In a month-long compliance blitz carried out by Liquor and Gaming NSW (L&GNSW), it has been revealed that nearly 99% of inspected pubs and clubs in New South Wales (NSW) are now free of external gambling-related signage.
This development comes as part of the Minns Government's broader reform on gaming room advertising.
During this compliance programme, L&GNSW inspectors conducted inspections at over 1,100 venues spread across 35 metropolitan and eight regional Local Government Areas (LGA). This represents over half of all venues in NSW with entitlements to hold gaming machines.
The results of these inspections indicated that only 16 venues were found to have prohibited external signage, which L&GNSW is currently investigating.
L&GNSW had previously communicated the impending changes to the industry, including the issuance of a compliance position paper and numerous communications via its website and directly to venues in the lead-up to the ban.
To maintain compliance and increase responsible gambling practices, L&GNSW state that venues with existing non-compliant signage or new signage designed to circumvent the legislation will face escalated enforcement actions, effective 1 December 2023.
Non-compliance with these regulations carries penalties of up to AU$11,000 (US$7,002) per offence.
The removal of external gambling signage is just one aspect of the NSW Government's broader gaming reform efforts, which are aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
These initiatives include reducing the cash input limit for new electronic gaming machines, capping gaming machine entitlements, introducing responsible gaming officers and establishing an independent panel of experts to oversee the cashless gaming trial.
Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, expressed his gratitude for the industry's cooperation in this effort.
He stated: "Removing this signage for pubs and clubs is just one part of our commitment to reducing gambling harm in our community and I thank licensees and industry bodies for getting on board."
Harris continued: "We have been working positively and proactively with industry associations and venues across the state to educate, inform and support them through this process and ensure this high level of compliance."
