Cashless row in Aussie clubs continues

The row over poker machines in pubs and clubs in New South Wales moving to cashless gaming continues, with state premier Dominic Perrottet refusing to back down.

Perrottet has demanded the change for the state’s 90,000-plus slots to help fight organised crime and money-laundering. The idea has been fiercely opposed by ClubsNSW, the organisation representing the 1,400 clubs in the state.

ClubsNSW, along with the Australian Hotels Association, met with the prime minister at Parliament House yesterday to find that Perrottet was immovable on the subject.

After the meeting, says the Sydney Morning Herald, a statement was issued which said Perrottet “reiterated his strong view that the status quo can’t continue.” He did, however, accept the significant contribution that clubs make to local communities and jobs in the state.

The pubs and clubs warn that if forced to accept cashless gaming, some venues would have to close. Some opposition politicians have urged a trial of cashless gaming to judge its effects.