The Government has taken action to combat gambling promotion and advertising in an attempt to reduce problem gambling. The NSW Minister of Gaming and Racing announced new regulations for the external advertising of gambling on Friday. This is a further effort to protect customers from excessive gambling. It comes after legislators pushed legislation which stopped clubs with gaming machines making donations to political party in NSW.
The expanded effort now includes not only static signs but also electronic signs. Pubs must remove or modify any external signs related to gambling promotion. This includes, but is not limited, to videos displays, traditional signage, as well illuminated signs.
is banned for signs that say VIP Lounge, VIP Rooms, Golden Room/Lounges, Players’ Room/Lounges, Prosperity Room/Lounges and other names related to gambling. The regulation also prohibits pubs and nightclubs from using images like coins, dragonsand gambling-related imagery.
Operators must comply by September 1, 2023
David Harris is the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing. He explained that the gambling signs that offer VIP rooms or lounges are now covering the exterior of pubs and clubs that have gambling machines. He explained that ” some of these signs are very prominent and can be seen by members of the public who are at high risk of gambling harm.”
Harris also spoke of how operators could effectively circumvent the prohibition on gambling advertising using text like “VIP lounges”. He concluded that the government was closing the loophole which allowed gambling advertisements in order to protect residents.
” Signs such as VIP lounge are placed on the facades of bars and clubs in all parts of the state to let people know that there are gaming machines.
David Harris, Minister of Gaming and Racing NSW
The process of prohibition is described by the government as gradual. The NSW Government is going to begin informing businesses next week about changes they must make to their exterior signs. Then, businesses will have three months to make changes or, in some cases remove their signs.
The new regulations will be in effect as of Sept. 1, 2023. By that date , all signs promoting gambling such as “VIP Lounges”, would need to be removed. Venues that are unable to make any changes “outside of their control” will be granted an extra 3 months.
After the extended period of time, however, the regulations include a no-tolerance policy. fines up to AU$11,000 can be imposed on businesses who do not comply with the new regulations.
