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Lottery Approves New Paper Tickets for Slot Machines
Gamblers at West Virginia's racetracks soon will be able to switch from slot machine to slot machine simply by inserting a piece of paper instead of lugging coins around. The Lottery Commission approved the use of 'ticket-in, ticket-out' slot machines on Tuesday following racetrack operators request for the new technology. The new machines feature paper tickets with a bar code that allow gamblers to receive credits on one machine by inserting winning tickets from a different machine.
Some machines give players the option of using either the current coin-drop method or the 'ticket-in, ticket-out' method. "Some customers really like the coin-drop, and some customers don't like messing with coins," said Wendell Turner, a Charleston lawyer and lobbyist for Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Center in Chester. Each track will decide how many machines will be coin-drop, 'ticket-in, ticket-out' and traditional paper ticket. Traditional paper tickets must be cashed in to receive winnings.
Lottery Director John Musgrave said the new ticket machines will reduce the tracks' overhead costs. Coin-drop machines, which were approved by the Legislature in 1999, must be refilled periodically and floor attendants must assist gamblers who win jackpots exceeding the amount of coins in the machines. "They can cut overhead costs considerably by just not handling coins," he said.
SOURCE: Associated Press
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