Ah, such a simple little question; such a nightmare to answer! And we'll start by saying that whoever submitted this one owes QoD a beer (domestic will suffice; we're not fussy.)
Having called no less than 18 casino slot departments, the general consensus is that no one knows. Along the way, we received an array of interesting responses, including: "We haven't received that information yet" (Bally's); "I have no idea" (too many to mention); "We know we're having trouble with the 2006 ones" (LVH); "You'll have to ask the front desk" (the D); "The validators won't accept them if they're not real" (Palazzo); "You'll have to ask whoever is generating them" (Mermaids -- a slots-only casino we figured would know if anyone did, and that response was from head office!); and "That's a very good question" (Golden Gate).
Yes, much as you doubtless considered this an obvious, innocuous, and easy-to-answer query, our heart sank when we read it, since we knew we'd need to address it sooner or later and, from past experience, were pretty sure we also knew what to expect once we dared try.
For one thing, actually finding a slot human who isn't on voicemail, or who is but returns a call, is something akin to locating the Holy Grail. Still, this is "QoD" and we have our reputation to protect and a duty to go where others fear to tread, so we bit on the bullet and took the plunge (if that's not mixing too many metaphors).
In fairness to the Golden Gate, the supervisor we spoke with there was delightful, and at least was aware of what we were talking about. She followed up the, "That's a good question" with the explanation that their casino has yet to see one of the newly designed hundred-dollar bills (not surprising, since they won't enter circulation until October 8), but she assured us that their machines will definitely be upgraded if necessary.
Back-tracking for a moment, as referenced above we actually tackled the exact same question back in 2008 when the new $5 bill was introduced, so here's a recap of what we learned then:
All bill validators need to be upgraded to accept the new $5 bill. We spoke with a helpful slot supervisor at the Tuscany, who explained that their machines fall into two categories. Some have a chip in them that needs to be physically replaced; others can be upgraded using software in a hand-held device that plugs into a USB port in the validator and the whole process takes just a couple of minutes per machine. They have 1,000 in total and he estimates it'll take a few days to switch them all over. The upgrade software/chips are provided by the slot manufacturer.
Paris/Bally's had already completed the procedure when we spoke with their slot techs and it took two dedicated workers two days to upgrade all 2,400 machines on both casino floors, with other techs also lending a helping hand. The machines didn't all need to be individually changed; in many instances a whole bank could be upgraded simultaneously.
While the old $5 remains legal tender, the machines will continue to accept both notes; only if the Treasury Dept. takes a bill out of circulation will the slot machines need to be upgraded again to reject it.
Five years is a long time when it comes to technological innovation, however, and we could see how things were evolving back then, so were curious as to the current state of play. 18 phone calls later (actually, more like 25, since some places referred us to other departments that they were unable to connect us with), curious we remain! Still, some of the better-than-useless feedback from yesterday's call-around included that from the very helpful Robert at the Orleans, who explained that their validators are all currently being replaced (coincidentally, from what we could gather) and that the new ones do accept the new notes, and the person with whom we spoke at South Point, who confirmed that their's have already been upgraded. Tuscany is aware of the new bill, but is still waiting on getting the required upgrade program to affect the changeover, while Red Rock confirmed that in the past a hardware change had been necessary, but with the newer validators now in place, they don't know if an upgrade will be necessary or not until they physically have the new bill in their possession. Fair enough.
All other slot departments we would humbly direct to the page on the U.S. Treasury site specifically for the casino industry -- yes, there is one! -- and encourage them to get with the program, because October 8 is not that far away... In particular, there's an article that was posted on September 10 titled, Are you ready for the new $100 bill?, the answer to which in Las Vegas appears currently to be a resounding "No!"
