Harrah's Moves Away from Coins to Ticket Machines

The sound of winning at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is about to change. The company is trading in its old coin payout system for new printed tickets that use bar codes to record winnings.

And while the famous sound of coins striking a metal hopper will disappear, the quiet — and clean — tickets are winning customers over.

“I like it better,” said Sara Waldroop, a Macon County resident who plays at Harrah’s Cherokee. “When you go to Biloxi or some other casino, they give you those tickets and it’s so much easier than standing in line at the cashier or waiting for somebody to come and fill the machine.”

The changeover at Harrah’s Cherokee is 83 percent complete with 600 machines to go, General Manager Darold Londo said Monday. On Dec. 8, the $10, $25 and $100 coins will be worthless. Anyone with the coins needs to spend them by that day.

Most other casino companies are phasing out coin slot machines. Harrah’s, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, offers slot machines and video card games.

David Strow, a spokesman with Las Vegas-based Harrah’s Entertainment, said the move toward ticket payouts is a company-wide plan. Harrah’s operates 37 casinos.

“It’s a much, much more convenient way to play,” he said.