Her name is EDITH, and you might see her at Las Vegas casinos in the not-too-distant future. And although you might very well be engaged by EDITH and use her services, EDITH is not an actual person. EDITH stands for Electronic Debit Interactive Terminal Housing, and is a new technology that would allow casino gamblers to use their debit cards to buy cashless vouchers to be used for gambling at slot machines.

Yesterday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board heard testimony regarding the new technology, which is already being tested at Casino Pauma in California. In operation for the past year, records show that patrons have been withdrawing less money per transaction than they normally do with ATM's on casino floors. There are currently seven machines available at Casino Pauma, which like ATM's, accept debit cards, yet do not issue real cash. Nor are they tied into actual slot machines, which is illegal according to Nevada gaming regulations.

EDITH is the creation of Innovative Funds Transfer, which is directed by Global Cash Access Vice President, Tom Sears. Sears said that EDITH directly addresses the increasing use of debit cards and poses no security concerns. The three member Gaming Control Board did not officially give a ruling on the technology, but did express confidence in the security features it offered. However, the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, Carol O'Hare argued the use of gaming vouchers instead of cash has not been properly studied.

A new hearing has been scheduled on September 20 with the Nevada Gaming Commission, who will give a final ruling on whether or not EDITH can make its way into Las Vegas casinos. If a ruling is given in favor of the technology, Innovative Funds Transfer will be mandated to develop the technology further, after which point it will still need approval by Nevada gaming regulators at later hearings.