Apple Pay continues its rollout across the US with a stop in Las Vegas. The Cosmopolitan resort has announced that Apple Pay will be accepted at the hotels’ front desk, restaurants and bars by early June. Room service can also be streamlined using Apple Pay, as the concierge service will also accept Apple Pay as a payment method. This means that you can pay with your iPhone or even your Apple Watch.
It’s unclear if you will be able to gamble directly with Apple Pay — most casinos limit chips purchasing to cash only transactions. Or if credit cards are accepted, the payments are marked as cash advances so there are no ways to turn quick money. It is not known if the establishment can or will support this kind of transaction through Apple Pay.
In a statement, The Cosmopolitan marketing officer said:
“As always, we are thrilled to lead the market with a new component to a Las Vegas experience that makes everything a bit faster and a great deal easier”.
Apple’s market power has pushed Apple Pay quickly across America, with thousands of accepting merchants. Over 200 banks and credit unions now support Apple Pay. There is still no news about an international Apple Pay rollout, however. Cook said it wants to get Apple Pay internationally by the end of the year.
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This is great news that a leading casino is taking this step.
Given the Hard Rock’s Casino’s recent data breach and Fire Rock’s Casinos in the midwest they are likely targets. The retail space in Las Vegas is seeing significant Merchant adoption and with hotels like the Marriott jumping on board this is good growth.
Given Las Vegas large proportion of over seas visitors who will be more likely to have contactless as well this is a good move for the Cosmopolitan. They have excellent restaurants, shows, retail and lodging there.
I believe I read that Gambling and Adult Entertainment (Strip Clubs) are prohibited merchant categories for Apple Pay. But obviously not for Visa/MC, etc. So it is no surprise that the gambling is not part of the equation.
That’s a gold mine right there, baby…