Part III: Business & Regulation · Banking, Chips & Financial Operations

Soft Count

Count ProcessesREPORTED

(1) The soft count is the secure process of opening, counting, and recording the contents of table game drop boxes and slot machine cash storage boxes in a controlled count room environment. The “soft” designation refers to the handling of paper items (currency, tickets, coupons, documents) that require minimal physical force. The soft count is performed by a minimum three-person count team, supervised by a count room supervisor, under continuous audio-video surveillance. Count team members wear pocketless garments and follow strict procedures including hand exposure requirements. Each drop box is opened individually, its contents are emptied, sorted, counted by denomination, and recorded on a Master Game Report or Slot Cash Storage Box Report before proceeding to the next box. (2) The process of counting non-negotiable gaming revenue, specifically the currency and TITO tickets removed from slot machine drop boxes. During the soft count, collected drop boxes are opened in a secure count room, and their contents (cash and tickets) are counted, verified, and recorded. The soft count total is compared against the machine meter readings to identify and investigate any discrepancies. The “soft” designation distinguishes this process from “hard count” (coin counting), which has become largely obsolete with TITO. Soft count rooms operate under strict security protocols including dual-control procedures and continuous surveillance monitoring. (3) The process of opening, counting, and recording the paper currency and wagering instruments (checks, coupons, vouchers) collected from table games drop boxes and slot bill acceptor canisters. The soft count is performed in a secure count room with minimum three employees, continuous surveillance recording, and strict access controls. The results are recorded on a Master Game Report or Slot Cash Storage Box Report, which becomes the official record of gaming revenue for tax and financial reporting purposes.

In practice

Soft count is typically performed daily in the early morning hours when slot play is lowest. Discrepancies between soft count totals and meter readings exceeding defined thresholds must be reported to gaming regulators in many jurisdictions. The soft count room is physically separated from the gaming floor with controlled single entry. Dual-control procedures apply to all movements, opening, counting, and sealing activities. The term “soft” refers to the handling of paper currency (bills) rather than coin. In most U.S. jurisdictions, soft count procedures are mandated by state gaming regulations with specific requirements for team composition, recording, and documentation.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary, 1,090 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.