Page 8 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2024

Rise of TITO programs reflects philanthropy
By David Grisham
MISSISSIPPI — Over the past few years casinos have embraced an inventive way to give back to their communities —ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) donation programs. These initiatives allow patrons to donate their leftover credits directly to charitable causes, transforming small change into significant support for local nonprofits.
TITO systems, which replaced traditional coin-operated slot machines, have long been a staple in casinos. Players print vouchers for unused credits, often amounting to just a few cents. Historically, many vouchers were discarded or forgotten. Today, casinos are partnering with charities to repurpose these small sums into collective donations.
programs offer more than just monetary aid — they reflect a broader commitment to social responsibility. Donations from TITO programs have funded school supplies, helped families affected by natural disasters, and provided meals to those in need.
While communities reap the benefits, casinos
also gain goodwill and reinforce their role as community partners. For patrons, the programs provide a simple way to make a difference without spending additional money.
“It feels good to know that my leftover credits go to help someone in need,” said Linda Self, a regular visitor casinos in Tunica.
donation collection box. Over time, the tickets accumulate and it gives us the ability to create sizeable donations to important causes in the communities we live and work.”
Stephens
said the program is a guest favorite.
“They know instantly what this program
means to our community, and we receive very
positive feedback
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast (above) makes monthly contributions to community nonprofits using TITO ticket donations. In November, $1,928.54 was donated to the
American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. In Vicksburg, Good Shepherd received a donation of $3,501 from WaterView Casino Hotel through their TITO donation program.
“It’s a small thing, but it adds up.”
In 2022, Fitz Casino
and Hotel initiated a TITO donation program that enabled guests to drop
the tickets into donation boxes located throughout the casino with the funds later allocated to charitable organizations. Beneficiaries of the program at Fitz include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
area humane societies, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, the Walls Shop with a Cop Program and the Tunica County Sheriff’s Thanksgiving Drive.
The response has been tremendous with great comments from guests about Fitz giving back to the community, said Vice President and General Manager Tony Scudiero, adding, “We’re proud to be able to support our communities and will
whenever the donation boxes are placed on our
gaming floor. It also gives us camaraderie among our competing casinos who also participate in the program.”
“The donations received enable us to donate to local charities such as the Mid-South Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House and Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center — just to name a few,” Stephens continued. “It’s important
to us that we support organizations that are making an impact in the communities our employees call home, and because of that we have a strong partnership with these charities and their missions. Once the donation reaches a certain amount, a committee will then select which of cause and organization to donate the contributions.”
Stephens said the program was implemented at Gold Strike in 2024. “Because our ticket redemption machines no longer provide change during payouts, customers must proceed to Guest Services to cash out the remaining change from their ticket. As
a result, many choose to donate the change instead.”
For Mississippi communities, the rise of TITO donation programs is a welcome trend, proving that small acts of generosity can create lasting change.
Donation boxes, like this one at Gold Strike, can be found on gaming floors in casinos throughout the state.
Casinos in Mississippi are leading the charge, enabling direct contributions through TITO machines. Beneficiaries range from food banks and homeless shelters to education initiatives and health organizations. Walk into just about any casino in Mississippi and one can find donation boxes or receptacles for TITO change slips. Every casino in Tunica, for example, has them strategically placed near slot machines.
For the communities served by casinos, the
continue to provide assistance as needed.” The TITO donation program has quickly
become a Gold Strike tradition, said Darcy Stephens, communications and public relations manager for Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “It was created to collect small change TITO tickets that our guests generally discard and turn them into resources for
the community. Small change quickly adds up and we would rather provide the option for our guests to drop their TITO tickets into a
8MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS SPRING 2025