As of yesterday, pubs and clubs in New South Wales (NSW) with gaming machines must adhere to new harm minimisation measures aimed at protecting patrons at risk of gambling harm.
These measures, introduced by the NSW Government, require venues with more than 20 gaming machines to have a dedicated responsible gambling officer (RGO) on duty during gaming operations.
Venues are responsible for identifying and training staff to serve as these RGOs. The RGOs will then monitor and support patrons displaying concerning gambling behaviour.
Under the new regulations, licensed venues are also prohibited from placing signage or advertising related to gaming machines on or visible from ATMs or EFTPOS terminals.
Additionally, any signs directing patrons to ATMs or EFTPOS terminals must not be visible from gaming machines or any part of a gaming area.
Venues have been given a one-month grace period to comply with the new ATM signage rules before enforcement begins in August.
Finally, venues must maintain a Gambling Incident Register to document instances where patrons exhibit behaviour indicative of gambling harm and any self-exclusion requests.
Further measures will be implemented from 1 January 2025, requiring all ATMs to be located at least five meters from gaming rooms and ensuring they are not visible from gaming areas or machines.
Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already started visiting venues to ensure compliance with the new obligations and will continue to provide guidance on the changes effective from January 2025.
Regarding the new regulation, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris stated: “We know that gaming machines represent the most serious risk of gambling harm, impacting individuals and their loved ones.
“The NSW Government is committed to implementing gambling reform to reduce these harms, including this introduction of responsible gambling officers in pubs and clubs, and changes to the placement and visibility of ATMs in venues."
