The largest gambling machine manufacturer in Australia and Wests Newcastle are set to lead a trial that will use cashless gaming machines at a venue in New Lambton in Newcastle. This is part of the first trial proposal received by Liquor & Gaming NSW that will see cashless payments for all club services, including electronic gaming machines. The manufacturer is currently developing its digital solution and expects installation and testing at the club to commence at the beginning of August, with the live trial to commence in September.
The NSW Minister for Digital and Customer Service stated that he supports the digital proposal as it is linked to identity and a bank account, with harm minimisation settings. The technology will help the region combat money laundering and problem gambling, addressing the key concerns of the Bergin Inquiry, the Minister said.
The Wests Newcastle CEO noted that a new suite of responsible digital tools will allow members to set limits, speak to a staff member or even exclude themselves from the club. The trial will be independently assessed by an academic researcher and Liquor & Gaming NSW.
According to the NSW government press release, the trial will require that customers need to supply Proof of Identity equivalent to 100 points and have their digital wallet linked to an Australian bank account. Data safeguard features and privacy will be an essential element.
The Wests Newcastle-Aristocrat trial will include responsible gambling measures including money limits, session time limits, information and real-time messaging to customers and marshals. By trailing the new technology in closed environments both industry and Liquor & Gaming NSW can assess innovative gaming products and practices and assess their gambling harm impacts in a real-world, but controlled setting.
Boosting digitalisation across Australia
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the federal government plans to invest nearly $1.2 billion to augment Australia’s digital capabilities through the Digital Economy Strategy. The funds, allocated as part of this year’s Budget, will seek to better prepare Australia to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by the rapid digital transformation occurring in every sector.
The strategy will target investment in emerging technologies, building digital skills, encouraging business investment and enhancing digital government service delivery. Every business in Australia is now a digital business, adding that this transformation is not merely a national one that needs to happen – it’s a global one that is happening.
The investment includes $100 million to support improving Australians’ digital skills, including a new pilot program for work-based digital cadetships. In addition, $124.1 million will be allocated to initiatives aimed at building Australia’s AI capabilities. This will include the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Centre led by the CSIRO’s data science arm Data 61.
Projects aimed at enhancing government services will include a $200.1 million overhaul of the myGov platform and $301.8 million to enhance the My Health Record digital health system as well as an expansion of the digital identity system.
Other initiatives will include an expansion of the Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Service, a Digital Games Tax Offset aimed at helping Australia improve its share of the global game development market and a $50 million investment aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in government, data centres and future telecommunications networks.
