205 Mass. Reg. 138.40

Current through Register 1523, June 7, 2024

Section 138.40 - Procedure for Acceptance of Checks, Cash Equivalents, Wire Transfers, and Credit/Debit Cards; Issuance of Counter Checks

A system of internal controls submitted by a gaming licensee, in accordance with 205 CMR 138.02, shall include policies and procedures relative to the acceptance of checks and cash equivalents presented by patrons, and the issuance of counter checks to patrons for gaming purposes. These policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) The specific locations in the gaming establishment where patron deposits may be received;

(2) The specific form of deposits that will be accepted including cash, chips, plaques, slot tokens, jackpots, tournament winnings, casino checks, personal checks, certified checks, traveler's checks, wire transfers, electronic fund transfers, money orders, and other cash equivalents. Provided, procedures shall be included to ensure that the gaming licensee does not accept or cash government-issued checks, or third party checks, other than bank issued cashier's checks or travelers checks;

(3) Identification requirements at such time that a patron deposits funds, including controls in place to assure that any cash received on deposit is done so in accordance with required currency transaction reporting and anti-money laundering criteria;

(4) Specific policies and procedures for patron deposit accounts if they will be utilized by the gaming licensee including the permitted uses of funds placed on deposit to include, but not be limited to, in exchange for chips, tokens or other forms of gaming value, to establish a deposit account against which future draws may be made, and as payment towards outstanding counter checks;

(5) Procedures to refund any balance in a patron's deposit account at such time that it is requested;

(6) Specific procedures for the issuance of counter checks, to include patron identification requirements, and documentation and accountability requirements to request a counter check, issue the counter check (whether at the main cage, gaming table or such other approved location), including disclosures, consistent with disclosures provided at the time the extension of credit was approved, which include the date or time period within which the counter check will be deposited with the patron's bank, and post the counter check transaction to the patron's account and the gaming licensee's books of account;

(7) Specific procedures for the transfer and storage of documentation involved in all facets of the counter check process;

(8) Procedures to ensure that any credit card or automated teller machine operating in the gaming establishment does not allow a patron to obtain cash from a government-issued electronic benefits transfer card and that it is otherwise in conformance with 205 CMR 138.47;

(9) Procedures to ensure that debit card cash transactions are not permitted to be initiated within 15 feet of the gaming area or simulcasting or Sports Wagering Area or Sports Wagering Facility;

(10) Procedures to ensure that no Sports Wagers, gaming chips, plaques, tokens, and other forms of gaming value may be purchased with a credit card. Provided, patrons may be permitted to pay gaming tournament entry fees with a credit card with the exception of Sports Wagering tournaments;

(11) Procedures, including the maintenance of a log, for accepting, verifying and accounting for wire transfers and electronic fund transfers, including wire transfer and electronic fund transfer fees, and procedures for sending funds by wire transfer or electric fund transfer; and

(12) Procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (commonly referred to as the Bank Secrecy Act) and corresponding FinCEN regulations including 31 CFR 1010: General Provisions, as applicable, and 31 CFR 1021: Rules for Casinos and Card Clubs.