Bone cancer sufferer and gambling whistleblower Troy Stolz has announced he is running as an independent against Labor leader Chris Minns in the NSW election, as the gaming industry maintains its opposition to cashless gaming cards.

Minns holds the seat of Kogarah in south-west Sydney by 0.1 per cent following a redistribution.

Stolz, who worked as the head of anti-money laundering with ClubsNSW before exposing serious compliance gaps in the industry, is challenging Minns directly on his stance of a voluntary trial of cashless cards before committing to any statewide mandate.

ClubsNSW has responded to Stolz’ allegations by suing him, claiming a breach of confidentiality.

“I had chemo [therapy] yesterday and here I am today. If Chris Minns won’t do it, then it’s up to the independents to step up,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“There’s the appetite for change ... I’m at least giving the people of Kogarah the chance to vote around pokie ([reforms], around money laundering and having a safe community.”

Gambling reform advocate the Reverend Tim Costello spoke in support Stolz while lamenting Labor’s hesitancy to back the cashless gaming card.

“I feel grief that a Labor leader will not stand up to protect those who are vulnerable and to protect the community,” he said.

Stolz’ announcement comes hours after ClubsNSW said mandating cashless gaming cards was not a workable solution, with debate about the technology intensifying ahead of the state election in March.

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