Star Entertainment has shut off all slot machines after running into performance issues after upgrading systems ahead of a transition to cashless gaming. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Star Entertainment Group has announced that the slot machines at its casinos are currently down following an issue when upgrading the systems. The Australian company is preparing to introduce cashless gaming and discovered certain performance issues.

will lead to a significant drop in revenue at Star casinos

The machines were shut off on Saturday evening and remain down, which will lead to a significant drop in revenue at Star casinos in Brisbane, Sydney, and the Gold Coast.

In a statement on Monday morning, the company said that it decided to switch the slots off “to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and to maintain the company’s commitment to safer gambling procedures.”

It is working with the external provider of these machines, Konami, to get everything back to normal. The other operations at these properties remain available including table games, restaurants, and bars.

Under the new cashless gaming rules, anyone playing a slot machine has to scan a card that verifies their age and identity. Gamblers can still use cash on the machines after they tap their card.

Star believes the new limits will help combat money laundering and also help identify problematic gambling. The Star has until the end of August to ensure these changes are in place.