The NSW government's cashless gaming trial has struggled to gain momentum, with only 32 active participants out of the 207 initially registered. The trial, part of Premier Chris Minns' plan to reduce gambling harm and address money laundering through pokie machines, has seen slow adoption, largely due to concerns over the use of technology in gambling.
Gaming Minister David Harris acknowledged the hesitation, noting that many participants are wary of using technology for gambling. Despite the low participation, Harris defended the trial, emphasizing its value in providing insights into players' reluctance to adopt cashless gaming. The trial is set to conclude in November, with findings expected to be presented to the cabinet shortly after.
Opposition Criticism of the NSW Government
The trial has faced intense criticism from the opposition, with NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman accusing the Minns government of mishandling the initiative. Speakman argued that the government’s approach has been ineffective, pointing to the $634,000 already spent, which amounts to $20,000 per active participant.
Harris, however, maintains that a cautious rollout was necessary to prevent a larger failure. The trial currently involves 14 venues, down from the 27 that initially agreed to participate.
Tasmania Prepares for Statewide Cashless Gaming System
While NSW faces challenges with its trial, Tasmania is advancing with its plan to introduce a statewide cashless gaming system by late 2025. Under this system, all players using electronic gaming machines (EGMs) must register with a player card that tracks their gambling activity.
Designed by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission, the system will set pre-commitment limits on daily, monthly, and annual losses. It will also enforce mandatory breaks for users playing pokies for real money after extended sessions. A public consultation paper has been released to gather feedback on the system's design.
How the Tasmanian Cashless System Will Work
In order to receive their player card, Tasmanian players will need register at a venue or online to play pokies. This card will come with default loss limits, though players can request higher limits after a mandatory waiting period. The system is intended to give players more control over their gambling habits while providing a secure way to manage funds.
Once the system is implemented, cash will no longer be used at poker machines in Tasmania. Instead, players will load funds onto their card using cash or EFTPOS, and winnings will be credited to their account. Larger payouts will be processed through bank transfers.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The Tasmanian government is seeking public feedback on the proposed cashless system until October 2024, with a statewide rollout planned for December 2025. The initiative, which has been under development since 2022, will be introduced in phases, starting with hotels and clubs, followed by casinos.
Both NSW and Tasmania are taking steps toward implementing cashless gaming systems. While Tasmania appears on track to introduce a comprehensive statewide system, NSW's trial continues to face challenges due to low participation and political scrutiny.
