The state of New South Wales in Australia is launching a significant trial of cashless gambling technology. Four prominent gaming technology companies – Aristocrat, eBet, IGT, and Light & Wonder – are participating in the initiative. They will be evaluating their cashless technologies on close to 4,500 electronic gaming machines, known as poker machines in Australia, throughout the state.
The impetus for this project came from a recommendation by the independent Gaming Reform Group, which proposed a trial to assess the influence of cashless technology on gambling behaviors. The group aims to determine if such technology can mitigate problem gambling by providing individuals with enhanced control over their expenditures.
The trial garnered such substantial interest that a larger-than-anticipated number of companies and venues volunteered to take part. Notably, Aristocrat had already commenced testing its technology on a smaller scale in the preceding year.
This represents a substantial development for Australia as it addresses the challenges posed by gambling addiction. The outcomes of this trial hold the potential to significantly shape the future of gambling regulations within the country.
Jinesh Patel, a prominent figure in Australian game development, conveyed the gaming group’s pledge to cultivate a flourishing and just sector. He recognized the intricacy and scope of the experimental initiative, stressing their devotion to partnering with the New South Wales administration to ensure its triumph. Patel communicated the association’s satisfaction in backing the New South Wales working group, underscoring the mutual commitment to instituting Australia’s inaugural state-run trial project in this domain.