The system enabled authorities to better monitor gambling transactions and minimize the risk of money laundering while providing users with tools for safer gaming. Within the wallet, players could set limits or even self-exclude from gambling activities. The payment model was introduced as an experiment involving 14 gambling establishments and 2,388 gaming machines. Users had the option to either try the innovative method or stick to traditional payment methods, such as cash.
The project was implemented under the supervision of the Independent Gambling Reform Advisory Council, aiming to reduce opportunities for money laundering and mitigate gambling-related risks. The experiment lasted six months, and experts now describe the results as mixed.
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Only 162 players tested the innovative wallet, which doesn’t provide sufficient data for comprehensive conclusions. While resistance to the system partly correlates with general reluctance toward innovations in gambling, other nuances exist. For example, most players accepted the suggestion to set limits but viewed such measures as necessary only for individuals prone to addiction. In other words, even optional restrictions were met with skepticism. Industry representatives are concerned that if this payment system becomes mandatory, it might impact revenues. While some people might remain neutral to the change, others could see it as excessive government interference in their personal space. Infrequent players may also find the additional registration procedure inconvenient, opting for more accessible entertainment options instead. Furthermore, implementing the wallet system would require financial investments—minimal for large companies but significant for regional operators.
The expert council now calls for further research to address these contentious issues. Additionally, industry representatives insist that if the state mandates the system, a lengthy transition period will be essential. While the target implementation year has been set for 2028, experts believe this timeline is insufficient for society and businesses to adapt and optimize the new system. To explore this question, we reached out to representatives of Slots City Casino, who consistently study and analyze international approaches to combating gambling addiction.
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“We closely monitor global practices in responsible gaming and support the pursuit of innovative solutions that enhance the safety and transparency of the gambling market. Undoubtedly, innovations like the gambling wallet in Australia deserve attention as attempts to prevent problematic gambling behavior. This experiment is still evolving, so conclusions are yet to come. Overall, self-limitation tools, such as spending or time limits, indeed help mitigate the risks of gambling addiction. However, international experience shows that such measures require players’ trust and awareness campaigns so users perceive them as benefits rather than restrictions. The key lies in integrating these systems into a broader context: staff training, cooperation among governments, operators, and public organizations, as well as sufficient time for adaptation by businesses and society,” the company noted. Stay ahead with must-read gambling updates covering regulations and trends.
