Question of the Day - 15 June 2025

[Editor's Note: David McKee gets the credit for this QoD.]

We’re afraid the answer is “yes.” However, we had to find out by asking Dr. Google, since the ticket industry responded to us with a deafening silence.

We phoned and emailed four major manufacturers of TITO vouchers: Graphic Controls Transactional Media, Gaming Tickets, Slot-Tickets Worldwide, and International Game Technology. Not one would answer our query as to whether their slot scrip incorporated Bisphenol-S.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency explains, “The receipts we receive when we buy groceries, prescriptions, gas, clothing, restaurant meals, and much more are generally printed on thermal paper coated with either Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS). BPA and BPS are developer chemicals that assist in the heat-activated printing process.”

Bisphenol, it continues, can be absorbed through the skin. In particular, Bisphenol-A has been connected to reproductive dangers, obesity, and attention disorders. The risks are connected to the use of thermal paper, not plain bond paper. “Thermal paper is thin with a slick feel or sheen finish and discolors easily when scratched with a coin or paperclip,” says the MPCA.

Slot makers that want to avoid Bisphenol-related hazards have an easy alternative: Switch to phenol-free paper. It’s not as slick and glossy as thermal paper, but it wouldn't pose a health risk.

Another option is to go paperless. Your TITO voucher could be electronically transmitted to you via email or text. The technology exists. It would save casinos and slot makers a lot of money (and paper waste). In the big hoo-ha over server-based slots 15 years ago, much heavy weather was made over being able to transmit comp rewards directly to slot machines, but eticketing seems not to have been considered.

In the meantime, pass up getting a printed receipt whenever possible and, if you must handle one, do it as little as you can. Given the dawning liability issues, we’re surprised casinos and their suppliers haven’t been hip to the Bisphenol crisis, but we’re hopeful they soon will be.