Hospitality and Racing News January 2025

Our regulatory priorities: January to June 2025

Our Regulatory Priorities for the first half of 2025 have been published. By sharing these priorities, we aim to keep both industry and the broader community informed about the key issues we are focusing on through to June, and how you can engage with us.

Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming Regulatory Priorities webinar, scheduled for February.

Zero-tolerance approach to ATM placement breaches from 1 February 2025

Under new rules which came into effect on 1 January this year, cash dispensing facilities such as ATMs and EFTPOS terminals that allow cash withdrawal must be located at least five meters from the entry to a gaming room or an area or room where gaming machines are located.

Cash withdrawal facilities such as ATMs must also not be visible from the entry to a gaming room or area or room where gaming machines are located, or from a gaming machine.

Liquor & Gaming NSW will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of these rules from 1 February 2025.

For more information, visit our changes to cash dispensing facility signage and location in gaming venues web page.

Payments for expired gaming machine tickets and unclaimed jackpot prizes

Payments for expired gaming machine tickets and unclaimed jackpot prizes can now be made by credit card and PayID through the NSW Government Customer Payment Platform. 

Payments by EFT will no longer be accepted and Licensees who try to make payments by EFT or cheque are at risk of breaching their obligations.   

What do you need to do?  

To avoid being in breach, you must now make all payments for all expired gaming machine tickets and unclaimed jackpot prizes through the NSW Government Customer Payment Platform. You no longer need to use the payment form (FM2005).

Visit the unclaimed gaming machine prizes web page to complete your payment.

NSW Gambling Survey 2024

The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 report is now available on the GambleAware website.

Over 10,000 adults in NSW were interviewed for this research, which provides up-to-date statistics on who is gambling, if this is changing, and outlines the extent of gambling harm in NSW.

The research was funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund and will inform the work of the Office of Responsible Gambling, as well as other teams across Hospitality and Racing.

Read the NSW Gambling Survey 2024 report

Data After Dark: latest insights into NSW’s vibrant night-time economy

Dive into the latest NSW Night-Time Economy Quarterly Report, presented by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and powered by Data After Dark. Examining consumer spend, mobility, and with a special chapter on the rise of suburban nightlife hubs, the September Quarter 2024 report provides critical intelligence for businesses, policymakers, and community stakeholders alike.

Data After Dark is the premier data platform dedicated to capturing and analysing the economic and social patterns of the state’s night-time activities. The quarterly reports are an essential tool for understanding how the night-time economy is transforming and the opportunities for innovation, growth and collaboration.

Visit the Data after Dark Quarterly Insights web page to download the report.

Incident Registers transition period now ended

The transition period for the new liquor incident register and digital guidelines has now ended.

As of 1 January 2025, licensed premises are required to use the green cover incident register (green book) or digital incident registers that comply with the updated digital incident register guidelines. This is inclusive of both liquor and gambling incident registers.

Order the new liquor incident register book

Reappointments to the Racing NSW Board

In December 2024, the Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, announced the reappointment of Mr Michael Crismale and Mr Garry Charny to the Board of Racing NSW for two and one years, respectively.

Read more about the reappointments

Extension of public exhibition to 7 February: Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy

Submit your views on proposed changes to planning rules for hospitality, cultural and performance uses and venues as part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for a new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy (Cultural SEPP) is currently on exhibition. Proposals include enabling more businesses to more easily provide outdoor dining and outdoor music on private land and later trading at unlicensed venues during special events.

To read the EIE and make a submission, visit the NSW Planning Portal

New appointments to Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) Trust

The prevention of gambling harm has been boosted with the appointment of four new Trustees to the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) to advise on funding initiatives that prevent and reduce gambling harm.

Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, has appointed Kara Lamond, Luke Lindsay, Siobhan Toohill and Maria Vassiliadis to provide expert advice on the use of the fund for harm minimisation efforts, including research, community education, support services and policy development. They will also offer strategic guidance on gambling policy and regulation.

Read more about the appointments

For more information on its programs and initiatives, visit the GambleAware website.

Stay informed about NSW’s 24-hour Economy

Subscribe to The Neon Grid newsletter to keep up-to-date about the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, including news on initiatives that support the growth and vibrancy of the hospitality industry.  

Discover new funding and knowledge-building opportunities, take advantage of beneficial regulatory changes and access data-driven reports that highlight trends and challenges in the NSW 24-hour economy.

Subscribe now and unlock the tools to thrive after dark

Keep up to date with upcoming Liquor & Gaming NSW Events

Whether you’re looking to connect with industry leaders or stay in touch with the latest industry updates, regulations and reforms, we’ve got something for you!

From informative webinars to in-person events, our calendar features sessions designed to educate and connect. Our Events page allows you to explore upcoming dates and, register so you don’t miss out on any of the action.

Visit our events web page for more information about upcoming events and webinars.

Missed an issue? Read previous issues of our newsletter.

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