After section 127 of the Principal Act , the following section is inserted in Part 7:

127AA.     Direction to be given in relation to appropriate harm minimisation technologies

(1)  In this section –

appropriate harm minimisation technologies means –

(a) facial recognition technology; and

(b) restricted use cards;

restricted use card means a card, containing electronic data, by means of which a player is able to be identified and to use a gaming machine.

(2)  Within 30 days after the day on which the Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Act 2021 receives the Royal Assent, the Minister must give to the Commission a direction under section 127 .

(3)  The direction given in accordance with subsection (2) is to direct the Commission –

(a) to carry out, in relation to the relevant matters, an investigation with a view to determining the most effective method of implementing appropriate harm minimisation technologies in casinos, hotels and clubs; and

(b) to provide to the Minister, before 30 June 2022, a report in relation to the results of the investigation.

(4)  The investigation in relation to the relevant matters is to be an investigation –

(a) as to the extent to which the implementation, in casinos, hotels, and clubs of appropriate harm minimisation technologies may enhance the minimisation of the harm caused by problem gambling; and

(b) as to the existing appropriate harm minimisation technologies that may be able to be used in casinos, hotels and clubs; and

(c) as to the options for, and the desirability and feasibility of, the use in casinos, hotels and clubs of restricted use cards enabling players to store, and use for the purpose of wagering in gaming machines, amounts of money that are determined by the players before they begin to use the cards; and

(d) as to the costs and benefits of the adoption in casinos, hotels and clubs of appropriate harm minimisation technologies; and

(e) as to the timeframe in which, and the most effective methods by which, appropriate harm minimisation technologies may be implemented in casinos, hotels and clubs.

(5)  The investigation for the purposes specified in subsection (4)(d) is to include consultation with such persons involved in the gambling industry, and such persons with an interest in the gambling industry, as the Commission thinks fit.

(6)  Without limiting the matters that may be contained in the report by the Commission in relation to the investigation, the report is to include –

(a) the Commission’s recommendations as to the most effective method of implementing appropriate harm minimisation technologies in casinos, hotels and clubs; and

(b) the steps the Commission proposes to take to implement those recommendations as soon as reasonably practicable.