Recently, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced new regulations aimed at minimising harm associated with gambling in pubs and clubs. These measures focus on enhancing patron protection and responsible gambling practices within venues that operate gaming machines.
Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs)
One of the central aspects of the new regulations is the requirement for venues with more than 20 gaming machines to appoint dedicated Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs). These officers are tasked with monitoring and supporting patrons who exhibit signs of problematic gambling behavior. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance and intervention to individuals at risk.
ATM and EFTPOS Signage Restrictions
To mitigate the temptation associated with easy access to funds for gambling, licensed venues are now prohibited from displaying signage or advertising related to gaming machines on or visible from ATMs or EFTPOS terminals. Additionally, any signs directing patrons to these financial services must be positioned so as not to be visible from gaming areas. This measure aims to reduce the visibility and accessibility of financial services near gambling activities.
Gambling Incident Register
Venues are required to maintain a Gambling Incident Register to record instances where patrons display behaviors indicative of gambling harm or request self-exclusion. This register serves as a tool for monitoring and managing gambling-related incidents within the venue.
Future Measures (Effective January 2025)
From January 2025 onwards, further regulations will be enforced, including the requirement that all ATMs must be located at least five meters away from gaming rooms and must not be visible from gaming areas or machines. These measures are designed to physically separate financial services from gambling activities, thereby reducing immediate access to funds during gaming sessions.
Implementation and Compliance
The NSW Government has provided a grace period of one month for venues to comply with the new ATM signage rules, with full enforcement scheduled to begin in August. Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already commenced visits to venues to ensure compliance with the initial obligations and to provide guidance on future regulatory changes effective from January 2025.
Ministerial Perspective
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing gambling-related harms through these reforms. He highlighted gaming machines as a significant risk factor and expressed confidence that the introduction of RGOs and stricter ATM regulations would contribute to a safer gambling environment for patrons and their families.
The new harm minimisation measures introduced by the NSW Government mark a significant step towards addressing gambling-related harm in pubs and clubs. By implementing stringent regulations such as the appointment of Responsible Gambling Officers, restrictions on ATM and EFTPOS signage, and the establishment of a Gambling Incident Register, the government aims to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment. These measures not only seek to protect vulnerable individuals but also reflect a proactive approach to managing the social impacts of gambling in the community.