In a significant move aimed at protecting patrons from gambling harm, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced new regulations impacting pubs and clubs with gaming machines. These measures, effective immediately with ongoing phases, aim to enhance responsible gambling practices and minimize the risks associated with gaming.
NSW Introduces New Measures to Minimize Gambling Harm in Pubs and Clubs
Key Harm Minimization Measures
Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs)
Venues with more than 20 gaming machines are now required to have a dedicated Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) on duty during all gaming operations. These officers are tasked with identifying and supporting patrons showing signs of gambling harm, ensuring immediate intervention and support.
ATM and EFTPOS Signage Restrictions
To reduce the visibility and temptation associated with gambling, licensed venues are prohibited from displaying gaming machine-related signage on or near ATMs or EFTPOS terminals. Additionally, signs directing patrons to these facilities must not be visible from gaming areas, ensuring a separation between gambling activities and financial services.
Grace Period and Compliance
Venues have been granted a one-month grace period to comply with the new ATM signage regulations, which will be enforced starting August. This grace period allows venues time to adjust their signage and comply with the new requirements.
Gambling Incident Register
Under the new regulations, venues must maintain a Gambling Incident Register. This register documents instances where patrons exhibit behaviors indicative of gambling harm or submit self-exclusion requests. It serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and responding to potential risks.
Future Measures Effective from January 2025
Starting January 2025, further measures will come into effect, mandating that all ATMs be located at least five meters away from gaming rooms. This distance requirement aims to physically separate financial services from gaming areas, reducing the visibility and accessibility of ATMs to patrons engaged in gambling activities.
Enforcement and Compliance
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already commenced inspections to ensure venues are complying with these new obligations. They are providing guidance to venues on meeting the requirements, particularly in preparation for the upcoming January 2025 changes.
Minister’s Perspective
Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, underscored the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing gambling harm: “We know that gaming machines pose significant risks to individuals and their families. These reforms, including the introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers and stricter ATM visibility rules, are part of our broader efforts to implement effective gambling reform and protect our community.”
Conclusion: The Implementation
The implementation of these new harm minimization measures represents a proactive step by the NSW Government to address gambling harm in pubs and clubs. By enhancing responsible gambling practices and limiting the visibility of financial services near gaming areas, NSW aims to create a safer environment for patrons. As venues prepare to meet these new requirements, ongoing compliance and enforcement efforts will ensure effective implementation and adherence to the regulations.
FAQs About NSW’s New Harm Minimization Measures for Pubs and Clubs with Gaming Machines
1. What are the new regulations introduced by the NSW Government for pubs and clubs with gaming machines?
The NSW Government has introduced new regulations requiring venues with more than 20 gaming machines to have a dedicated Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) on duty during gaming operations. They also impose restrictions on signage related to gaming machines at ATMs and EFTPOS terminals.
2. What is the role of Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) under the new regulations?
RGOs are responsible for identifying and supporting patrons displaying concerning gambling behavior. They ensure immediate intervention and support to minimize gambling harm.
3. What are the restrictions on signage at ATMs and EFTPOS terminals in licensed venues?
Licensed venues are prohibited from placing gaming machine-related signage on or near ATMs and EFTPOS terminals. Signs directing patrons to these facilities must also not be visible from gaming areas.
4. When do the new ATM signage rules come into effect?
Venues have a one-month grace period to comply with the new ATM signage rules, which will be enforced starting August.
5. What is the Gambling Incident Register mentioned in the article?
The Gambling Incident Register is a record maintained by venues to document instances where patrons exhibit behaviors indicative of gambling harm or submit self-exclusion requests.
6. What additional measures will be implemented from January 2025?
From January 2025, all ATMs in gaming venues must be located at least five meters away from gaming rooms and must not be visible from gaming areas or machines.
7. How is compliance with these new regulations enforced?
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors are conducting inspections to ensure venues comply with the new obligations. They are also providing guidance to venues on meeting the requirements.
8. Why did the NSW Government introduce these measures?
The measures are part of broader efforts by the NSW Government to reduce gambling harm, acknowledging the risks associated with gaming machines and aiming to protect individuals and families from these harms.
9. Who is responsible for implementing these new regulations?
The implementation and oversight of these regulations fall under the jurisdiction of Liquor & Gaming NSW, ensuring venues adhere to the new harm minimization measures.
10. How can venues prepare for compliance with these new regulations?
Venues can prepare by appointing Responsible Gambling Officers, reviewing and adjusting signage near ATMs and EFTPOS terminals, maintaining a Gambling Incident Register, and ensuring readiness for the January 2025 ATM distance requirements.
