressing performance issues promptly to minimize disruptions for both the company and its customers.