Another cashless gaming trial is now underway in NSW

The Twin Towns Services Club in Tweed Heads has become the latest NSW site to sign up to use cashless gaming technology as the state’s expanded trial begins.

Twin Towns will follow on from initial trials conducted at Club York and Wests Newcastle, the latter of which was terminated following a data security breach. The results of this trial are yet to be shared publicly despite being handed to the NSW State Government in September 2023, with the appointed independent researcher being asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. 

The Twin Towns Services Club will implement the technology on all of its 596 gaming machines making it the largest planned trial site in regional NSW. 

“Twin Towns has been one of many clubs that has promoted having a cashless option for players for almost a decade,” said Rob Smith, CEO of Twin Towns Services Club.  

“We view this technology as a natural progression of society’s move to use less cash in their daily lives and move to more digital payment platforms… In our highly regulated environment this is not as simple as ‘tap and go’ and needs to bring with it safeguards for players and the industry.”

The trial, which is being overseen by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, has approved a total of 27 venues to take part across 23 local government areas. This includes installing the technology in over 4,000 gaming machines spread across 21 clubs and six hotels. This equates to more than four times the original commitment of 500 machines made by the NSW State Government, which has been surpassed by Twin Towns’ trial alone. 

“The NSW Government is committed to gambling reform that reduces harm and prevents money laundering in NSW,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris.

“The start of the expanded cashless gaming trial signals a key step for these reforms. The panel has taken the time to ensure there is an appropriate mix of venues and technology providers, as well as necessary cybersecurity protections in place.

“It is great to have industry on board with these reforms and I look forward to the insights from this landmark trial and how we can continue to work together to reduce gambling harm.”

The Panel on Gaming Reform is scheduled to report back to the State Government in November this year. In addition to reducing harm caused through gambling, the cashless technology also hopes to reduce money laundering in NSW. Currently, around $95 billion in cash flows through poker machines in clubs and pubs in NSW each year. 

“The commencement of the cashless gaming trial at Twin Towns is an important step in the journey to understand and report on various technological solutions, including privacy and security, and their impact on venues and staff,” said Michael Foggo, Chair of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. 

“Importantly it will also give insights into solutions to minimise harm caused through gaming and money laundering.”

NSW Government has said it hopes to fully transition to cashless gaming machines no later than the end of 2028. In the past, both the AHA and ClubsNSW have indicated concern about this plan, arguing that patrons should have the choice between cash and digital.