Ever wondered if you can use coins in a casino, or whether your spare change could be used at game tables or slot machines? It is a common question, especially if you have a jar of coins at home and are curious if they might be useful on a night out.
Casinos have their own ways of handling payments and bets, and these can differ between in-person venues and online platforms.
In the UK, gambling is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which influences how payments are handled. If you are curious about the place of loose change in casinos and how things differ online, you are in the right spot. Read on to learn more.
Can You Use Change At A Casino?
In most UK casinos, transactions at the tables are handled using chips, and payment desks tend to deal with notes or cards. Small change is sometimes accepted at the cashier for buying chips, but it is not common to see players using handfuls of coins once they reach the tables. Older slot machines used coins, although modern floors have largely moved on from that, which we will come to next.
You can take coins to the cashier to exchange for chips if the venue allows it, but casinos are generally set up for quicker, simpler payments using notes or bank cards. Staff need to count and confirm coins, which slows service and is impractical for larger amounts.
Online casinos work differently because everything is digital. Deposits are made by card, bank transfer, or approved payment services. Payment options vary by site, so it might be worth checking what is available before you consider getting started.
If you do decide to try your hand at online casino games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Using Coins At Slot Machines
The classic image of slot machines filled with coins belongs mostly to the past. In UK casinos, it is now rare to find machines that accept coins. Most modern slots use banknotes, ticket-in ticket-out systems, or cashless options linked to your account. You may still see the odd legacy machine that takes pound coins, but they are increasingly uncommon.
This shift is mainly about reliability and security. Notes and tickets reduce jams, make payouts faster, and provide a clear record of play. Machines that accept coins also require more maintenance and coin handling, which many venues have chosen to phase out.
If you do come across a coin-accepting slot, it will usually be clearly labelled. In most larger casinos, new machines will not have a coin slot at all. Online slots rely on your digital balance rather than physical tender.
Do Cashier Desks Accept Loose Change?
Cashier desks sometimes accept coins, typically to swap them for chips or notes, but it depends on the venue and the amount you bring. Staff will need time to count and verify your change, and some casinos place limits on how much they will process at once, especially for very small denominations.
Notes and cards are often preferred because they are quicker to handle and easier to record. If you turn up with bags of 1p or 2p coins, you may be asked to exchange them elsewhere first. Policies can differ, so if you plan to use a lot of coins, it might be a good idea to contact the casino in advance to check what they allow.
Do UK Casinos Offer Coin Exchange Machines?
Despite what you might see in supermarkets, coin exchange machines are not a common sight on casino floors. Larger casinos tend to avoid self-service coin counters, preferring to handle any exchange through the cashier, if at all.
There are practical reasons for this. Cash handling needs to be secure, and venues must keep proper records. Automated coin machines can create extra steps for accounting and maintenance, so many casinos choose not to offer them.
If you want to use change, ask a member of staff whether they can swap it for notes or chips at the desk and whether any limits apply. Online play does not involve coins, as all payments go through your digital account.
Fees And Limits For Exchanging Change
If you bring a lot of coins to a casino, it might be worth asking about any limits or conditions before you queue at the cashier. Many venues will help as a courtesy, but they often set practical boundaries to keep things moving.
Typical approaches include:
- A cap on how much loose change can be exchanged in one visit, for example £20 to £50, with stricter limits for 1p and 2p coins
- Refusing very large quantities of mixed change unless it is pre-sorted, or asking you to use a bank or coin service first
- Rarely, a small fee at smaller venues or high street arcades, sometimes around 2% of the total
- ID checks if the total value triggers standard cash-handling thresholds
These details vary by venue, so checking ahead could save any future unpleasant surprises. For online casinos, this does not apply because payments are digital.
Play Casino Games Online
If you prefer playing from home, Wizard Slots offers a wide choice of games without any need to handle cash or coins. Everything runs through secure online payment methods, and your balance is shown clearly in your account.
You will find hundreds of slot titles alongside games such as bingo and roulette. Each game displays key information like rules, bet ranges, and return to player, so you can see how it works before you commit. If you enjoy a more interactive feel, live casino tables with professional dealers are also available via video stream.
Payments and withdrawals are processed through trusted methods, and support is on hand if you need help. Feel free to create an account or log in to explore the latest games. Coins might have had their moment on the casino floor, but online play keeps everything simple, secure, and easy to manage. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.