Furthering the reforms around gambling harm minimisation, more enforceable changes are coming for hotels and registered clubs in NSW, relating to the visibility and location of cash dispensing facilities.
The new requirements begin 1 January 2025, based in the placement and visibility of cash dispensing facilities (CDF), defined as Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or EFTPOS with cash withdrawal capability.
From 1 July this year, hotels and clubs have been prohibited from having any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines visible from a CDF, and no sign advertising or giving direction to a CDF can be visible from a gaming machine or any part of a gaming area.
Liquor & Gaming (L&GNSW) has enforced these signage requirements since 1 August and responded to breaches accordingly.
Beginning 1 January (2025) are additional measures:
- Cash dispensing facilities must be at least five metres from any entrance or exit to a gaming area within a hotel or club
- Cash dispensing facilities must not be visible from gaming machines or the entry to a gaming room or area
- Gaming machine or jackpot signs must not be visible from cash dispensing facilities
There are possible exemptions, only available if it is not possible for the venue to comply with the five-metre radius rule because it would mean contravening the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979) or the Work Health and Safety Act (2011).
Venues that may be affected can apply to L&GNSW for an exemption.
More information, including applying for an exemption, can be found on the regulator’s webpage Changes to cash dispensing facility signage and location in gaming venues.