The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, an Australian committee tasked with recommending potential gaming reforms in New South Wales (NSW), held its first meeting August 14 in Sydney, according to Inside Asian Gaming.
The chief subject on the docket was cashless gaming, as the panel will design and conduct an upcoming trial for the technology.
According to a government statement, the panel members have started to form requirements for venues as well as suppliers for the trial. Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said in the statement that by “imposing certain mandatory requirements, the panel can ensure that the trial will have strong data security and privacy protections in place.”
Overall, the panel is expected to provide guidance on the implementation of several gaming reforms by November of 2024. In addition to cashless play, these include the breakdown and distribution of a new AUD$100 million harm minimization budget, the expansion of the self-exclusion register, the implementation of facial recognition technology and more.
Michael Foggo, former commissioner of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, has been chosen to chair the panel, and the rest of the executive committee also includes former NSW Senator Ursula Stevens and the Honourable Niall Blair, former deputy leader of the NSW Nationals.
Gaming reform has long been a topic of discussion around the state, as a number of changes have been implemented already this year. As of July 1, the cash-in limit for all new machines was lowered from AUD$5000 to AUD$500, and all venues that feature poker machines were banned from making political donations as of the same date.
Another upcoming reform is an impending ban on all gaming-related external signage for bars and clubs throughout the state, which will take effect September 1.
