What is Cage?

The cage holds the casino's cash and chip inventory, processes cheques and wire transfers, issues and redeems markers, and pays out large wins. It also handles the paperwork needed for anti-money laundering and, in the US, tax reporting on certain wins and large cash transactions.

Because so much money passes through it, the cage is under constant surveillance and subject to strict internal controls.

Cage procedures are a frequent focus of AML enforcement in land-based casinos. Cage staff verify identity for large transactions and keep records that regulators and auditors can inspect. Cash moves between the cage, the tables and the count room under strict procedures, with every transfer documented and signed. In many jurisdictions, casinos must report cash transactions above set thresholds to authorities. The cage is often the busiest part of the casino after a large event or tournament, when many players redeem chips at once.