JCM’s first banknote validator, developed in 1981, was designed exclusively for Japanese yen.
Recognizing the global dominance of the U.S. dollar in circulation, the company successfully developed a validator for U.S. banknotes. This achievement marked a turning point: JCM shifted its focus from manufacturing cash registers and safes to specializing in technologies for identifying and validating currencies—not only in Japan, but around the world.
When JCM first entered the U.S. market, it faced a landscape dominated by major manufacturers. In response, the company adopted a targeted, grassroots sales approach. At the time, JCM's products were primarily integrated into machines such as coin changers that converted banknotes into coins for gaming use. This was due to regulatory restrictions, which allowed slot machines in U.S. casino facilities to operate only with coins.
Later, upon learning that a change in state law would soon allow slot machines to accept banknotes, JCM proposed a joint development project to International Game Technology (IGT), the largest gaming machine manufacturer in the United States, to create a bill validator mechanism to be embedded directly into gaming machines.
Although JCM had limited sales experience in the U.S. at the time, the company had already applied its banknote validation technology—originally developed for U.S. dollar bills—to create a bill validator for Deutsche Marks (Germany’s currency at the time), which was delivered to a German gaming machine manufacturer.
This proven track record, combined with JCM’s determination—demonstrated through numerous visits from Japan with sample units in hand and persistent in-person explanations—led to the launch of a joint development project.
Through direct discussions with IGT, JCM gained valuable insights into fraud prevention within casino facilities, as well as the operational needs of staff and operators. These insights were reflected in both the product design and the overall system implementation.
For example, JCM developed unique systems to prevent cash-handling fraud, such as requiring multiple staff members to be present for cash collection or machine maintenance. Another innovation was the use of removable cash boxes that store banknotes in cassettes, allowing for secure and efficient transport once a certain volume is reached.
These solutions were highly valued, leading to JCM's selection by International Game Technology (IGT), the largest player in the U.S. gaming market. Following this success, JCM’s products and operational systems expanded to casinos and amusement venues around the world.
Since then, JCM has played a significant role in casino operations and has consistently maintained a leading market share.
The gaming market is a difficult market due to strict regulation and entry controlled through licensing. For example, in the US, casinos are strictly controlled by gaming commissions under the jurisdiction of state and regional authorities. To sell gaming machines, manufacturers must undergo a strict auditing processing to be granted permission.
While granting criteria differ from state to state, auditing is always strict. It includes an investigation of the applicant company’s results and current position and even checks on private information such as the personal assets and criminal records of the executives.
The JCM Group have cleared all of such regulatory hurdles and hold licenses throughout the world. Currently, we hold more than 190 gaming-related licenses in North America.
