Ticket-in, ticket-out

Ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) is a technology used in more modern slot machines. Originally developed by International Game Technology (IGT) and Casino Data Systems (CDS)^[1] under the name EZ Pay, a TITO slot machine prints out a barcoded slip of paper, which can then either be redeemed for cash, or inserted for play into other TITO machines.

Overview

Ticket-in, ticket out (TITO) machines are used in casino slot machines to print out a slip of paper with a barcode indicating the amount of money represented. These can in turn be redeemed for cash at an automated kiosk.^[2] The machines utilize a barcode scanner built into the bill acceptor, a thermal ticket printer in place of a coin hopper (some rare machines are set up to pay with coins if the payout is less than the payout limit, and to print a ticket in situations where a handpay would normally be required) and a network interface to communicate with a central system that tracks tickets.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any system, TITO has its share of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Hopper fills for TITO machines are virtually eliminated.
• Casino patrons no longer have to wait for an attendant to perform a hand pay for large payouts.
• Makes multi-denomination gaming machines possible.
• Streamlines accounting procedures due to reduced cash handling^[3]
• Enables ticketed bonusing, coupons and drawings.

Disadvantages

• May cause some people to disassociate gambling using tickets from gambling using cash, in much the same way "credits" are indicated on some machines rather than a cash value.
• Tickets can be easier to misplace than a large bucket of coins.
• The lack of the sound of a big coin pay out is a turnoff for some players. Due to this, manufacturers added multimedia sound to the machines to reproduce the sound of coins falling when a prize hits.

References

External links

• EZ Pay Ticket System – Overview