NSW Introduces Ban on Outdoor Advertisements for Gambling Establishments
The Government Cracks Down on Gambling Ads in NSW
It's full steam ahead for the New South Wales (NSW) Government as they take a stand against the promotion of gambling, aiming to reduce problem gambling.last week, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing confirmed new restrictions on external signage related to gambling.
This move marks another step in a series of efforts to protect citizens from harmful gambling practices. Following lawmakers' push for legislation, clubs with gambling machines were stopped from making political party donations in NSW.
The restrictions will now span beyond electronic signs, encompassing static signs as well. Pubs and clubs will have to remove or alter their external signs that promote gambling, including video displays, traditional signs, illuminated signs, and even images that evoke a gambling atmosphere such as coins or dragons.
Moreover, signs offering VIP Lounge, VIP Room, Golden Room/Lounge, Players' Room/Lounge, Prosperity Room/Lounge, and similar names are banned. Operators must remove or cover such signs by September 1, 2023, or potentially face fines of AU$11,000 per offense.
David Harris, the Minister for Gaming and Racing in NSW, explained that gambling signs advertising VIP rooms or lounges have become a common sight on the exterior parts of buildings offering gambling machines. Harris expressed concern that these signs can be seen by children and vulnerable members of the community.
Furthermore, Harris pointed out that gaming establishments had effectively circumvented the prohibition of gambling advertising by using terms like "VIP Lounges." By implementing these new restrictions, the government aims to close this loophole and protect the state's residents.
""As you walk or drive through NSW, you're likely to encounter signs like 'VIP lounge' that suggest gambling machines are available."
Starting next week, the NSW Government will notify businesses about the changes needed for their external signs. Operators will be given three months to implement these changes or remove their signs entirely.
It's important to note that the focus on advertising restrictions is a gradual process, rather than a complete overhaul of venue signage. While specific new signage requirements may not have been outlined in recent announcements, government actions and planned restrictions suggest ongoing efforts to address problem gambling.
In addition to the gaming industry's self-imposed responsibility to display mandatory responsible gambling signage as part of standard licensing, the NSW government has postponed broader gambling ad reforms, but continues to work on narrower bans, such as public transportation ads.
Operators are encouraged to monitor updates from Liquor & Gaming NSW for potential future changes. For specific signage guidelines, consult the Liquor & Gaming NSW's mandatory signage portal.
Starting next week, businesses in NSW will receive notifications about changes needed for their external signs, given the new restrictions on gambling-related signage. Operators will have three months to implement these changes or remove their signs entirely.
The new restrictions, announced by the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, aim to close loopholes and protect the state's residents by prohibiting signs offering VIP Lounges or similar names, as well as signs that evoke a gambling atmosphere.
With these new steps, the NSW Government continues its stringent approach to tackling gambling, targeting problem gambling and safeguarding the community, especially children, from exposure to harmful gambling practices.
