New NSW gaming regulations set to come into effect

The New South Wales Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 and Casino Control Regulation 2019 will both come into effect on 1 September, bringing in changes predominantly related to harm minimisation measures.

The new legislation sees a levy of at least 5% of gaming machine lease payments or $1,000 per gaming machine lease per year (whichever is higher) to the Responsible Gambling Fund introduced, while gaming-related application and licence fees will be automatically adjusted in line with inflation.

Also updated are requirements around responsible gaming information. Under the Gaming Machines Regulation, Sign 4G, which consists of the word “Think” and three pieces of information about problem gambling, must be displayed in all licensed venues.

However, the amended regulations clarify that failure to do so will now be treated as only one offence, after the Liquor and Gaming Board said the previous regulation was “unclear” over whether it was one breach of regulations, or three.

Both regulations now no longer describe specific player information and harm minimisation messages. Instead, the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) will have the authority to change and approve the content of messages in signs, notices and player information brochures, a move the NSW Liquor and Gaming Board believes will “ensure messages are fit for purpose and based on current research, industry best practice and player behaviour”.

Venues will also no longer be required to hang clocks in gaming areas, due to evidence that clocks hung in gaming areas have little impact on harm minimisation.

The Casino Control Regulation 2019 will introduce new responsible service of alcohol framework requirements, including that liquor licensees and approved managers regulated under the Casino Control Regulation 2019 need to complete Licensee and/or Advanced Licensee training.