NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has promised to support the state’s pubs and clubs amidst a push to implement mandatory cashless gaming for all poker machines and other gaming reforms should he retain power at the upcoming state election.
A day after local media revealed the government would make all poker machines in the state cashless within five years, Perrottet released more details on his planned reforms on Monday. These are to include the adoption of all eight recommendations contained within a NSW Crime Commission report on money laundering within NSW pubs and clubs, with mandatory cashless gaming to be implemented across all venues by 31 December 2028.
However, Perrottet said he would also protect the interests of pubs and clubs that rely on poker machine revenues to stay afloat.
“Today we make a once in a lifetime change to create a better NSW,” he said.
“We address the number one recommendation from the Crime Commission and we will end money laundering in pubs and clubs, while protecting jobs and supporting communities.
“We will also ensure people using poker machines receive more support, if they want it, to deal with problem gambling.
“’Pubs and clubs are the lifeblood of so many communities across NSW and I want them to thrive, continue to grow and be a place for fun and enjoyment for everyone.
“My government will walk with our pubs and clubs every step of the way on this transition.”
Among the planned changes would be a requirement for all new poker machines purchased after 31 December 2028 to be cashless and implementation of a buy-back scheme for up to 2,000 machines over five years. Players would also be required to set their own limits that cannot be increased for 7 days, while credit and automatic top-ups would be banned and gaming funds only allowed to flow from a bank account.
New machines would feature an AU$500 load-up limit and player identification would be linked to a single bank account, although there would be strict privacy protections in place for player data, ensuring no government or industry access to personalised player data other than for law enforcement purposes.
“We’ve always said the path to cashless gaming should be a sensible one and recognise the difference between a big venue in the city and a small venue in the bush. This package delivers on that,” said Deputy Premier Paul Toole.
“It’s a comprehensive plan to tackle the issues identified by the Crime Commission and that provides industry the time, certainty and support to plan for the future.
“We’ve set a destination and this is a sensible road to get there.”
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