It seems pretty obvious from the outset. First was the quarter, then the greenback note and now Bally's are looking to develop techonology that enables credit card play via a player's casino club card.

The 3 links - between the credit card, the loyalty card and the slot macine is required to ensure players don't swallow their entire credit limit in one go.

He said it will take from nine to 12 months to develop the product, after which it will be tested in a single casino for up to three months.

The companies have begun discussions with state casino regulators which will have to approve the technology, Rumbolz said, adding that the joint venture partners believe their technology will allow gamblers to set a budget for gambling

However, if and when this technology goes through its seems to be only a matter of time until that middle-man loyalty card will be swapped for direct cash links between the credit or debit card and the slot machine

Article: Bally venture aims to link credit cards to slots