New South Wales ATM rules' grace period ends this week

January 30, 2025

New South Wales ATM rules' grace period ends this week

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has issued a reminder that the new law about ATMs and EFTPOS machines near gaming machines will be enforced from next month. The reminder, aimed for hotels and clubs with gaming machines in New South Wales (NSW), mandates that ATMs and EFTPOS terminals be located at least five meters away from gaming areas.

ATMs or EFTPOS are to be positioned five meters away from the entrance to any area where gaming machines are located, they must not be visible from gaming rooms.

These changes came into effect on January 1, with a grace period of one-month for compliance. The regulator will take a zero-tolerance approach from February 1. From next month, venues will be liable for fines, statutory directions and/or prosecution if they breach the rules.

Aimed at responsible gaming

The introduction of these measures is grounded in the recognition that gambling can be harmful, especially for vulnerable individuals. By ensuring ATMs are situated farther away from gaming machines and out of sight, the hope is to provide a mental and physical break for gamblers, encouraging them to pause and think before continuing.

Under a compliance campaign launched by L&GNSW, over 225 venues in 17 Local Government Areas have already undergone inspections. While majority are complying to the requirements, there are still 30 venues not meeting them.

David Harris, minister for gaming and racing, 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.”

Gambling ads banned on public transport

The New South Wales (NSW) government has recently announced a complete ban on gambling advertisements throughout the entire public transport system in the state. This includes advertising on trains, buses, ferries, and metro stations, effectively removing gambling promotions from public spaces.

This decision is part of a broader strategy to minimise gambling’s negative impact, particularly on vulnerable individuals and children.

The decision comes as gambling addiction has been a serious concern in Australia, with the highest per-capita gambling losses in the world. Parents and advocacy groups have been raising alarms over the increasing presence of gambling ads and their impact on young people. Removing gambling-related advertising from public transport will reduce exposure and eventually diminish the normalisation of betting.