Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for redeeming a value-bearing instrument, such as a cash ticket issued from a slot machine, at any of a plurality of participating organizations, such as a casino. The organizations are remotely located from each other and associated together. Each of the organizations includes a computer, networked to a centralized host. The centralized host stores identifying information related to each instrument issued by the organizations. The instruments include identifying information associated therewith. A user presents the instruments to one of the organizations, which scans the two-dimensional bar code to read the identifying information stored therein. The organization connects to the centralized host through a secured Virtual Private Network to authenticate the instrument. If the instrument is validated, the organization issues cash to the user in an amount equivalent to a cash value of the instrument.