The challenge
The WM Phoenix Open is known for iconic crowds and an enthusiastic atmosphere. For the 2025 event, the team wanted to keep the party going while emphasizing safety and security. Compliance and reducing the risk of underage drinking were top priorities since the event is a popular weekend event for college students. Traditional, visual ID checks are slow, clunky, and error-prone, creating bottlenecks and security risks. Additionally, modern fake IDs have become more sophisticated and harder to detect without AI-powered technology. Use of fake IDs has become widespread at large, public events.
The solution: Ronin POS & VeriScan
Ronin POS and VeriScan teamed up to create a comprehensive age verification system across the golf course. Strategically placed ID scanning stations ensured attendees could easily verify their age without disrupting the event flow. Ronin’s tablet cases and external battery packs provided cable-free operation and portability for staff, augmented with handheld ID scanners. The system was designed to be user-friendly, minimizing staff training and ensuring a smooth attendee experience.
“We have very experienced and skilled hospitality staff in Arizona, but every time you have a major event attended by a large number of underage partygoers, bartenders and servers can get nervous. No one wants to be the team member who inadvertently serves a minor,” said Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants owner Craig Miller, who has consulted on Waste Management Expo’s alcohol sales for more than 10 years. “The VeriScan handhelds provided by Ronin POS empowered every member of the team to improve the speed of service with no risk of an accidental underage sale.”
Ronin’s team and hardware, combined with VeriScan’s proprietary ID verification technology, let organizers seamlessly integrate ID scanning. Ronin POS handled the hardware and on-site support, while the VeriScan team provided remote operational support. This meant quick and easy ID scanning at various points throughout the venue. The VeriScan team and Ronin POS team worked together seamlessly, ensuring rapid and accurate age verification across the course.
The results
Accurate and efficient ID scanning significantly reduced the risk of underage drinking. We worked with local authorities, and they expressed how our ID scanning solution helped reduce the number of incidents compared to previous years. Over three days, more than 700 minors using fake, fraudulent, or stolen identification were turned away, improving the security and compliance of the entire event.
“2025 was a banner year for using technology to improve the WM Phoenix Open’s Expo experience,” said Miller. “The team loves using the new tools, and we felt incredibly equipped to have a secure, safe, fun event. While other companies’ scanners work to record IDs for compliance, the Veriscan/Ronin technology goes a step further. They help prevent underage drinking in real-time, as opposed to just recording that we checked their ID.”
700+
minors using fake, fraudulent, or stolen identification turned away
120
additional handheld scanners provided for real-time age verification at various points of sale
3-5 seconds
average point-of-sale transaction time, including age verification
Ronin POS was able to consistently keep point of sale transaction times under 3-5 seconds per order as they did not have to stop to perform ID checks before alcohol sales, with scanning stations located conveniently near bars and alcohol stations. However, to provide a more thorough age verification process, Ronin and Veriscan provided handheld scanners at every point of sale so bartenders could put to rest any suspicions in real time. Over 120 additional scanners provided the necessary peace of mind and helped ensure success.
The system recorded ID information, providing valuable data for future events and compliance reporting. This data can be used to understand demographics and improve marketing. In case of accidents, the reporting also helped verify that anyone involved was ID’d at the event with a timestamp.
Most importantly, the use of Ronin POS with VeriScan created a safer and more secure environment for attendees. The proactive approach to age verification showed a commitment to responsible event management. Local leaders, organizers, and authorities were impressed by the technology’s effectiveness when compared to legacy ID checking tools.
Looking forward
The successful implementation of Ronin POS and IDScan’s age verification solution at the WM Phoenix Open event shows how tech can enhance security and streamline operations at large-scale events. This partnership offers a compelling solution for event organizers looking to improve age verification, ensure compliance, and create a safer environment.
