On 1 July 2024, the Responsible Gambling Officer, Gambling Incident Register and internal signage changes came into effect.

Responsible Gambling Officer

Hotels and clubs with 21 or more gaming machine entitlements (GMEs) must now have Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) on duty.

The Responsible Gambling Officer webpage provides details on new requirements, including the role of RGOs, required training and how many RGOs must be on duty. Frequently asked questions are also available.

If you hold significantly more GMEs than the number of gaming machines operated, you may be eligible to apply for an exemption to reduce the RGO requirements.

Gambling Incident Register

All hotels and clubs with gaming machines must now keep a gambling incident register.

The Gambling Incident Register webpage contains guidance on how to comply with the new requirements.

Changes to internal signage for gaming machines and cash dispensing facilities

Hotels and clubs are now banned from placing any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines where it is visible from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or EFTPOS with cash withdrawal facilities.

In addition, any sign that advertises or gives direction to a cash dispensing facility is not allowed to be visible from a gaming machine or any part of a gaming area.

 There is a grace period until 1 August 2024 for you to comply with these new signage rules. Temporarily covering signs is acceptable while you work toward removing them permanently.

Cash dispensing facilities location new requirements – from 1 January 2025

Following continued breaches of existing regulations regarding the location of cash dispensing facilities in areas with gaming machines, the regulations have been amended to be clearer about where you can locate cash dispensing facilities. For these requirements, cash dispensing facilities means ATMs and EFTPOS terminals with cash withdrawal.

Now, ATMs and cash withdrawal facilities must:

• be located five (5) metres or more from the entry to a gaming room or an area or room where gaming machines are located;
• not be visible from:
  • the entry to a gaming room or area or room where gaming machines are located,
  • a gaming machine.

You must also not be able to view a gaming machine or jackpot sign from a cash dispensing facility.

For small venues that cannot comply with the new requirements, you will be able to apply to L&GNSW for an exemption. Further information on how to apply for an exemption with be available on the L&GNSW website soon along with additional guidance about the approach L&GNSW will take to enforcing the new requirements regarding cash dispensing facilities.

Getting ready – inspectors in the field

Inspectors have been providing educational support in the field in the lead up to these changes. Now, inspectors may visit your venue to assess compliance with the new requirements.

You are required to comply with the new requirements as set out above. Liquor & Gaming NSW will take a graduated and proportionate approach to compliance with these new obligations in accordance with the Compliance & Enforcement Policy. More detailed guidance about the approach to enforcement of the new requirements will be published shortly.