Australia’s Star Entertainment Group confirmed Friday that it has commenced a formal trial of cashless gaming and carded play at The Star Sydney casino following the receipt of relevant regulatory approvals.
The trial is a precursor to reforms to the NSW regulatory framework which will see cashless gaming and carded play become mandatory in NSW casinos from August 2024.
According to details provided by Star, the trial will apply to 51 poker machines and eight table games within the “Sovereign Room” at The Star Sydney.
“The commencement of the trial follows months of planning, development, testing and training in consultation with relevant regulators,” said Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke.
“The trial environment provides an opportunity to test the new technologies and processes, from the perspective of both our guests and our team members. Readiness for the new regime that will apply from August 2024 is a key element of our transformation program.”
Both Star and Crown originally first reached an agreement with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) in May 2021 to implement cashless gaming technology in their casinos, part of their efforts to achieve suitability.
Philip Crawford, then ILGA head and now Chairman of the NSW Independent Casino Commission, stated at the time, “The onus there is being able to trace where the money is coming from,” said Crawford. “It is very consistent with the KYC technology and regulations that our banks operate under.”
Crawford last week directed a second review into The Star Sydney’s suitability due to what he says are concerns over the effectiveness of the company’s remediation efforts.
The inquiry will again be overseen by Adam Bell SC, barely 18 months after he originally recommended Star be found unsuitable following a previous inquiry held in 2022.
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