Harris’ spokesperson said that although it was important to address gambling harm and prevent money laundering, the nature of the transition required was “complex” and involved “the development and testing of new technology in real-world settings”.

“Our allowance of a transitional period will enable any technical difficulties and live risks to be addressed,” the spokesperson said.

Mandated carded play has not been imposed on the state’s pubs and clubs, which operate 98 per cent of poker machines in NSW.

Instead, 28 of 400 venues signed up 4500 machines to participate in a voluntary cashless trial in December. Sources familiar with the trial confirmed this participation rate has fallen in the months since, but Liquor and Gaming NSW did not respond to this masthead’s request for an exact breakdown of the participation rate.

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