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

38. Check Cashing

Credit & Markers

Check cashing in a casino context refers to the service provided at the cage where patrons can cash personal checks, traveler’s checks, cashier’s checks, or other negotiable instruments in exchange for cash or chips. Casinos that offer check cashing must follow strict procedures including verifying the patron’s identity, confirming the check includes the patron’s name and current address, and for personal checks, verifying the patron’s check cashing authority. Many casinos use third-party check guarantee services that verify account balances and guarantee payment, reducing the casino’s risk of accepting bad checks. Checks that are cashed but not immediately deposited (“held checks”) may be subject to additional credit line requirements and internal controls.

In practice

Casinos using check guarantee services must follow the service provider’s procedures. If a guarantee service is used and its procedures are followed, the casino’s internal verification requirements may be waived under NIGC regulations.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 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.