A New South Wales (NSW) cashless pokies trial has garnered more support than initially expected in the effort to eliminate money-laundering and minimize gambling harm. The 12-month trial is set to proceed, with 4485 machines, a significant increase from the 500 machines that were initially proposed. Eight hotels and 20 clubs, including seven regional venues, will participate in the trial and provide feedback starting from the first quarter of the following year.
The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, which endorsed the involvement of a variety of different venues, will oversee the trial. The panel is led by former NSW Liquor, Gaming and Racing commissioner Michael Foggo, with industry, law enforcement, and community representatives also involved. Foggo noted that the large number of applications demonstrates industry support for the trial.
The Rev Stu Cameron of Wesley Mission, a gambling reform advocate, expressed optimism about the momentum for change, especially in light of the fact that NSW is projected to have lost another $8 billion to poker machines in 2023. This equates to $1000 for every adult and child in the state. Cameron emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to achieve real change that aligns with community expectations.
The trial is part of a gambling reform package that the Labor party took to the March election, although it faced criticism for not going as far as the then-coalition government’s pledge to implement a mandatory cashless system for machines. Both major parties’ promises came in response to a damning NSW Crime Commission report that uncovered how criminals channeled billions of “dirty” cash through poker machines in pubs and clubs with minimal controls.
In addition to the trial, Labor has already reduced the cash input limit for new poker machines, cut the statewide cap on machine entitlement, and banned “VIP” gaming signage outside venues. Reflecting on the strong interest in the trial, Gaming Minister David Harris stated that the industry’s support is evident as the government undertakes these landmark gaming reforms to address money laundering and gambling harm in NSW.
The 28 participating venues are listed at the end of the article.