Liquor & Gaming NSW is overseeing trials of cashless gaming technology within its Regulatory Sandbox, to help inform a future regulatory framework to allow cashless gaming to be approved in NSW. The trials will assess how these cashless gaming solutions operate in real-world conditions in clubs and hotels. The impact of these technologies will be identified, monitored, and assessed by an independent researcher.

The research methodologies, developed by the independent researchers, are customised to each specific technology however they all seek to address the following key areas:

• changes, if any, in player attitudes and behaviours due to the use of technology, including changes in gambling behaviour, the ability to manage and control gambling spend, the frequency and duration of sessions and the level of harm experienced
• player experiences using the technology, particularly the harm minimisation tools made available, and any barriers identified
• areas for improvement to reduce gambling harm or for consumer protection.

Each trial is expected to run for at least three months to ensure there is sufficient data to address these key areas.

1. Aristocrat – Wests Newcastle trial – Complete

   The Aristocrat-Wests Newcastle trial commenced on 10 October 2022 and concluded on 22 June 2023. Technology developed by Aristocrat Gaming was installed on 144 of the Wests club’s gaming machines (expanded from an initial 36 machines) for this trial. The technology allowed players to transfer money directly from the ‘gaming wallet’ on their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players needed to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet, and transfer money into it from their external bank account.

   The independent researcher is continuing to assess the qualitative and quantitative data from the trial, gathered from the gaming system and mobile app, as well as from surveys, interviews and focus groups. The final aspects of the trial research are being finalised, including the post-trial survey. The final report will likely be finalised in late 2023. Participants will receive nominal financial incentive for participating in the trial.

2. IGT – Club York trial – In progress

   Technology developed by IGT has been installed on all 112 gaming machines at Club York, in the Sydney CBD, which commenced in April 2023.

   The technology allows players to transfer money directly from their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players need to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet and link an existing bank account debit card to their digital wallet to access funds.

   Using this digital wallet, trial participants can experience a seamless cashless experience of funding their gaming machine play. Participants can also set limits, access real-time spending data, take a break or self-exclude from gambling and access other gambling help services.

   As part of the trial, the independent researcher will assess qualitative and quantitative data, gathered from the gaming system and mobile app, as well as from surveys and interviews from participants. Participants will receive nominal financial incentive for participating in the trial.

3. Light & Wonder – Crows Nest Hotel – approved for trial

   Liquor & Gaming NSW is working with Light & Wonder on a trial to be conducted in the Crows Nest Hotel, lower North Shore. An independent researcher has been engaged, with the trial expected to start soon.

4. Utopia trial

   Liquor & Gaming NSW previously approved a trial to test Utopia’s digital wallet technology. Utopia has since submitted a new proposal, and Liquor & Gaming NSW is working with Utopia to ensure the proposal meets the requirements of the Regulatory Sandbox.

https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/community-and-stakeholders/independent-panel-on-gaming-reform/applications-to-join-the-nsw-governments-cashless-gaming-trial#:~:text=Specifically%2C%20the%20trial%20objectives%20are,in%20NSW%20clubs%20and%20hotels