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The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square is helping to bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds with an innovative partnership with payments provider NETELLER. Visitors to the London casino will now be able to manage their funds on the move as part of a digital wallet collaboration with NETELLER. Hippodrome CEO Simon Thomas described the deal as the ‘first for the UK market’. “The Principle is simple,” he told TotallyGaming.com. “It is a useful example of online offline convergence where we have identified a consumer need and can use technology and our building to satisfy it.” Lots of people keep a separate entertainment account online, but are frustrated not to be able to take money on and off it in cash, easily, quickly and safely. We have worked with Neteller and the Gambling Commission to devise a process where Neteller customers can take cash off their online account, in cash, in the safety of the Hippodrome. “And they can do the reverse with us as well, putting cash onto their online Neteller account. A couple of challenges to get it approved and set up, but now simple in execution, and easy to use for the customer.” New and existing digital wallet customers will be able to send and receive money in real time through an app or via the website directly for collection at the Hippodrome’s cash desks, in a payments partnership that integrates offline and online activity within the safety of a casino. This service removes the need for customers to use cards or carry physical cash into the casino to pay for entertainment. Deposit and withdrawal transactions will take place securely and in real time before any money is received by the customer at the Hippodrome cashier desks. The new digital offering will work both for the request of cash on arrival in the casino and also for depositing money securely onto their digital wallet at the casino. Hippodrome’s online operations director George Constantinou commented: “Technology is helping to transform the gaming industry and this innovative UK first will enable our customers to access their funds securely in the Hippodrome. This is a game-changer for people who like to keep a separate account for their transactions.” CEO Digital Wallets at Paysafe Lorenzo Pellegrino added: “NETELLER provides a fast, secure and convenient way for consumers to move funds – including winnings – and creates an ideal platform for merchants to promote engaging loyalty programmes. We are pleased to be helping the Hippodrome to deliver an enhanced payments experience for their customers with our digital wallets.” Totally Gaming Says: The concept of a digital wallet in the real world environment has been used in UK betting shops for the past few years, where players have been able to withdraw their online winnings from a retail outlet. But that was restricted to that brand’s particular online account. By embracing NETELLER users in this way, the Hippodrome is opening its doors to a wider customer base. Source:totallygaming.com