Australian survey shows cashless system backing

The plan to introduce cashless gaming to New South Wales, the largest Australian state, has received the backing of an overwhelming majority in a survey.

The bid to end money laundering through the country’s poker machines and slots has been led by state premier Dominic Perrottet. A survey this week showed that 63 per cent of voters back a cashless card system, with only 16 per cent opposed.

The survey was conducted by Resolve Strategic on behalf of the Sydney Morning Herald. It reports that only 28 per cent of voters have confidence in the pubs and clubs business to handle anti-money laundering obligations.

The state Crime Commission has recommended the introduction of a statutory cashless card system and it has been backed by other groups who champion improved player protection.

In the latest phase of the debate, the state’s Labor Party leader, Chris Minns, has said that he would back the introduction of a cashless card system, but only after a voluntary trial.

The fallout in NSW is that the Liberals, Greens and some cross-benchers support the cashless project, while Labor and the Nationals are not immediately in favour.

According to the newspaper, the Labor group feels that the issue it not a key one in the upcoming elections in March and it is not worth losing the financial support of major lobby groups such as the wealthy clubs market.