The state of New South Wales (NSW) is set to adopt stricter gambling rules and controls by the introduction of a number of changes aimed at enhancing the existing customer protection measures.
According to the latest statements of the Government, the number of poker machine operating permits in the state will be reduced by at least 3,000 – a move that will see thousands of pokies eliminated, along with the introduction of the planned cash-in limit on new electronic gaming terminals in New South Wales.
For the time being, the cash limit for NSW poker machines stands at AU$500. It has been rolled out as part of a broader effort of the state Government to make sure that local customers are better protected against gambling-related harm. Apart from that, the measure has also been unveiled to tackle potential money laundering, which has been considered a serious issue in NSW, as local clubs and pubs have been long abused by individuals linked to criminal organisations.
As Casino Guardian recently reported, Government representatives have confirmed that the planned cashless gaming trial would have to be delayed, after they revealed that about 40 customers’ personal data had been compromised by a recent cyberattack.
NSW Government Puts Consumers’ Interests First in the Planned Gambling Overhaul
All of the aforementioned changes are part of a significant overhaul of the local gambling sector. The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has announced the changes as part of its official gambling regulatory framework that is supported by the state’s Government.
The planned overhaul is set to be officially rolled out as of July 1st, with the new slot machines’ betting limit being reduced from the current AU$5,000 one.
David Harris, New South Wales Minister for gambling and racing, welcomed the announced changes and confirmed that the Government supports them, especially considering the fact that it had promised a safer gambling industry to local customers, and the planned overhaul was exactly what was happening there. Mr Harris reminded that although the reforms would result in serious changes for the entire sector, they were not used by the Government as a tool to undermine the performance of local gambling businesses. That is why the Government plans to continue supporting the state’s regulatory body in any sweeping reforms, but will also make sure that such changes are at least run by industry stakeholders to make recommendations that would ensure the best course of action.
The announcement was not received very well either by the avid advocates of the gambling sector or the ones trying to resolve the conflicts in a less aggressive tone.
The new gambling overhaul plans faced severe criticism. One of the most-discussed issues that anti-gambling campaigners have with the NSW Government is the recently announced delay of the promised cashless gambling trial that was postponed by an unspecified time. According to the opponents of the measure, that proved that New South Wales lawmakers allegedly favoured the gambling sector as a major contributor to their political campaigns.
These claims have been rejected by NSW Minister for gambling and racing, who argued that the Government was making a significant move forward in the regulation of the sector that would benefit local consumers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
