A three-month trial has been launched to examine digital technology and how it can be used to reduce patrons’ exposure to gambling harm and prevent money laundering.

Specifically, it will study how the technology operates in “real-life conditions” to identify “potential benefits for venues and patrons.”

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said: “The trial is part of an exciting new era where innovations such as digital wallets offer customers greater convenience and control over their spending and help venues and authorities identify suspected cases of money laundering.”

Technology developed by Aristocrat Gaming has been installed on 36 machines at Wests Newcastle, allowing patrons to connect via Bluetooth and transfer funds from a digital wallet on their phones.

This digital wallet will also permit customers to set limits on their gambling activity. For example, they could cap the duration of play or establish a maximum number of visits permissible within a specified time period.

In addition, patrons can view real-time spending data, self-exclude or access other responsible gambling tools and services. But, Anderson added, “patrons cannot load funds into the gaming wallet from the gaming floor.”

“The digital wallet requires a person’s identity to be confirmed before they can play and they are linked to that person’s debit card or bank account which means authorities can identify where those funds have come from if needed,” he continued.

Meanwhile, David Ronson, MD for Aristocrat Gaming APAC, said: “We’re proud to have proposed this trial, as we believe enabling cashless electronic gaming machine play payment solutions through patrons’ mobile phones is an innovation that can help enhance the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of our industry.”

Anderson said three other gaming manufacturers have been authorised to enable cashless play in NSW: Utopia Gaming, IGT and Scientific Games.