Cage

Detailed Explanation

The cage (full name: casino cage or cashier's cage) is the central treasury of a casino where all monetary transactions are processed. Named after the physical cage-like security barrier that originally separated cashiers from patrons, it handles chip redemption, cash-to-chip exchanges, safekeeping of funds, credit marker issuance, and marker repayment.

For high-rollers and VIP players, the cage manages casino credit (markers), which allow players to draw chips against a pre-approved credit line without carrying large amounts of cash. Markers function as short-term, interest-free loans that players are expected to repay within a specified period — typically 30 days for domestic players and 45–90 days for international junket players.

The cage is also the point of contact for regulatory compliance, including anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash transactions above $10,000 in the US, and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Large cash transactions at the cage require government-issued identification regardless of player tier.