That's what the bank told me too, so I went the casino... not kidding. The casio cleared it over the counter (they want you to have cash...). Rate and fee is better than the bank. Did the same thing when I closed my US accounts. Brought the check straight to the casino. There is no rule saying that you have to spend the cash gambling just because they cash the check. To be polite I guess you can put a 20 on the table, but it's up to you...