Pertaining to non-U.S. citizens, why do some casinos insist on only using a passport as ID to issue a player’s card? Recently, at Circa, Resorts World, and Rampart, I’ve been refused a player’s card without a passport. I’ve used my foreign drivers license as ID at numerous other casinos, which consult an “ID book” detailing what overseas driver’s licenses look like. I saw this book at the M when having a player’s card issued. I asked why I needed a passport at Resorts World, to be advised, “That’s the law.” Well, it’s not.
[Editor's Note: This answer is written by a casino boss of our acquaintance who wishes to remain anonymous.]
There are a few important points to touch on here.
First, the casinos are allowed to set their own requirements for joining their rewards program. Obtaining a rewards card isn't regulated the same way legal-gaming activity is. As frustrating as it may be, if they tell you a passport is a requirement, it is -- for them.
Second, the ID book mentioned in the question is not what a lot of people (some casino staff included) think it is. Yes, this book contains pictures and information about state- or government-issued IDs from all around the country and the world. But there's a misconception that if it's in the book, it's all good.
Not so. The purpose of the ID book isn't to determine what IDs are acceptable for gaming in Nevada. Rather, it's issued nationwide for the purpose of spotting counterfeit IDs. A plethora of IDs in the book aren't acceptable at the tables. State-issued ID cards, voter-registration cards from Mexico, and ID cards from overseas (casinos usually accept only driver's licenses) are all listed in the book for the purpose of determining if an ID is fake. Along with photos, it has details on watermarks, placement of dates and information, and anything else that makes a specific ID unique.
As far as the law goes, it's my understanding that the law requires certain information for an ID to be "acceptable." A birthdate, an issue date, and an expiration date are all required. Some international IDs do not have expiration dates. So in the case of the casinos you mentioned, making a flat rule that only passports are acceptable eliminates any "maybes." It removes employee discretion as to which countries and which IDs are acceptable. It streamlines their ID training and makes it easier for anyone on their staff who is responsible for checking IDs, including the rewards representative.
It might not be convenient, but this is a trend that will likely continue for other places as well, as it does simplify things.
Of course, it's in our nature to feel slighted when rules like this come up. But that's just the way it is. I can assure you that the staff at Circa, Resorts World, and other casinos get no pleasure from refusing to accept an ID and turning people away. That's a no-win for everyone. Sometimes rules suck.
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Andrea
Mar-14-2023
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Donzack
Mar-14-2023
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