The second phase expands on a compliance program that has been running continuously for the past seven months and has seen more than 875 inspections.
In the first stage, 77 penalty notices for violations relating to gaming were issued and three prosecutions were started.
A total of 500 additional inspections at bars and clubs are expected as part of this phase.
Jane Lin, Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director of Regulatory Operations & Enforcement, said: “Gaming harm-minimisation measures are designed to ensure a safe gaming industry and limit the harm that can be associated with gambling. Failure to comply with these requirements carries penalties up to AU$5,500 (US$3,720) and is grounds for disciplinary action.”
Inspectors will be visiting locations throughout metropolitan and regional NSW as part of this program's upcoming phase, including locations in the Greater Sydney area, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth, Armidale, Uralla, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook local government areas.
Lin said: “Our inspectors will also be observing any gaming signage during the course of these inspections and will provide information and answer any questions venue operators may have about the signage ban which comes into force on 1 September.”
Meanwhile, following the discovery of ATMs with credit card withdrawal capabilities at two Sydney venues, the regulator is also reminding all venues throughout NSW to abide by core gaming harm-minimisation criteria.
The Gaming Machines Act of 2001 prohibits ATMs with credit access from being located in any area of hotels or clubs that feature gaming machines.
Following a complaint from a customer who took almost $2,000 from a credit account for gambling reasons, the Wentworth Hotel at Homebush, owned by Iris Capital Group, was ordered to deactivate the credit card withdrawal feature from an ATM on the property.
Lin added: “We have escalated our enforcement approach to these requirements, including by prosecuting offences and issuing statutory directions or using other administrative remedies to address instances of non-compliance to keep our community safe. Inspectors are out and actively testing credit withdrawal functions at licensed premises.”
