With my Independent colleagues Greg Piper and Joe McGirr, I’ve welcomed the appointment of an independent panel to manage the cashless gaming trial which is a step closer to gaming machine reform, protection of vulnerable gamblers and elimination of money laundering. 

This panel will hopefully ensure widespread implementation of a cashless gaming system following the initial trial. The NSW Crime Commission’s key recommendation was a cashless gaming card to stop crime syndicates laundering billions of dollars through poker machines. About $95 billion is gambled through electronic gaming machines in clubs and hotels every year, with 3.8 percent of all adults in the state either problem gamblers or at risk, and together they represent up to three quarters of electronic gaming machine spending. 

We also welcome requirements for the panel to review the ClubGRANTS scheme. The scheme allows clubs to avoid paying tax on gaming revenue by spending money on community projects of a club’s choice. Numerous reviews so far have found that the scheme lacks accountability, transparency and value for money. The review is the first of its kind that has been initiated by government and is an opportunity for real reform.

I hope this expert panel provides NSW with the pathway to lead the world in reducing gambling harm and money laundering through cashless gaming. Details > HERE