Responsible Gambling Officer requirements
An exemption for smaller venues is being introduced that will allow venues with between 21-99 gaming machine entitlements that operate 15 or less gaming machines to apply for an exemption to not have an RGO on duty. This is to ensure consistency across smaller and larger venues, with previously only larger venues being able to apply for exemptions.
Due to the variations in staffing arrangements across venues, the responsibilities of the responsible gambling manager (RGM) have been changed from the RGM to the venue. This ensures venues are still accountable for non-compliance with RGO requirements while accommodating flexibility for staffing arrangements.
Club director training requirements
To improve access to training for club directors of venues with gaming machines, L&GNSW has developed content for a standard Responsible Gambling Board Oversight training course. The date for club director training requirements has also been extended from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Decreasing the state cap on gaming machines
As part of the Government’s election commitment to reduce the overall State cap on gaming machine entitlements (GMEs), the cap is being reduced by 255 from 95,994 to 95,739 so it matches the current number of GMEs in the market.
Changes to exemption applications
A fee of $296 (2.5 fee units) is being introduced for exemption applications to the requirement for five metres of distance between where cash can be withdrawn and the entrance to and exit from a gaming machine area. The fee is consistent with similar applications and covers the cost of processing applications which may require a site inspection.
Exemptions can also now be varied, revoked or suspended by L&GNSW to reflect changes that occur in a venue when an exemption is in place. This is available, for example, for situations where a venue’s floor plan may change and they no longer need an exemption in place as they’re able to comply with requirements.
Where can I find more information?
For information on the changes, please refer to the following webpages which have been updated to reflect the new requirements.
Responsible Gambling Officer requirements
Director Training Requirements and Responsible Gambling Board Oversight training
Five metre distance requirement between gaming machine areas and where cash can be withdrawn
