The state’s hotels are considering the full detail of the Coalition’s new gaming policy, AHA NSW’s Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said today, however, he said the AHA NSW has always supported an evidence-based approach to cashless gaming.

“The NSW hotel industry is disappointed the Coalition has announced it will set a commencement date of 31 December 2028 without having any understanding of how cashless gaming will be rolled out,” Mr Green said.

“This includes the actual costs involved, the impact on industry, employment, the NSW Budget and whether it will actually help problem gamblers.

“We’re particularly concerned this policy won’t help problem gamblers but will instead drive away the majority of casual players who won’t sign up for a government-mandated gaming account linked directly to their own bank accounts.

“There are currently four trials of various forms of cashless gambling either underway or about to start across NSW. It is disappointing the Coalition has set a fixed commencement date before considering any of the information learnt from these trials.”

The AHA NSW is pleased the Coalition has listened to the hotel industry’s calls for a roll out of facial recognition to prevent problem gamblers entering gaming rooms.

Mr Green said the AHA NSW – which represents more than 2000 hotels, employing more than 75,000 people – will give further consideration to this Coalition policy.

Media Contact: Craig Vaughan 0423 796 382
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