The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission is calling on the public to provide feedback on a cashless gaming system, with hopes that it could help minimise gambling harm in the state.
From December 2025, a cashless gaming system will be implemented in all hotels and clubs, with plans to see it eventually rolled out to casinos.
According to the public consultation paper titled Player Card and Cashless Gaming released by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission, the cashless gaming system will see a single card system be used statewide, replacing the use of cash and coins for electronic gaming machine (EGM) play. It will also recognise a player regardless of where they choose to the play.
Once a player is registered, they will be issued with a single card featuring default pre-commitment limits and enable players to transfer money onto the card using cash or eftpos.
According to the paper, the new cashless system will also require clubs and hotels to implement new hardware, which will likely include a card encoder, pin pad, cashier terminal, and card reader and display on each EGM.
Feedback from consultation will be considered and included in system design development and implementation plans as appropriate, said the Commission.
“The system design will be finalised taking into account feedback from this consultation process. It will take at least nine months to build, followed by a further period allowing for approvals, testing and system refinement before implementation in December 2025,” it added.
The Commission also noted a training program for venues and players will be developed in conjunction with industry to support the implementation of the new system.
The closing date for submissions is 18 October 2024.
Since 2022, the Tasmanian government has been inching closer to introducing mandatory cashless gaming system.
Club Management has reached out to Tasmanian Hospitality Association for comments.
