In this study, the researchers explored people’s perceptions of account-based (i.e., cashless) systems for electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Data was collected from 133 people at a large gambling venue in Western Sydney, Australia, between December 2023 and February 2024. Participants completed a survey about their perceptions of account-based systems, technology literacy, financial wellbeing, and problem gambling.
Most participants indicated that they would be more likely to use account-based systems if incentives were offered, like additional membership points. Higher perceived usefulness and ease of use of account-based systems were associated with higher intent to use them. Moreover, higher perceived ease of use was associated with higher perceived usefulness. Likelihood of having problem gambling and financial wellbeing were not associated with perceived usefulness of account-based systems. The findings can inform the development of gambling harm-reduction systems that are aligned with consumer usability and perceived value, improving uptake and sustained use.
