The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced the formation of a 16-person committee—to be known as the Independent Panel—that will be tasked specifically with overseeing the trial, regulation and implementation of cashless gaming play in the state, mere weeks after the first cashless trial run was cut short by an alleged cyberattack.
According to the government, the panel will include one representative each from NSW Police, Cyber Security NSW and the United Workers Union, two academic researchers with related experience, four harm minimization experts and at least four industry representatives.
Michael Foggo, former commissioner of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, has been chosen to chair the committee.
Once staffed, the panel will be tasked with establishing and reviewing further cashless gaming trials in the future, including the participation requirements.
The committee will then be expected to review the results of all trials and compile a report outlining its recommendations for the introduction and statewide implementation of cashless play, taking into account certain factors, such as associated costs, labor impacts and risk reduction.
The completed roadmap is due by November 2024 and will also include notes on other technological advancements such as facial recognition.
In a statement, NSW Premier Chris Minns called the formation of the panel “an important next step” to stamping out problem gambling and criminal activity, and asserted that the group “ has a big job to do but we have the balance right to ensure we have an evidence-based roadmap for future gaming reforms.”
“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Independent Panel overseeing the expanded cashless gaming trial,” Foggo added. “Throughout my career I have taken a keen interest in the field of gaming reform and am pleased to once again be working alongside the NSW Government on this important initiative.”
