The trial – launched at Wests Newcastle leagues club last October by slot machine giant Aristocrat – was cut short when its digital partner Banktech detected the data breach. It added that around 40 club members have been affected by the cyberattack, which saw hackers encrypt the lines between the digital wallets and the bank accounts of those members.
Investigation uncovers billions in 'dirty' cash put through NSW pokies
After that, the NSW government published an update with the companies and the status of the test in each one of them:
1. Aristocrat – Wests Newcastle trial – Complete
The Aristocrat-Wests Newcastle trial commenced on 10 October 2022 and concluded on 22 June 2023. Technology developed by Aristocrat Gaming was installed on 144 of the Wests club’s gaming machines (expanded from an initial 36 machines) for this trial. The technology allowed players to transfer money directly from the ‘gaming wallet’ on their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players needed to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet, and transfer money into it from their external bank account.
The independent researcher is continuing to assess the qualitative and quantitative data from the trial, gathered from the gaming system and mobile app, as well as from surveys, interviews and focus groups. The final aspects of the trial research are being finalised, including the post-trial survey. The final report will likely be finalised in late 2023. Participants will receive nominal financial incentive for participating in the trial.
2. IGT – Club York trial – In progress
Technology developed by IGT has been installed on all 112 gaming machines at Club York, in the Sydney CBD, which commenced in April 2023.
The technology allows players to transfer money directly from their smartphone (using the mobile app) onto the gaming machine using a Bluetooth connection. Players need to verify their identity when registering for this digital wallet and link an existing bank account debit card to their digital wallet to access funds.
Using this digital wallet, trial participants can experience a seamless cashless experience of funding their gaming machine play. Participants can also set limits, access real-time spending data, take a break or self-exclude from gambling and access other gambling help services.
As part of the trial, the independent researcher will assess qualitative and quantitative data, gathered from the gaming system and mobile app, as well as from surveys and interviews from participants. Participants will receive nominal financial incentive for participating in the trial.
3. Light & Wonder – Crows Nest Hotel – approved for trial
Liquor & Gaming NSW is working with Light & Wonder on a trial to be conducted in the Crows Nest Hotel, lower North Shore. An independent researcher has been engaged, with the trial expected to start soon.
4. Utopia trial
Liquor & Gaming NSW previously approved a trial to test Utopia’s digital wallet technology. Utopia has since submitted a new proposal, and Liquor & Gaming NSW is working with Utopia to ensure the proposal meets the requirements of the Regulatory Sandbox.
A NSW Crime Commission report has since recommended the introduction of mandatory cashless gaming in all pubs and clubs across the state following a multi-agency investigation which found that billions of dollars of dirty money is being funnelled through the state’s pubs and clubs each year. Companies involved push for the implementation , but operators don’t want for it.
