NSW forms independent panel to oversee gambling reform

Chaired by former New South Wales Liquor, Gambling and Horse Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo, the panel will have 16 members.

The new committee will include four industry representatives, plus four harm minimization representatives and two academics. Other members include a representative each from NSW Cyber ​​Security, NSW Police, and the United Trade Union.

Labor Senator Ursula Stevens and former Legislative Assembly member Nile Blair will serve on the Independent Executive Committee.

This committee is tasked with overseeing the planned cashless gaming trials and recommending implementation roadmaps for gaming innovation. This includes seeking input from external sources such as the Australian Trade Reporting and Analysis Center (Austrac).

Cashless trial for EGM

Starting with cashless testing of electronic game consoles (EGMs), the committee establishes, implements, evaluates, and reviews this process.

The committee will develop recommendations for the government to consider the potential introduction of cashless gaming in hotels and clubs. This includes consideration of infrastructure investments, employment impacts and further mitigation of gambling harm.

In addition, the panel will develop a gambling reform implementation roadmap for governments. This includes recommendations on the use of the AU$100m (£52.4m/€612m/US$68.7m) harm minimization fund.

Other recommendations include expanding self-exclusion registers statewide, offering third-party exclusion, and using facial recognition technology to support exclusion schemes.

The commission is required to submit a report to the government by November 2024.

New South Wales Premier Chris Mings said: “We know the negative impact that problematic gaming has on families and we want to ensure that criminal activity in our clubs is eradicated.” “This panel is an important next step.

“The Commission has a big job to do, but we’re striking the right balance to ensure an evidence-based roadmap for future gaming innovation.”

“Toxic gambling not only affects individuals, but also their loved ones and the wider community,” Foggo said. That’s it,” he added.

“We want to strike the right balance and consider all relevant factors so that the upcoming reforms implemented by the government work.

“We will begin work immediately and will meet in the coming weeks to confirm the framework for the cashless gaming trial. We will propose to the government a suitable venue combination for the trial. .”

Extensive reform in New South Wales

Meanwhile, the government said it would also undertake a review of the ClubGRANTS system. This will be done in consultation with the NSW Liquor & Gaming NSW Treasury Department and the Cabinet Office. This is separate from the panel’s work, but done at the same time.

ClubGRANTS, which provides grants for various purposes throughout New South Wales, has not been formally reviewed since 2013.

The announcement builds on a number of other reforms the government has already launched. All of these are aimed at curbing the harm caused by gambling and tackling criminal activity in clubs and pubs.

Other measures proposed in recent months include a ban on exterior signage in game rooms across New South Wales. Announced in May, the ban will take effect from 1 September.

Venues that can demonstrate delays in removing out of control signage will be given an additional three months to comply with the rules. However, once this period ends, the government plans to adopt a zero-tolerance approach.

Names such as VIP Room/Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge, Players Room/Lounge, Prosperity Room/Lounge are also prohibited. Additionally, images depicting dragons, coins, and lightning are also prohibited.

The government has also lowered the license limit for poker machines by more than 3,000. In addition, the deposit limit for the new machine will be lowered from $5,000 to $500.

Meanwhile, the government has already passed legislation banning political contributions from slot machine clubs in New South Wales.

Last month, new research raised concerns about the link between late-night poker games and problem gambling.

According to reports, the majority of late-night poker machine players were people with gambling problems. It also revealed that two-thirds of those who played between 2am and 8am experienced “significant” negative effects.

The New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gambling Authority said the findings will help inform future decisions about rules and regulations for late-night play.

further action

Other measures discussed in recent months include raising land-based casino taxes. Plans laid down by the state’s previous government, the new government said it would implement those plans after the winter recess of Congress.

The original proposal included an increase in the non-rebate tax rate from 17.91% to 20.25% and an increase in the rebate tax rate from 10.00% to 12.50%.

Additionally, the poker machine’s duty rate switches from a flat rate of 20.91% to a graduated system. This ranged from his 0% for machines earning less than A$2,666 a month, to a maximum of 60.67% for machines earning over $12,000 a month.

At the time, the current government said it could raise a further A$364 million over the 2023-24 to 2025-26 period.

The New South Wales government has also repeatedly called on businesses to ensure that their advertising includes messages about responsible gambling. In June, he had two privately held brands flagged for non-compliance.