Massachusetts to Test Pre-Commitment Technology in Slots

The new slots parlor in Massachusetts owned by Penn National Gaming is going to be the first gaming facility in the United States to test the pre-commitment technology in slot machines called Play My Way. The purpose of this technology is to set spending limits when playing slots and to reduce the problem gambling behavior in the state.

Last week the state’s Gaming Commission made the announcement that the Plainridge Park Casino will deploy the new Play My Way technology at the end of May this year. The casino was the first land based casino gaming venue in Massachusetts when it opened its doors in June 2015.

What Is It About?

The pre-commitment technology Play My Way was created and developed in Massachusetts with the money donated by the new casino operators in the state. With it slot players can set betting limits on how much they want to spend on a machine by inserting their reward card given by the casino at the beginning of their play.

Afterwards, when a player spends 50% of his money he will be notified by an on screen message automatically. The same reminder will show up on the screen when he spends 75% and again when he reaches his bankroll limit. However, when players reach their set spending limits, they are not barred from further play. The limits can be adjusted and they can leave a game at any time.

Will the Pre-Commitment Technology Be Effective?

There are mixed opinions about this. In countries where the pre-commitment technology has already been deployed, such as Australia, video poker slot machines also known as pokies are still deemed a national scourge.

The American Gaming Association, a national land based casino lobbing group, also said that they are having doubts about the effectiveness of the Play My Way technology, however, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is determined to find out about this on their won.

If Play My Way proves to be effective and reduces problem gambling to some extent, the other brick and mortar casinos in the state currently in development, namely MGM Resorts owned MGM Springfield, Wynn Boston Harbor by Wynn Resorts and the First Light Casino owned by Mashpee Wampanoag, will be obliged to implement the technology when their facilities open their doors.