Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of running trials on the use of cashless payments for the land-based gambling sector.

The Government is reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age. Secondary legislation (The Gaming Machine (Circumstances of Use) Regulations 2007) currently prohibits the direct use of debit cards for payment on gaming machines. However, cashless payments via digital apps, ticket in ticket out systems and debit card payments at cash desks are currently permitted in the land-based gambling sector. It is also possible to pay for chips at a casino gaming table by turning away from the table and completing a debit card transaction with a staff member.

We are considering issues around payment methods as part of our wide-ranging Review and will publish a White Paper setting out our conclusions and next steps in due course.