New measures to minimize gambling harm in NSW pubs and clubs
Date: 2024-07-03 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: EVENTS
Introduction of new rules
From 1 July 2023, pubs and clubs in New South Wales (NSW) with gaming machines will be required to comply with new measures aimed at protecting patrons from gambling-related harm. The measures were introduced by the New South Wales Government and involve the appointment of Responsible Gaming Officers (RGOs) for establishments with more than 20 gaming machines.
Each establishment subject to the new rules must now appoint and train a dedicated member of staff who will be responsible for monitoring and supporting patrons who exhibit suspicious gambling behavior. These officers, known as Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs), play a key role in preventing gambling addiction and minimizing possible harm.
As part of the new rules, licensed establishments are prohibited from placing signage or advertising related to slot machines on or in areas visible from ATMs or EFTPOS terminals. In addition, any signage directing customers to ATMs or EFTPOS terminals should not be visible from gaming areas or areas where gaming machines are installed.
Register of Gambling Cases
Establishments must maintain a Gambling Incident Register to document instances where patrons engage in behavior that indicates potential gambling harm, as well as record any requests for self-exclusion. This will allow you to better control the situation and respond to possible problems in a timely manner.
From 1 January 2025, additional measures will be introduced, according to which all ATMs must be located at least five meters from the gaming halls and be invisible from the gaming areas. These measures are aimed at further reducing the risk of gambling addiction.
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already begun visiting venues to ensure compliance with the new obligations and will continue to advise on the changes, which will come into effect from January 2025. These checks will help ensure that all establishments comply with the new requirements and help minimize gambling harm.
Minister's Statement
Gambling and Racing Minister David Harris said: “We know that slot machines pose the greatest risk of gambling harm, affecting individuals and their loved ones. The NSW Government is committed to introducing gambling reform to reduce this harm, including the introduction of responsible gambling enforcement officers in pubs and clubs and changes to the placement and visibility of ATMs in establishments.”
These new measures to minimize gambling harm are an important step towards creating a safe and responsible gaming environment in NSW pubs and clubs. The government continues to work to reduce the negative consequences of gambling and protect the interests of all residents of the state.
From 1 July 2023, pubs and clubs in New South Wales (NSW) with gaming machines will be required to comply with new measures aimed at protecting patrons from gambling-related harm. The measures were introduced by the New South Wales Government and involve the appointment of Responsible Gaming Officers (RGOs) for establishments with more than 20 gaming machines.
Each establishment subject to the new rules must now appoint and train a dedicated member of staff who will be responsible for monitoring and supporting patrons who exhibit suspicious gambling behavior. These officers, known as Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs), play a key role in preventing gambling addiction and minimizing possible harm.
As part of the new rules, licensed establishments are prohibited from placing signage or advertising related to slot machines on or in areas visible from ATMs or EFTPOS terminals. In addition, any signage directing customers to ATMs or EFTPOS terminals should not be visible from gaming areas or areas where gaming machines are installed.
Register of Gambling Cases
Establishments must maintain a Gambling Incident Register to document instances where patrons engage in behavior that indicates potential gambling harm, as well as record any requests for self-exclusion. This will allow you to better control the situation and respond to possible problems in a timely manner.
From 1 January 2025, additional measures will be introduced, according to which all ATMs must be located at least five meters from the gaming halls and be invisible from the gaming areas. These measures are aimed at further reducing the risk of gambling addiction.
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already begun visiting venues to ensure compliance with the new obligations and will continue to advise on the changes, which will come into effect from January 2025. These checks will help ensure that all establishments comply with the new requirements and help minimize gambling harm.
Minister's Statement
Gambling and Racing Minister David Harris said: “We know that slot machines pose the greatest risk of gambling harm, affecting individuals and their loved ones. The NSW Government is committed to introducing gambling reform to reduce this harm, including the introduction of responsible gambling enforcement officers in pubs and clubs and changes to the placement and visibility of ATMs in establishments.”
These new measures to minimize gambling harm are an important step towards creating a safe and responsible gaming environment in NSW pubs and clubs. The government continues to work to reduce the negative consequences of gambling and protect the interests of all residents of the state.
