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The NSW Government welcomed the first meeting by the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Independent Panel considered aspects of the upcoming trial for cashless gaming, as well matters that will inform its recommendations on a roadmap to implement gaming reforms.
David Harris, Minister of Gaming and Racing, addressed the Independent Panel during their first meeting on Monday 14 August 2023 in Sydney.
Mr Harris expressed his satisfaction that the Independent Panel is examining the design and framework of the upcoming trial for cashless gaming carefully and with priority. This includes the minimum requirements required for venues and technology suppliers to participate.
The Panel’s priority is to confirm design and regulatory settings of the expanded cashless gambling trial to ensure that it can begin as soon as possible,” said Mr Harris.
This includes selecting the venues and ensuring that there is a good mix of hotels and nightclubs in metropolitan and regional areas.
By imposing certain requirements, the Panel will ensure that there are strong protections for data security and privacy in the trial.
The Independent Panel will provide advice to NSW Government regarding a roadmap for the implementation of gaming reform by November 2024.
The NSW Government will be asked to make recommendations on how to use the $100 million harm-minimisation fund. This includes expanding the self exclusion register, providing third-party exclusions and using facial recognition technology as a support for enhanced exclusion schemes.
The panel will be consulted as well on a review by Liquor & Gaming NSW of the ClubGRANTS Scheme. This is being done in consultation with The Cabinet Office, and NSW Treasury. The review will take place separately but in parallel with the Panel’s work on gaming.
The Executive Committee was led by Dr Ursula Stephens, former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party, and The Hon Niall Blair, former Deputy Leader of NSW Nationals.
Chair Michael Foggo stated that the NSW Government carefully considered the composition to ensure the Independent Panel is well-positioned to provide expert and balanced advice on gaming reform.
Mr Foggo stated that it was evident from the start that all members of the panel are passionate about gaming and committed to make a difference in NSW.
“The panel has been set up to ensure that key stakeholders and experts such as industry, gambling harm minimisation specialists, academic experts and law enforcement are all represented,” said Mr Foggo.
It also has the capability to solicit input from other experts in the field and Government bodies such as NSW Crime Commission and NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.
