In the past here on Flip The Switch, we’ve shared why it’s important to (almost) always use your players card. But despite that, there’s always a percentage of those gambling on the casino floor that do so without a players card.
Whereas those playing with cards is generally known as carded play, or rated play, the inverse of those playing without a card is known as uncarded, or unrated, play.
Generally speaking, it is in casinos’ best interest to have as many players playing with their cards in machines or handed over to the pit boss as possible. The reason is simple: Data. The more data they have on a player, the more they can tailor casino offers to entice a player back to their casino for another visit.
In turn, those offers are effectively an incentive for players to use the card – the more casinos know about your play, and the more play that is tracked, the better the rewards tend to be. If part of all of your play isn’t tracked through uncarded play, the casino has no way to know it’s you, and therefore to credit you for that play through your offers.
How much is on the line? Casino offers can often make up between 20 and 40 percent of the expected play from a visit, allocated out among things like free play, hotel rooms and resort credits. Over time this can add up to be significant.
One reason many don’t play without a card is because they believe they’re more likely to win without one, or that casinos are manipulating outcomes based on the use of a card. We’ve confirmed with those who make the machines that such a feature doesn’t exist, and regulations don’t allow for this anyway.
This is why we recommend players use their cards – without them, you’re effectively giving the casino that offer budget back without getting anything in return. That’s a bad deal in exchange for fear of slot payout manipulation – we should all take what we can get from the casino, and if that means using the card, it’s worth it.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
