PPP Corporation Completes Preparation for Launch of Cashless Payment Service 'PPPAY' for Pachinko Halls

PPP Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Hitoshi Ito) is pleased to announce the completion of preparations for the launch of 'PPPAY (PeePay),' a cashless payment service for pachinko halls.

PPPAY is a new payment service that allows players to use Visa and Mastercard® branded debit and prepaid cards at the counter inside pachinko halls to rent game balls and medals on the spot, replacing the traditional cash-based gaming environment.

PPPAY aims to achieve both 'improved convenience' and 'appropriate use,' designed with addiction prevention and anti-fraud measures in mind, providing a safe cashless infrastructure as a new option for the pachinko industry.

For gaming environments that previously only accepted cash, PPPAY offers a new value proposition: a safe additional payment method that can be used when needed, aiming to create a cashless environment that is sustainable for both players and halls.

What is PPPAY?

PPPAY is a service that allows players to use Visa and Mastercard® branded debit and prepaid cards at the counter inside pachinko halls, enabling them to rent game balls and medals on the spot without needing to carry cash.

Players first register their identity and card information in the PPPAY app.

Upon arrival at the hall, players can make payments at the counter and receive game balls and medals without needing to carry cash.

In short, PPPAY addresses the previous challenge of 'not being able to play because you don't have cash,' providing a new payment method that ensures safety.

Note that PPPAY is not a cash charging system; it is a system where game balls and medals are rented through cashless payments.

PPPAY is not intended to replace all cash payments but is positioned as an additional payment method that can be chosen when needed.

Background of PPPAY Development - Cashless Payments Also Needed in the Pachinko Industry

In recent years, cashless payments have become increasingly popular in Japan, with more people going about their daily lives without carrying cash.

However, the pachinko and pachinko slot machine industry has long relied on cash-based gaming environments, creating a significant gap with the overall payment environment in society.

In addition to improving user convenience, the gaming industry also requires the development of cashless environments to meet inbound demand and improve store operations.

Against this backdrop of changing market conditions, PPP Corporation has developed 'PPPAY' as a new payment infrastructure that balances safety and appropriate use.

PPPAY Usage Flow

PPPAY can be used simply and safely through the following steps:

1: App Registration

Complete identity verification (eKYC) and register a Visa or Mastercard® branded debit or prepaid card.

2: Payment at the Counter Inside the Hall

Use the registered card to make payments instead of cash.

3: Rental of Game Balls and Medals

Game balls and medals are rented based on the payment amount.

While PPPAY can be used with simple procedures, it also leads to improved convenience in the following ways:

No need to leave the hall to use an ATM

Continue playing even if you don't have cash on hand

Plan your usage within the usage limit

Value Provided by PPPAY

Payment with Visa and Mastercard® Debit and Prepaid Cards (*)

For the cashless payments in pachinko halls, PPPAY initially plans to support Visa and Mastercard® branded debit and prepaid cards.

Debit and prepaid cards can only be used within the balance of the account or the charged amount, which is a merit as it helps prevent overuse.

Additionally, PPPAY also utilizes card company's anti-fraud compensation and security features, ensuring safety.

*: While PPPAY starts with debit and prepaid cards, it will also consider phased service expansion based on future usage and industry conditions.

Acquiring New Customer Base

Currently, cash payments are the mainstream in pachinko halls.

However, cashless payments are becoming more common in society, with a lifestyle of not carrying much cash in wallets becoming more common, especially among younger generations.

Additionally, for inbound tourists visiting Japan, cashless payments are the norm, and carrying cash is not common.

Developing a cashless environment in the pachinko industry could lead to new approaches to customer bases that were previously difficult to reach.

PPPAY will support the cashless payments in the pachinko industry, aiming to improve user convenience and create new market opportunities.

Strengths of PPPAY - Robust Security Measures

In the cashless payments in the pachinko industry, 'safety' is equally important as convenience.

PPPAY has implemented five security measures to create an environment where both users and affiliated stores can use the service with peace of mind.

1: Identity Verification through eKYC

PPPAY uses eKYC (online identity verification) during app registration.

By combining identity verification documents and facial recognition, PPPAY confirms the user's identity and prevents impersonation.

Additionally, PPPAY prioritizes the creation of an appropriate usage environment and also prevents usage by those under 20 years old.

2: Cardholder Authentication through 3D Secure

PPPAY adopts 3D Secure (cardholder authentication service) for card payments.

Even if a third party obtains card information, authentication is required, making it impossible to use the card alone.

This reduces the risk of card fraud.

3: PCI DSS-Compliant Data Management

PPPAY adopts an information management system compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), the international security standard for the credit card industry.

Card information is securely managed, minimizing the risk of information leaks.

4: Biometric Authentication

PPPAY supports biometric authentication such as facial recognition and fingerprint recognition on smartphones.

Even if a third party operates the smartphone, identity verification is performed, preventing fraudulent use.

5: Multi-Layer Protection through RC-Auth

PPPAY adopts RC-Auth, a proprietary authentication infrastructure.

RC-Auth is a two-way authentication technology that utilizes private and public keys, differing from the conventional ID and password security model.

In general services, unauthorized login due to ID and password leaks is an issue.

On the other hand, RC-Auth does not depend on ID and password, reducing the risk of leaks themselves.