Cashless Gaming: NSW Labor Holds Steady Amid Pressure
New South Wales Hesitant to Adopt Cashless Gambling System
The New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party, spearheaded by Premier Chris Minns, is standing firm against cashless gaming, buckling under pressure from other parties to jump on the bandwagon. The idea? Replacing cold hard cash in gaming machines with cashless cards.
No Rush for Change
The call for cashless gaming was made after findings from the NSW Crime Commission revealed that financial skullduggery is rampant in pubs and clubs. Patricia Bergin, the investigator who uncovered shady dealings at Crown Entertainment, proposed NSW should embrace cashless gaming cards. She thinks this measure would at least curb some of the money laundering in gaming venues. Yet, both major parties in the state are dragging their feet.
Initially, premier Dominic Perrottet hinted at exploration, stating he'd consult with Minns and the industry. But he, along with many others, is worried about the hefty price tag accompanying this technology. ClubsNSW, a powerhouse representing clubs and pubs in the state, estimates the cost could run into billions of dollars.
Alex Greenwich, Sydney's independent MP, wants to roll out facial recognition technology to identify shady characters sneaking into clubs and pubs. Unfortunately, Minns isn't on board with the current propositions.
Minns isn't flat-out opposing the ideas; he admits reform is necessary in the sector. However, he points out that the proposed approach might prove costly and complex. So, he prefers to wait and hear what others have to bring to the table before making a move.
Greenwich Slams ClubsNSW
Greenwich was disgruntled by the indifferent response. He called out ClubsNSW's lobbying efforts and accused the parties of panderering to the union's demands.
The MP argues that introducing gambling cards isn't a new concept, so policymakers can't pretend they're clueless about it. Greenwich emphasizes the proposal has the support of the NSW Crime Commission. He's concerned that parties are consulting with bodies that stand to gain financially by not taking action. He lambastes ClubsNSW for its role in causing gambling harm and benefiting from money laundering in its venues.
Greenwich finally likened the scenario to consulting drunk-driving with the alcohol industry.
Behind NSW's Cautious Approach
Several factors are at play behind the NSW Labor Party's reluctance:
- Industry Influence: Critics argue that the gambling industry holds substantial sway over gambling policies, slowing down or softening reforms like the cashless card system[2].
- Testing and Evaluation: Rather than a statewide implementation, the NSW government opted for a trial. This approach allows for testing and evaluation of the system's effectiveness and potential issues before wider adoption[2].
- Despite the pressure from other parties, the New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party, led by Premier Chris Minns, maintains its readiness to resist inherently adopting cashless gaming, a proposed solution to curb financial crime in gaming venues.
- Alex Greenwich, Sydney's independent MP, has slammed ClubsNSW for its lobbying efforts, accusing major parties of panderering to the union's demands, and insisting that the cashless gaming idea isn't inherently new or complicated.
- ClubsNSW is concerned about the financial implications of the cashless gaming cards, estimating the cost could run into billions of dollars, a concern shared by many, including Premier Dominic Perrottet, who has expressed worries about the hefty price tag accompanying this technology.
- Premier Minns is not flat-out opposing the ideas; he admits reform is necessary in the sector but prefers to wait and hear what others have to bring to the table before making a move, instead of rushing into a statewide implementation.
- Greenwich compares the scenario to consulting drunk-driving with the alcohol industry, raising concerns that parties are consulting with bodies that stand to financially gain by not taking action against gambling harm and money laundering in venues represented by ClubsNSW.
