In February, New South Wales’ gambling regulator announced plans to implement a range of new responsible gambling measures, and the said regulations are now in effect. As per a media release published on the NSW government’s website on Tuesday, inspectors have begun visiting all venues subject to the new rules.
One of the most crucial regulations mandates that all pubs, clubs, and other venues operating over 20 gaming machines must hire and train at least one Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO). The higher the machine count, the more RGOs need to be in charge of monitoring patrons for signs of problem gambling. An RGO’s duties also encompass responsibilities such as reaching out to clients potentially suffering from gambling harm, helping them access support, keeping a record of instances involving problem gambling or behaviour that suggests an individual might be at risk, and more. The records will be kept in a Gambling Incident Register, as having one is now another requirement that businesses need to comply with.
Other changes have to do with cash dispensing facilities. Namely, no establishment is permitted to place gambling advertisements that are visible to individuals who utilise the said terminals. We should also note that regulators have granted businesses a grace period of one month in order to prepare.
Upcoming Changes to NSW’s Approach to Gambling Regulation
The above is the first stage of NSW’s updates to gambling legislation. The year 2025 will start with even more changes, and they will once again be tied to cash machines and gambling. Starting January 1st, 2025, ATMs will need to be located no less than five metres from a business that has gaming machines. Another rule will dictate that ATMs will need to not be visible from the entry of a room with gaming machines or a specific gaming machine.
According to David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing, NSW officials are aware of how gaming machines are the most dangerous form of gambling when it comes to the harm associated with games of chance. He put an emphasis on the NSW Government’s commitment to minimising harm via the new regulations and noted how the measures associated with ATMs should help sever the connection between losses and the temptation to gamble even more money away.
The NSW Government’s efforts to curb gambling-related harm also extend to gaming technology. This March marked the beginning of the state’s official ATMscashless gaming trialmoney laundering. Cashless gaming, also known as carded play, facilitates gambling without the need for cash. Instead, clients can utilise player cards or a smartphone application in order to play. The Independent Panel on Gaming Reform is the entity supervising the trial, and it will issue a report on its findings in November. The trial will also be evaluated by 3arc Social.
- Author
Daniel Williams
