Regulatory Sandbox trials

Liquor & Gaming NSW established the Regulatory Sandbox framework to allow for innovative products and services that do not meet the current regulatory requirements to be tested in a controlled real-world setting.

As part of this Regulatory Sandbox framework, Liquor & Gaming NSW has overseen two trials of cashless gaming technology. The trials assessed how these solutions operated in real-world conditions. The impact of these technologies was monitored and assessed by independent researchers.

The Regulatory Sandbox trial evaluations by the independent researchers focused on:

• changes, if any, in player attitudes and behaviours due to the use of technology, including changes in gambling behaviour, the ability to manage and control gambling spend, the frequency and duration of sessions and the level of harm experienced
• player experiences using the technology, particularly the harm minimisation tools made available, and any barriers identified
• areas for improvement to reduce gambling harm or for consumer protection.

The Regulatory sandbox trials are separate from the cashless gaming trial overseen by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform conducted between March and September 2024. Further information on the Independent Panel trial, including a copy of the Panel’s Gaming Reform Roadmap delivered to Government in November 2024, can be found on the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform web page.

Aristocrat – Wests Newcastle trial

The Aristocrat-Wests Newcastle (Wests New Lambton) trial commenced in October 2022 and concluded in June 2023. Digital wallet technology developed by Aristocrat was initially installed on 36 of the club’s gaming machines and then expanded to 144 machines for this trial.

The technology allowed players to transfer money directly from the ‘gaming wallet’ on their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players needed to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet, and transfer money into it from their external bank account. Players could also set limits, access real-time spending data, take a break or self-exclude from gambling and access other gambling support services.

An independent researcher prepared a trial evaluation report, which was referred to the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform for consideration as part of the evaluation of the expanded cashless gaming trial.

Reports on the Cashless Gaming Trial at the Wests New Lambton:

• Evaluation of the Cashless Gaming Trial at West Suburbs Newcastle Leagues Club (West New Lambton) PDF, 1225.54 KB
• Technical report of the Cashless Gaming Trial at Wests (New Lambton) PDF, 1569 KB

IGT – Club York trial

The IGT-Club York trial commenced in April 2023 and concluded in October 2023.  Technology developed by IGT was installed on all 112 gaming machines at Club York for this trial.

The technology allowed players to transfer money directly from their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players needed to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet and link an existing bank account debit card to their digital wallet to access funds. Players could also set limits, access real-time spending data, take a break or self-exclude from gambling and access other gambling help services.

An independent researcher prepared a small-scale trial evaluation report below. The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform also considered the findings from this trial as part of their work.

Small-scale evaluation of a digital card/app trial for EGM payment at Club York under the Liquor & Gaming NSW Regulatory Sandbox.