In the first quarter of 2024, New South Wales (NSW) is set to launch an expanded cashless gaming trial, spanning approximately 4,500 machines spread across 28 clubs and hotels situated in 24 different metropolitan and regional local government areas.
This significant expansion comes as a recommendation from an independent panel, formed in July to oversee gambling reform within the state.
Prior cashless gaming trials have already taken place on over 250 machines at Wests Newcastle and Club York.
Participation in this trial will be subject to specific minimum requirements, including harm minimization measures, anti-money laundering safeguards, data security, and privacy protections.
The government has revealed that five technology providers have already received conditional approval to participate in this extended trial.
Crucially, the data collected during the cashless gaming trial will be closely monitored and evaluated by the independent panel.
This information will be instrumental in the panel’s efforts to craft a comprehensive reform report, which is slated to be submitted to the government by November 2024.
NSW’s Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, expressed his enthusiasm for this expanded trial, noting, “This trial is bigger, broader, and delivers nine times more machines than we committed to during the election campaign.”
He also emphasized the industry’s dedication to combating gambling harm and money laundering associated with electronic gaming machines.
Michael Foggo, the chair of the independent panel, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the overwhelming support for the trial within the industry and the commitment to addressing gambling harm and money laundering.
Foggo expressed eagerness to collaborate with the trial participants and glean valuable insights from this significant project in the coming months.
It’s important to note that cashless gaming represents just one facet of the ongoing gambling reform process in NSW.
The state has already implemented various measures to mitigate gambling-related harm and prevent money laundering.
These initiatives include reducing the cash input limit for new poker machines from AU$5,000 to $500, a state-wide reduction in gaming machine entitlements, and a ban on political donations from gaming-involved clubs.
Additionally, VIP gaming signage has been removed across the state, and the government has committed $100 million to gambling harm minimization over the next four years.
Furthermore, the NSW government has confirmed tax increases for land-based casinos, which took effect from July 1st, further signaling the state’s commitment to comprehensive gambling reform.