NSW clubs seek alternative to prepaid gambling cards

New South Wales RSL and league clubs suggest that using a digital wallet linked to a government database of problem gamblers instead of prepaid gambling cards.

Australia.- RSL and league clubs are seeking an alternative to New South Wales’ proposed plan to introduce pre-paid gambling cards as critics warn a badly designed system could be a disaster.

NSW Clubs are opposed to the concept of a mandatory cashless card, arguing that the government’s proposed changes would cost $1.8bn and results in 9,000 job losses.

The National Party is also against the proposal to introduce prepaid gambling cards in New South Wales.

Although the proposal was put forward as a way to help players manage their gambling and to combat money-laundering, Dr. Kate da Costa, an Alliance for Gambling Reform campaigner, said: “the system would only work if connected to the government’s central systems.”

RSL and league clubs have instead suggested using digital wallets on mobile phones for payment. The system could be linked to players’ bank accounts and a government database of problem gamblers.

Garrie Gibson, chief executive of the RSL and Services Clubs Association said: “With the digital wallet, anyone can join and play because they use their existing ID and systems in their phone.

“This will help achieve the government’s three objectives: minimising harm, making sure people who have a problem don’t play, and stopping money laundering.”