July and August saw 528 NSW licensed venues inspected to ensure they were compliant with new requirements in line with Liquor & Gaming NSW’s gambling harm minimisation measures.
The blitz precedes further mandated training for senior staff that will soon come into effect, to support leaders to maintain a harm minimisation culture.
The inspections found venues willing to apply the new requirements, with 93 per cent of venues shown to be in compliance, and most breaches of a minor nature.
Jane Lin, Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations, said the requirements were an important part in gambling harm minimisation.
She said Gaming Plans of Management are a focus for inspectors to ensure that policies and procedures both include all requirement content and are being followed.
“It’s important that venues not only have a plan prepared, but ensure their staff are aware of the contents and are checking to make sure it is being complied with,” she said.
These new NSW Government requirements support evidence-based reform as part of its commitment to reduce gambling harm, as well as prevent money laundering, while supporting local employment.
Now, any staff responsible for gaming operations management, including club directors and secretaries as well as managers, must be given practical skills to recognise and proactively intervene when there are signs of gambling harm from patrons.
From the first of January next year, venues will also need to ensure that no ATM is within a five-metre radius from any entrance or exit to a gaming area.
Earlier this year, PubTIC reported on the first round of reforms required for licensed venues. This included maintenance of a gambling incident register and the introduction of Responsible Gaming Officers.
Exemptions may be sought for some requirements if a venue is unable to comply.
Further information can be found on the Liquor & Gaming website.
