Liquor & Gaming NSW has launched a new compliance operation to ensure licensed venues are adhering to new gaming harm minimisation measures.
In July and August, inspectors visited 528 hotels and clubs across New South Wales to verify compliance with new regulations concerning Responsible Gaming Officers (RGOs), gambling incident registers, ATM signage and Gaming Plans of Management (GPOM).
Initial findings are promising, with 93% of venues inspected since 1 July complying with the new measures. The majority of breaches were related to new ATM signage requirements.
Commenting on this, Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor and Gaming NSW, stated: “Inspectors are focusing on Gaming Plans of Management to ensure they have the required content included, as well as testing that the policies and procedures in the plan are being adhered to.
“It’s important that venues not only have a plan prepared, but also ensure their staff are aware of the contents and are checking to make sure it is being complied with.”
As part of the new rules, senior staff members – including club secretaries, directors, hotel licensees and managers – will be required to undergo training on identifying and intervening when patrons show signs of gambling harm.
This training aims to equip venue leaders with practical skills to support a culture of gaming harm minimisation.
Additionally, by 1 January 2025, ATMs must be relocated outside a five-meter radius of gaming areas in hotels and clubs.
This regulatory focus reflects broader trends in the gambling industry, as seen in Star Entertainment Group’s recent financial report. There, regulatory reforms and cost-of-living pressures have significantly impacted revenue and profit, highlighting the ongoing challenges that gambling operators face in adapting to stricter regulations.
