What this solves
Casinos lend "free" credit to qualifying players via markers — short-term, unsecured, signed-at-the-table IOUs. If you repay on schedule (usually 7–30 days), there is no interest. If you don't, the marker retroactively accrues interest from the original date at rates comparable to (or worse than) a credit card cash advance. This calculator shows what your marker actually costs across three scenarios: on-time, late, and compared with a bank cash advance.
The surprise for first-timers: line numbers exist (markers are governed by Nevada credit statutes), and the cash advance fee is roughly 3–5%. The grace period is the entire reason markers "look" free — but the structure is the same as a cash advance, just dressed up.
The calculator
Marker parameters
Strip marker terms 2026: 30-day typical window, 18–30% retroactive interest, 3–5% cash advance fee. Always read your markup. The "no interest if paid on time" language is correct — but the retroactive clause is where the trap lives.
Scenario 1: Paid on time
Scenario 2: Paid 30 days late
Scenario 3: Bank cash advance
How to read the result
- On-time cost is just the upfront charge, typically 3–5%. A $5,000 marker costs $150–$250 if repaid on schedule. The casino accepts this as marketing — they want you at the table.
- Late cost includes the upfront fee PLUS retroactive interest from the original marker date. If you pay 30 days late on a 30-day marker, you owe 60 days of interest, compounded or simple depending on the markup. Effective APR easily exceeds 30%.
- Bank cash advance has no grace period. Interest starts the day the advance posts. Cash advance fees are higher (typically 5%) and the APR is comparable. Mathematically similar to a late marker.
- Collection risk. Markers are governed by Nevada Revised Statutes 651. A unpaid marker can trigger civil suit, judgment, and wage garnishment in Nevada — even if you live elsewhere. Out-of-state players: the casino will sue in Nevada court.
- Real comparison point: a $5,000 marker paid on time costs $150. The same $5,000 via a 0% APR credit card purchase at a casino cage (allowed at most properties) costs $0 in fees — but credit card cash advances cost the same as bank cash advances.
Limitations
- Marker terms are not standardized. Every casino writes their own markup. Caesars, MGM, Wynn, Station, and Boyd all have different APRs, grace periods, and collection policies. Read your marker paperwork; don't assume the defaults in this calculator apply.
- Some markers are interest-free for the entire calendar year if you maintain minimum play — but "minimum play" thresholds can require $25,000+ in theoretical loss annually. If you fall short, retroactive interest applies.
- The "0% if paid on time" language obscures how late fees are calculated. Some markers charge simple interest, some compound daily, some charge a flat late fee in addition to interest. Confirm the interest formula before signing.
- Wire fees for repayment (if you're not in Vegas to repay in person) add $25–$50 on top. This calculator does not model wire costs.
- Casinos report markers over $10,000 to the IRS via Form 8300. Anything above this threshold becomes a paper trail. Not a limitation per se — but something to know if you're planning tax strategies.
FAQ
How does a marker affect my credit?
It doesn't — markers don't appear on your credit report unless you default and the casino sends it to collections. But a default becomes a civil judgment, which does appear on your credit report and stays for 7+ years.
What happens if I can't repay?
Call your host before the due date. Extensions are routinely granted — usually another 30 days with the same terms. A missed payment without a prior call is treated as a default. After default: late fees, retroactive interest, then civil collection.
Can I repay the marker with another marker?
Technically no — the original marker must be cleared first. In practice, players sometimes "refresh" markers, but the casino will check your credit line, prior balance, and play history. Refreshing a marker with no intermediate play is a fast path to credit cut-off.
Is a marker cheaper than using my bank card at the ATM?
Yes, if paid on time. The cash advance fee on a bank ATM withdrawal is typically 5% plus interest from day one. A paid-on-time marker costs only the 3% upfront fee. The $100 difference on a $5,000 marker is real.
Sources
- Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 651 — casino credit and marker regulations
- Individual Strip property credit applications (Caesars, MGM, Wynn) — 2026 terms
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau credit card cash advance disclosure rules
- American Gaming Association marker policy guidance, 2024 update