Tassie hits pause on mandatory cashless gaming reforms
The Tasmanian government has this week announced [1] a deferral of the introduction of cashless gaming in the state.
Author: Daniel Lovecek, Principal / Bree Ryan, Senior Associate
Mandatory cashless gaming card (Cashless Card) technology, which is designed to limit potential customer losses when using electronic gaming machines (EGMs), was previously due for implementation by December 2025 (following previous launch deferrals).
The Cashless Card was proposed to contain pre-set limits on a customer’s:
a) maximum loss amount (which would be set to default amounts of $100 per day, $500 per month and $5000 per year);
b) time played; and
c) mandatory breaks (which would be set to default at two hours of continuous play requiring a ten-minute disable period).
In announcing the deferral, the Tasmanian Treasurer, Guy Barnett, with the Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch and the Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, Jane Howlett, referred to the development of a range of other harm minimisation measures associated with EGMs which may include facial recognition technology and other emerging technologies. Facial recognition technology has been mandated in South Australia for a number of years for venues authorised to operate 30 or more gaming machines.
The Government has indicated that MaxGaming, charged with designing the scheme, reported likely significant cost increases, complexity and implementation delays associated with the system, including the need to create a centralised banking system and this appears to have impacted the decision to defer reforms. The Government has stated it will work with other states to outline how it will monitor the progress of similar cashless cards in those jurisdictions to obtain the right balance between implementing effective harm minimisation measures and understanding the complexities and costs associated with a potential Cashless Card.
Developments in New South Wales and Victoria
In New South Wales, official cashless gaming trials concluded in September 2024 across a reported 14 venues and a limited number of active users. eBet, IGT and Light & Wonder participated in the trial which was announced as being designed to protect against money laundering and terrorism financing as well as reducing gambling harm. Venues that wish to continue using the cashless technology are able to do so until 30 September 2025 following the making of an order under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 (NSW).
The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform established to provide advice on the mandatory cashless gaming trial, the use of funds for harm minimisation programs and a roadmap for implementation of further gaming reform across New South Wales is set to report to Government this month. Additionally, 3arc Social, an independent research company has been commissioned to evaluate the trial.
In Victoria, venues have been permitted, but not required, to offer cashless gaming options since 2019. The Andrews Labor Government announced in July 2023 that Victoria will require mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play for all EGMs around the State following consultation with industry but, to date, such reforms have only been implemented for Crown Melbourne and there is no clarity on whether, and when, such changes will progress.
It would appear that the transition to cashless gaming in this country has some way yet to go. If you would like to discuss cashless gaming, the regulation of EGMs or gaming law and compliance generally, please contact the Senet team.
[1] https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2024/november/government-progressing-with-election-commitment-to-harm-minimisationIf you have any questions or would like to discuss the topics covered in this article, please contact the Senet team.
