The NSW Government committed to a trial of cashless gaming technology on electronic gaming machines across a range of hotels and clubs across metropolitan and regional areas. This initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to addressing money laundering and reducing gambling harm in NSW.
The cashless gaming trial (the trial) was conducted between March and September 2024 and was overseen by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform (the Panel).
The Panel will report to the Government in November 2024 on the trial findings and develop recommendations for Government to consider in relation to the possible introduction of cashless gaming in hotels and clubs. The Panel will take into consideration infrastructure investments required, impact on employment and industry, impact on gambling harm, options to further reduce gambling harm, and the impact on reducing the risk of money laundering.
Venues that participated in the trial can choose to continue using the digital gaming wallet technology beyond this time, subject to certain conditions. Further information on this can be found on the retention of digital gaming wallet technology post-trial page.
The trial examined the feasibility of implementing cashless gaming technologies (such as digital gaming wallets) in hotels and clubs across NSW and through this get insights into:
The Independent Panel approved five (5) technology providers and 14 venues, including 10 clubs and four hotels, across 12 Local Government Areas, to participate in the trial.
The 14 venues that participated in the trial were:
The following technology providers participated:
Temporary changes were made to the gaming laws to enable the operation of the trial. These changes were administrative in nature and applied only to venues and technology providers that participated in the trial until 30 September 2024.
The Minister issued an Order under section 205A of the Gaming Machines Act 2001 to facilitate this.
This Order modified certain requirements outlined in the Act and the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 to accommodate the trial. For instance, it allowed for the use of 'digital' player cards as approved player cards, permitted the use of cashless technology for player activity statements or prize money exceeding $5000, and allowed for installation of unapproved technology on gaming machines.
For venues that choose to continue using the digital wallet technology after 30 September 2024, the Minister issued another Order. See retention of digital gaming wallet technology post-trial for further information.
Aside from the specified variations in the Order, hotels, clubs and technology providers were still required to adhere to all other requirements under gaming laws.
3arc Social, an independent research company, has been commissioned to evaluate the trial.
New technology allowing gaming machine players to put credits/money onto gaming machines with a digital gaming wallet, rather than cash, was being trialed at many hotels and clubs across NSW.
Currently all methods to pay for credits to be loaded onto gaming machines require the use of cash. This includes inserting cash directly into the gaming machine, using a physical card or ticket that is topped-up with cash, or using paper tickets to store unused credits from gaming machine play.
Cashless gaming technology, such as digital gaming wallets, allow a gaming machine player to use a physical or digital player card or digital phone app to put credits (i.e. money) onto gaming machines, rather than cash.
The cashless gaming trial started in March 2024 and concluded in September 2024.
Venues started the trial at different dates in a staged approach.
3arc Social, an independent research company, is carrying out the evaluation of the trial. 3arc Social will continue to undertake research and analysis activities from the ongoing use of the technology. By using the digital gaming wallet technology, you are consenting to:
The data collected will only be used for research and evaluation purposes.
The trial venues and technology providers have to follow strict privacy and data security protocols to safeguard your information. All systems have been extensively tested for cyber security in order to provide as much protection as possible.
Using the digital gaming wallet technology during and after the trial is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time.
To make sure you have all the information you need, visit the Independent Gaming Panel's trial and its objectives.
For more information about the technology that was, or is still being used at a particular venue, contact the venue staff.
Help is close at hand. Contact GambleAware on 1800 858 858 or visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au for free and confidential support
