The NSW Government makes great efforts to reduce gambling harm and fight against all criminal activities related to the gambling industry, including money laundering, so they decided to progress with creating an independent panel which will be the authorized body in conducting the necessary gaming reform.

Full hands of work for the new panel:

The panel will be in charge of controlling the cashless gaming trial, as well as trying to recommend the way new gaming reforms in the state will be implemented. 

The Minns Labor Government made a promise to create an authority body which consists of people of various professions, including law enforcement officers, experts from the fields of gambling and health, as well as various academics.

The chairman of the body will be Michael Fogo, and the whole panel will consist of 16 members in total. 

The panel will be able to ask experts outside of the organization for help, including bodies such as NSW Crime Commission, NSW Information and Privacy, and AUSTRAC. The panel will be in charge of everything related to the cashless gaming trial in electronic gaming machines in the state, and the participants will be required to fulfill some requirements. After the trial, the panel will be obligated to report it to the government, along with suggestions and new ideas for improvement.

One of the discussion points will be incorporating cashless gaming in hotels and clubs. 

The panel will advise the government on the roadmap to the new laws that are planned to be introduced to gamers by November 2024.

Some of the points of discussion when it comes to reforms include a $100 million harm minimization fund, incorporating the self-exclusion register, which incorporates the advanced facial register, milestones for future gaming reforms, as well as various standards for protecting the privacy of the gamblers.

The NSW Government will also double-check the ClubGRANTS Scheme, which hasn’t been reviewed for ten years. 

Already conducted measures:

The government already conducted a range of measures prepared to reduce the harm and criminal activity in Australian clubs and pubs. Some of the reforms are banning external signage of gaming rooms, reducing the cap for poker machine entitlements, as well the cash input limit on new machines. 

Chris Minns, a Premier of New South Wales, said: “We know the harmful effects of problem gaming on families, and I want to make sure we stamp out criminal activity in clubs. This panel is an important next step.”

David Harris, a Minister for Gaming and Racing, added: “We have taken the time to get the right people around the table to ensure we get the best possible trial that will protect consumers and provide confidence in cashless gaming. Michael Foggo and the independent panel will advise on the technology, infrastructure, cost, impact on industry and employment, and options to reduce gambling harm, which is their primary purpose. I look forward to the panel’s expert contribution as we continue to deliver on our commitment to gambling reform.”