NSW: Most Operators Are Compliant with the New RG Rules

Liquor & Gaming NSW has continued its regulatory efforts to ensure that local gambling properties are complying with the new harm minimization measures. Recent findings have demonstrated venues’ readiness to adopt the new requirements.

NSW Inspectors Continue to Ensure the Rules Are Followed

According to the NSW regulator, its inspectors have visited a total of 528 hotels and clubs across the Australian state in July and August. The inspectors were tasked with checking whether the properties were compliant with the new requirements relating to the creation of responsible gaming officer (RGO) positions, gambling incident registers, ATM signage and gaming plans of management (GPOM).

Liquor & Gaming NSW emphasized that gambling venues seem ready to adopt the new requirements. Since July 1, 2024, a staggering 93% of venues have complied with the new measures. The few violations detected by the regulator’s inspectors were mostly related to the new ATM signage requirements.

The authority noted that its inspectors will continue their work across the state to ensure that gambling venues in the state remain compliant with their new obligations once the requirements officially come into effect.

Operators Are Ready to Comply with the New Rules

Jane Lin, executive director of regulatory operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, commented on the matter, saying that the new requirements were an important step toward more robust customer safety measures. She added that inspectors will continue to make sure that local gaming properties are playing by the rules.

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.

Jane Lin, executive director regulatory operations, Liquor & Gaming NSW

Lin concluded that venues should not only have a plan but be able to ensure that their workers are aware of the changes and ready to comply.

Clubs and Hotels Will Be Required to Follow New Rules

For context, the new requirements are part of the NSW government’s commitment to delivering evidence-based gaming reform. Lawmakers continue to seek a compromise between supporting local businesses and keeping consumers safe from gambling harm.

The new rules would require managers of properties that offer gaming to undertake gambling harm-related training that would teach them to identify at-risk players and intervene on time.

As per the new requirements, gambling venues have already been required to:

• Record instances of potential gambling harm incidents and keep records
• Create RGO jobs in venues with over 20 gaming machines
• Create and maintain a Gaming Plan of Management that is updated at least once a year

In addition, from January 1, 2025, venues will have to ensure that ATMs are located no closer than five meters from an entrance or exit to a gaming area.

Venues that cannot comply can seek exemption from the regulator.