NSW Cashless Gaming Trial Faces Criticism

The cashless gaming trial in New South Wales (NSW) is facing criticism due to a drastic drop in participation, with only 32 active users out of 207 initial sign-ups. This trial was initiated to combat gambling harm and money laundering via poker machines, following a report from the NSW Crime Commission. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has condemned the government's handling of the trial, labeling it as incompetent and a waste of funds, pointing out that the trial has already cost $634,000. Gaming Minister David Harris defended the initiative, stating it still provides useful data despite the low engagement, attributing the situation to a mistrust of technology among potential users. Furthermore, only 14 venues remain in the trial, with feedback suggesting that restrictive measures and clunky technology deterred participation. Concerns about the viability of the trial's data have been raised, given the significant amount of money funneled into NSW's poker machines annually.