According to a report by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, account-based gaming will be implemented throughout the entire state of New South Wales by 2028. The program seeks to address operational issues and customer preferences while reducing gambling-related harm and combating money laundering.
Mandatory Cashless Gaming System Recommended
After 16 months of analysis, the panel proposed a phased implementation of cashless gaming in clubs and hotels. Under this system, players would create accounts linked to cards or digital wallets, with limited cash use allowed under strict controls.
The panel, led by former NSW Liquor, Gaming, and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo, consisted of 16 members, including industry representatives, law enforcement officials, and cybersecurity experts. The recommendations were informed by a six-month cashless gaming trial conducted in 2024.
“This has been challenging and complex work,” Foggo noted. “I thank each of the panel’s 16 members for their time, expertise, and enthusiasm over the 16 months of the panel’s work.”
While the trial involved 243 participants, only 14 engaged for more than two days. Despite the low numbers, the panel described the trial as insightful, emphasizing the need for mandatory systems. “A voluntary system will not address money laundering and could make laundering cash easier,” the report stated.
The panel also suggested mandatory facial recognition technology to identify self-excluded gamblers and proposed reducing the number of gaming machine entitlements in NSW. These measures aim to strengthen regulatory oversight and minimize gambling harm.
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) of NSW, however, criticized the trial’s findings as “embarrassing and not credible” due to low participation. The AHA supports a voluntary system, calling the proposed timeline unrealistic.
Conversely, NSW Council of Social Service CEO Cara Varian welcomed the recommendations. “Mandatory and universal account-based gaming is the only way we will achieve meaningful reform,” she said.
The NSW government is reviewing the panel’s 30 recommendations in a 530-page report. A spokesperson for Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris acknowledged the complexities and promised thorough consideration.
This reform follows a NSW Crime Commission report revealing extensive money laundering through poker machines, prompting Premier Chris Minns to pledge action against gambling harm during his campaign. Further analysis is expected before any mandatory rollout.
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