About the Cashless Gaming Trial

Key facts about the trial

The Cashless Gaming Trial ran from March to September 2024. Participation by venues and their partnering technology solution providers was voluntary and subject to final approval by the Panel.

Cashless gaming technology lets players use a physical or digital card or a smartphone app to load credits onto a gaming machine. (See FAQs below for more about cashless gaming).

Who was responsible?

The trial was overseen by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform (the Panel).

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) acted as the Panel Secretariat and managed the day-to-day operations, including research activities.

The research was led by 3arc Social, (now operating as Arcadia Social Research) in partnership with researchers from the University of Adelaide.

Reporting and outcomes

The Independent Panel and L&GNSW received only anonymised data and findings. They did not receive any identifiable personal information.

In December 2024, the Panel reported to the NSW Government. The report included:

• findings from the trial
• recommendations on whether to introduce statewide account-based gaming in NSW and other gaming reforms.

Access report on the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform page.

The Panel considered:

• infrastructure investment required
• impacts on employment and the hospitality industry
• impact on gambling harm
• options to reduce gambling harm further
• how the technology could reduce the risk of money laundering.

Some venues that took part in the trial chose to continue using the technology, subject to conditions.

Learn more on the retention of digital gaming wallet technology post-trial page.

Why the trial was held

The trial tested the use of cashless gaming technology, such as digital wallets, in selected venues across NSW. It aimed to better understand:

• how to reduce gambling harm in hotels and clubs
• how to reduce money laundering in the sector
• the effect on clubs, hotels and their staff
• what infrastructure and costs are involved for venues.

Trial scope

The Independent Panel approved:

• 5 technology providers
• 14 venues (10 clubs and 4 hotels) across 12 local government areas.

Participating venues

Venues that took part in the trial included:

• Canterbury League Club
• Charles Hotel, Fairy Meadow
• Crows Nest Hotel
• Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club
• Fingal Bay Sports Club
• Harbord Diggers Club
• Pittwater RSL Club
• Ramsgate RSL Club
• Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen's Club
• The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mayfield
• Twin Towns Services Club
• Willoughby Hotel
• Worrigee Sports Club
• Wyong Rugby League Club.

Participating technology providers

The technology providers involved were:

• eBet
• IGT
• Light & Wonder.

How the trial worked

Temporary changes were made to NSW gaming laws to support the trial. These changes:

• applied only to approved venues and technology providers
• were in effect until 30 September 2024
• were administrative only, not permanent law changes.

The Minister for Gaming issued an Order under section 205A of the Gaming Machines Act 2001 to allow the trial. This included:

• approval for using digital player cards
• allowing digital options for player activity statements and prize claims over $5,000
• permission to install unapproved technology for the trial period.

If a venue continues using cashless technology after the trial, a separate Ministerial Order applies. Learn more on the retention of digital gaming wallet technology post-trial page.

All other gaming laws remained in place for participating venues and providers.

Trial evaluation

Independent research company 3arc Social was commissioned to evaluate the trial. Deidentified data was collected only for research and evaluation purposes.

Strict privacy and cybersecurity standards were followed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cashless Gaming Trial?

The trial tested digital wallets that let players load gaming machine credits without using cash.

What is cashless gaming technology?

Cashless gaming technology lets players use a physical or digital card or a smartphone app to load credits onto a gaming machine. This replaces traditional methods like inserting cash or using cash-loaded cards and tickets.

Was using digital wallets mandatory?

No. Participation during and after the trial was completely voluntary. Players could opt out at any time.

How was personal data protected?

All venues and providers were required to follow strict data privacy and cybersecurity rules. Systems were tested to ensure strong protection of personal information.

How was trial data being used?

Data collected during the trial was used only for research and evaluation. It is handled according to privacy and confidentiality requirements. 

See other pages in this Cashless Gaming Trial online publication for details.

Gambling support

If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, contact:

GambleAware
Phone: 1800 858 858
Website: gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
Support is free and confidential.