The New South Wales gambling oversight agency, Liquor & Gaming NSW, has levied 77 penalties for infractions related to gambling in the past seven months.
These fines were imposed following 875 inspections of pubs and clubs across the state, with three legal actions also initiated. These examinations were the initial phase of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s “focused compliance program” to assess if establishments were implementing specific measures to minimize gambling-related harm.
While the majority of venues adhered to regulations, inspectors still uncovered “significant problems,” stated Jane Lin, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and Enforcement. Pubs and clubs were frequently discovered to be essentially gambling establishments, such as operating solely gaming areas or having the bar situated within the gaming space. Inspectors also found that venues were placing automated teller machines in the gaming machine zone, which is prohibited.
In certain establishments, patrons were required to traverse the gaming room to access other sections of the venue.
Lin asserted that the harm mitigation strategies for gaming are intended to safeguard the gaming sector and curb gambling-related dangers. The subsequent phase of the strategy will involve an additional 500 inspections of bars and clubs in New South Wales. The regulatory body stated that it will adopt a “strict” approach to any violations of the state’s responsible gambling regulations.
“Our compliance program is intended to foster a safer gambling environment and safeguard patrons and the broader community from the issues linked to excessive gambling,” Lin added.
“Our inspectors will also be monitoring any gaming signage during these inspections and are willing to provide information and address any inquiries that venue operators may have regarding the signage prohibition that takes effect on September 1,” Lin stated.
The New South Wales Liquor and Gaming Authority has cautioned venues about ATM operations and issued a notice to all venues in the state to ensure they do not have any ATMs with credit card access capabilities. This aligns with the Gaming Machines Act 2001 and follows the discovery of two such machines at two distinct locations in Sydney.
“Noncompliance with these requirements will result in a penalty of up to $5,500 and will serve as grounds for disciplinary action,” Lin emphasized.
The regulatory body instructed the Wentworth Hotel in Homebush to eliminate the credit card withdrawal function from its ATM.
A patron took out roughly two thousand Australian dollars from their credit card account for wagering activities, which triggered a grievance.
The New South Wales Liquor & Gaming Authority has also directed the Earlwood Hotel to eliminate credit card access from its machines. The agency also requested the establishment to remove promotional materials for the hotel’s gambling facilities from ATM displays.
Lin stated that the regulatory body has been in contact with the gambling sector to ensure venues adhere to its responsible gambling regulations.
“These requirements are intended to limit gambling-related harm. Credit card limitations are a fundamental measure to prevent individuals from encountering difficulties,” Lin stated.
“We have enhanced our enforcement of these requirements, including prosecuting violations, issuing statutory instructions or employing other administrative solutions to address instances of non-compliance, to guarantee the safety of our community. Inspectors are actively examining credit card withdrawal functionality at licensed venues.”
Research cautions about late-night slot machines
Earlier this month, a New South Wales government-funded study was published that discovered a connection between late-night slot machine play and problematic gambling.
The report concluded that individuals with gambling issues constitute the majority of late-night slot machine players.
Research indicated that a majority of individuals who utilize machinery during the early morning hours, specifically between the hours of 2 am and 8 am, encounter substantial adverse consequences.
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