Key points:
- Recommendations include adopting cashless gaming technologies and reducing gaming machine entitlements across the state
- The panel suggests establishing a statewide exclusion register and exploring facial recognition for identifying self-excluded individuals
- Findings are based on 16 months of trials, expert consultations and research to guide regulatory changes
The Independent Panel for Gaming Reform has published its report outlining proposed measures to address gambling harm and operational issues within NSW’s gaming industry.
Over 16 months, the panel conducted extensive consultations, trials and research to inform its recommendations.
The report stresses the adoption of cashless gaming technologies as a key measure to address gambling harm and combat money laundering.
Real-world trials, conducted in NSW clubs and hotels, provided critical insights into the operational challenges and benefits of these systems.
According to the panel, these trials demonstrated how cashless systems can enhance consumer protections while offering valuable data to inform broader reforms.
The roadmap also proposes reducing gaming machine entitlements across the state, alongside streamlining existing regulatory frameworks.
Additional recommendations include implementing a statewide exclusion register and mandating facial recognition technology to identify self-excluded patrons. These measures aim to bolster protections for vulnerable individuals while mitigating regulatory complexities for the gaming industry.
Good to know: Chaired by Michael Foggo, the panel comprised industry representatives, harm minimisation advocates, law enforcement, cybersecurity specialists and individuals with lived experience of gambling harm.
Independent Panel for Gaming Reform Chairperson Michael Foggo said: “This has been challenging and complex work and I thank each of the panel’s 16 members for their time, expertise and enthusiasm over the 16 months of the panel’s work and for contributing their views to developing the recommendations.”
The panel’s findings build upon its role in overseeing Liquor & Gaming NSW’s cashless gaming trials. These trials, which began in September 2023, evaluated cashless systems provided by major industry players like Aristocrat and IGT. The panel assessed their feasibility in addressing key issues, including gambling harm, session length and data security.
The NSW government is expected to review the roadmap as it formulates its approach to gaming reform, considering the panel’s recommendations as part of a broader strategy to modernise the state’s regulatory framework.
