New laws regarding ATMs and EFTPOS machines near gaming machines will be enforced from next month, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s gambling harm minimisation reforms.
Under new rules, machines that allow cash withdrawals must be placed at least 5m from the entry to a gaming room and not be visible from any machine or entry to a gaming room.
Having ATMs and EFTPOS facilities further away from gaming machines encourages a break in play for vulnerable customers, who may benefit from taking a step away to consider how much they are spending.
The new rules came into place on 1 January, with a one-month grace period to comply. From this Saturday, 1 February Liquor and Gaming NSW will take a zero-tolerance approach, with venues in breach liable to fines, statutory directions and/or prosecution.
The new measures are the latest in a suite of reforms introduced by the NSW Government since 1 June 2023 to reduce gambling harm, including:
- banning the placement of any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from an ATM or EFTPOS terminal with cash withdrawal facilities
- reducing the statewide gaming machine entitlement cap by more than 3000
- banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines
- reducing the cash input limit on new gaming machines from $5,000 to $500
- banning all external gambling signage in venues
- introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machine entitlements
- establishing an Independent Panel to conduct a trial of cashless gaming in pubs and clubs throughout 2024
- committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, prevention, services and reform.
Liquor and Gaming NSW is conducting a compliance campaign throughout January and February to work with venues to ensure they are meeting the new requirements.
More than 225 venues across 17 Local Government Areas have been inspected and while most have been found to be doing the right thing, 30 of the venues were yet to comply with the requirements.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reforms to reduce gambling harm in clubs and hotels and we have achieved more in 22 months of office than the Liberal Coalition did in 12 years.
“All pubs and clubs in NSW with gaming machines must comply with gambling harm minimisation requirements and do the right thing by their patrons.
“It’s pleasing to hear the majority of venues inspected have complied with the new rules regarding placement of cash dispensing machines.
“I urge any licensees still to make the necessary changes to do so as quickly as possible or they can expect a strong enforcement response.”