Part IV: People & Technology · Casino Personnel & Organizational Hierarchy

Soft Count

Cage / Vault

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

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 — 1,157 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.