Dominic Perrottet says he is committed to cleaning up the multibillion dollar poker machine industry in NSW but has stopped short of committing to a timeline, saying more information is needed.
"I know everyone wants to get to an outcome yesterday, I accept that," the premier told reporters on Thursday.
He said he was seeking advice on technology needed to implement a cashless gaming card.
"I want to work with the industry to get to the end position of cashless gaming across our state."
It comes after weeks of pressure on the government to reform the industry, after the NSW Crime Commission found "billions of dollars of 'dirty' cash" were being poured into the state's poker machines every year.
The commission recommended introducing cashless gaming to minimise the proceeds of crime being laundered through pubs and clubs.
On Wednesday, Independent MP Alex Greenwich urged the government to commit to a three-year deadline for implementing the cards.
The premier held positive talks with ClubsNSW and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) on Thursday to discuss a path forward.
"The meeting was constructive and we look forward to continuing talks with the government," a spokesperson for AHA, which represents hotels and pubs, told AAP following the meeting.
ClubsNSW head Josh Landis is opposed to cashless gaming and has previously said the cards would not stop organised criminals laundering money.
Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader Paul Toole has broken ranks with the premier to oppose the card, saying the technology was not yet available.
The NSW Greens and Independent MP Helen Dalton joined Wesley Mission as well as community and religious organisations on Wednesday to demand reform of the industry before the March election.
The group accused the major parties of being reluctant to stand up to the influential gaming lobby, at the expense of gambling addicts.
Labor Leader Chris Minns offered his support to an expanded trial of a cashless gaming card, but wants businesses to be able to opt in.
"I want to make sure that these are common sense changes backed up by evidence," he said.
Meanwhile, outgoing government frontbencher Rob Stokes has given a scathing assessment of the club industry's ties to pokies.
"Gambling generates demonstrable social harm but ephemeral community benefit," he said in a speech to parliament on Wednesday.
"The community has had a gutful. We need to renegotiate the social contract with clubs to ensure the equation adds up to hope, not harm.
"We cannot hide from the uncomfortable truth that human misery is the financial lifeblood for many NSW clubs."
Mr Perrottet backed his MP, saying the state should not "be profiting off the misery of others".
"The NSW government receives significant tax revenue - when I was treasurer, I was uncomfortable with it," he said.
