The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has unveiled the new $5 bank note which will be in circulation from September 2016. A new $10 note is planned for 2016/17.
The new notes feature upgraded security technologies and design to prevent counterfeiting.
Current gaming machine Bank Note Acceptors (BNAs) will not accept the new design. Although aspects are similar, such as colour and size, the BNA needs to be upgraded to accept the new note.
Manufacturers and suppliers of BNAs have software/hardware upgrades available to allow their products to accept the new notes. Suppliers are required to seek approval from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for any BNA software or hardware upgrades to be installed in gaming machines.
Gaming venue operators should approach their suppliers to enquire when the approved upgrades will be available for installation in machines.
No. There is no regulatory obligation to provide a BNA that accepts current and new bank notes.
This is a commercial decision for venues.
New $5 bank notes will not be accepted in gaming machines where the BNAs have not been upgraded.
You should advise players to exchange any new $5 notes for an old note, or for coins, for use in machines that have not been upgraded. Venue operates may wish to consider signage to alert players.
Gaming machines without a BNA upgrade will continue to accept the previous $5 note and current $10, $20, and $50 bank notes.
All gaming machines will require a Logic Clear upon installation and some will require a Master Reset/Ram Clear as part of the process when the BNA is upgraded.
Venues must follow the appropriate procedures for a master reset including scheduling such activities with Intralot and following correct protocol for reinstating standalone jackpots.
