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

59. Soft Count

Count Processes

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.

In practice

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.

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.