The New South Wales (NSW) government has allowed more gaming firms to participate in the cashless gaming trial. Four Australian B2B gaming suppliers will take part in the next round of trials which will cover a total of 4,500 electronic gaming machines throughout the state.
Expanded Trial to Include 28 Locations
Aristocrat Leisure, Light & Wonder, eBet, and International Game Technology will all get involved in the next set of trials which is expected to commence in early 2024. The expanded test will be conducted on 4,500 pokie machines across 28 locations (20 clubs and eight hotels) in NSW.
The four firms are all members of the Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), the peak representative body for gaming machine technology suppliers in Australia.
GTA CEO Jinesh Patel said they are committed to working with the government and helping with efforts to ensure a fair and balanced path for gaming technology in Australia. According to the trade body, the trial will take into account key factors, such as infrastructure and technology costs concerning stringent cybersecurity requirements and the impacts on hotel and club employees.
Clubs Showing Strong Interest in Participating in the Trial
The cashless gaming trial is overseen by a panel of 16 industry representatives led by former NSW Liquor, Gaming, and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo.
Foggo said they’ve seen a “large number” of applications for the trial, indicating that the industry is “serious” about reducing gambling harm and money laundering linked to electronic gaming machines.
