Calls for cashless gambling card rollout and stronger pokies laws in NSW

The New South Wales government is facing renewed calls to expedite the implementation of a cashless gambling card and take stronger action against poker machines following extensive reforms introduced in Victoria.

Premier Chris Minns has established an independent panel in NSW to oversee a delayed trial of cashless gaming cards for poker machines, which will present its findings next year. Led by Michael Foggo, the former liquor, gaming, and racing commissioner, Mr. Minns stated that the trial would serve as an “evidence-based roadmap for future gaming reforms.” The government recently announced an increase in the number of machines involved in the trial.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman of NSW deemed the trial unnecessary, stating that the Victorian approach did not require a trial and urged the government to take immediate action. He expressed concerns that if Victoria implemented decisive measures while NSW waited, money laundering activities would shift across the border.

Poker machine losses in Western Sydney have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with three local government areas accounting for 20% of all profits from NSW clubs and hotel pokies. Gambling reform advocate Tim Costello highlighted the significance of Victoria’s proposed reforms and shared concerns about the potential migration of money laundering activities to NSW. Mr. Costello expressed hope that Chris Minns would not stubbornly resist the reforms and encouraged him to follow Dan Andrews’ lead.

Premier Minns defended his approach, citing several new measures already in place. These measures include a ban on “VIP lounge” signs, a cash input limit of $500, and a prohibition on political parties accepting donations from clubs with gaming machines. Mr. Minns stated that the independent panel would examine additional harm minimisation and money laundering prevention measures. He also emphasised that cashless gaming was not widespread globally and expressed the need to avoid unintended consequences that could lead to increased gambling losses.

Cate Faehrmann, the NSW Greens gambling harm reduction spokeswoman, accused the premier of stalling and advocated for adopting Victoria’s stringent approach. She expressed that regardless of the timing, the situation would put immense pressure on Chris Minns. Faehrmann criticised the trial as destined to fail and pointed out Tasmania’s commitment to implementing gambling limits on poker machines by 2024.

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