New harm minimisation measures came into effect across NSW this week for pubs and clubs with gaming machines.
Venues with more than twenty gaming machines must have a dedicated Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) on duty while gaming machines are in operation.
The officers are to help identify and support patrons displaying concerning gambling behaviour, make referrals to gambling support services, and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.
The number of officers required to be on duty depends on how many gaming machine entitlements a venue has.
Gambling Incident Registers must be maintained at venues with gambling machines and are to detail records of relevant incidents, such as patrons displays behaviour showing risks or experiences of gambling harm, and any requests for self-exclusion.
No more ATMs next to gaming machines (next year)
Licensed venues are also now banned from placing any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from, an ATM or EFTPOS terminal.
Similarly, signs advertising or directing towards ATMs or EFTPOS terminals are no longer allowed to be visible from a gaming machine or any part of a gaming area.
More rules are to become effective next year.
Starting 1 January 2025, all ATMs in venues with gaming machines must be at least five metres away from gaming rooms or areas and aren’t allowed to be visible from those spaces.
‘We know that gaming machines represent the most serious risk of gambling harm, impacting individuals and their loved ones,’ NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said via media release this week
‘Having cash dispensing facilities further away from gaming machines encourages a clean break in play for patrons who may be losing track of what they are spending,’ Mr Harris said.
Venues have a month’s grace period to become compliant with the new ATM signage rules before enforcement activity is to start in August.
The government says Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already visiting venues across the state to make sure operators are aware of their new obligations.
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