Australia
Responsible Gambling Officers Introduced into Pubs and Clubs Across NSW
From 1 July 2024, venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation, in the latest initiative by the NSW Labor Government to reduce gambling harm.
Responsible Gambling Officers will help identify patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour, refer them to gambling support information and services and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.
All hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Plan of Management as part of a suite of reforms being implemented to reduce risk of gambling harm and support people who may need help.
The new requirements are being implemented through amendments to the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.
Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have additional Responsible Gambling Officers, to ensure enough sufficiently trained staff are available to support patrons and to ensure they have a reasonable workload across larger gaming floors.
Responsible Gambling Officers and other people with specified roles will also need to complete Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) training under the proposed changes.
The proposed new requirements would be implemented in stages to allow NSW venues, staff, management and training providers time to adjust.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “The NSW Government is committed to gambling reform, reducing gambling harm and stopping money laundering and criminal activity associated with poker machines. Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community. We know there is no single solution to address harm from gambling, which is why we are implementing a range of gambling reforms. In NSW, gaming machines represent the highest risk of gambling harm. One in three people who gamble regularly are considered to be moderate or high-risk gamblers according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers is the next important step in supporting people who may be experiencing gambling harm. They will be across pubs and clubs where gambling is happening, and be alert to patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour and link them in to the support they need, such as the GambleAware hotline. It is great to have industry on board with our gambling reform agenda as well as harm minimisation organisations. Together we are making a real difference in tackling gambling related harm. The NSW Labor Government is committed to evidence-based gambling reform and has delivered more in 10 months than the previous government managed in 12 years.”
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VGCCC has launched consultation on proposed reforms to the application process for Electronic Gaming Machine approvals in Victoria.
“Our Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) application process for new premises approvals under section 3.3.6 and EGM increase applications under section 3.4.17 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is undergoing a significant uplift to align with modern expectations, recent legislative change, and our strengthened mandate to minimise gambling harm. It also intends to reduce red tape by ensuring applicants focus on priority factors that commonly determine the suitability of an application,” VGCCC said.
VGCCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders — including, but not limited to, industry participants, councils, experts and community organisations — to provide feedback on:
• the clarity and practicality of the revised application and hearing processes
• ambiguities, redundancies or gaps in the revised application form and practice notes
• any other opportunities to improve the application and hearing process.
Consultation period closes on 19 December 2025.
The post VGCCC: EGM Application Improvements Consultation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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New survey figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has revealed that around four in five people (77%) who have registered for self-exclusion from online and phone wagering services experience a better overall quality of life.
The ACMA-commissioned research into user experience with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register also found 79% of registrants experienced improved mental health and 69% experience better personal relationships with family, friends and partners.
Almost all (96%) of registrants surveyed also said that they had either completely stopped betting on sports or racing events (81%) or had decreased their betting (15%).
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said that the survey and research results show how self-exclusion is helping Australians to manage their gambling behaviour.
“We know online gambling causes a great deal of harm for too many in our communities. It is wonderful to see that the national self-exclusion register is having a positive impact. The stories shared with us are both moving and compelling,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone who uses phone or internet gambling in Australia is aware of their options for self-exclusion.
“It only takes five minutes to register, and this could change your life,” she said.
The research was undertaken by ORIMA on behalf of the ACMA. The report, including individual case studies, is available at BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register research.
The findings from this research will also help to inform the statutory review of the NSER that is currently underway.
The release of the research coincides with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register reaching a new milestone, with more than 50,000 Australians now having chosen to self-exclude since the launch of the programme in August 2023. Over 32,000 people currently have active exclusions.
When someone chooses to register, they are excluded from all of the approximately 190 licensed wagering providers in Australia.
The post ACMA: Self-Excluded Gamblers Report a Better Quality of Life appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited confirmed that the New Zealand Gambling Commission has granted SkyCity Queenstown Limited with a renewal of its casino venue licence for a further 15 years from 7 December 2025, pursuant to section 134 of the Gambling Act 2003.
SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”
The post SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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