The uncertain future of cashless 'pokies' in Australia
In an effort to improve transparency and curb illegal activity, the state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has been trialling cashless poker machines—commonly known as “pokies”. The concept is simple: instead of feeding in cash, players use a card or mobile app to gamble. With around 90,000 poker machines across the state and billions reportedly laundered through them each year, the cashless model promises traceability and accountability.
However, what seemed like a straightforward solution has quickly run into resistance and unexpected turns.
A state-wide trial launched in March 2024 has seen disappointing engagement, with only 32 of the 200 originally registered participants participating. The number of venues involved has also shrunk, from 27 down to just 14, as many cite the high costs and technical challenges of implementation.
The trial was designed not only to test the technology but also to evaluate its impact on problem gambling, employment, and infrastructure across the industry. Now, even political backing appears to be slipping.
Losing political will
According to The Guardian, NSW Premier Chris Minns may now be walking away from the project. He’s also facing accusations from advocacy groups of misrepresenting the trial’s findings.
“Despite everybody’s best efforts to have cashless gaming rolled out across NSW, it’s largely proved to be ineffective,” Minns declared, as reported by The Guardian.
“It hasn’t worked. It hasn’t reduced problem gambling. The take-up rate has been lower than expected, and the cost of compliance is astronomical,” he added. “I can’t really justify spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a compliance network for pubs and clubs when we’re trying to invest in new public schools and public transport.”
The case for going all in
Advocates argue that the trials have proven what matters most: the technology works. They say the limited uptake was to be expected while the programme remains voluntary, and that its potential to combat both money laundering and gambling harm is far too important to dismiss so quickly.
