Venue inspections show good compliance with NSW Government’s reforms to reduce gambling harm
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) Inspectors visited 335 venues in the Sydney metropolitan area during the past two months to ensure compliance with recent gaming reforms and to assess the capability of gaming staff in identifying and responding to indicators of gambling harm.
Inspectors spoke directly with 487 staff working in gaming machine areas to evaluate their understanding of key gambling harm minimisation responsibilities and reinforce how these obligations help keep patrons safe.
The NSW Government’s gaming reforms introduced in clubs and hotels between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 include the introduction of:
- Responsible Gambling Officers
- Gambling Incident Registers
- Gaming Plans of Management
- Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training, and
- Directional signage and visibility requirements for cash dispensing facilities, gaming machines and gaming areas.
Since October last year, L&GNSW has issued 11 fines statewide in relation to ATMs located within five metres of a gaming area entry or exit, and on Christmas Eve, issued one statutory direction forbidding a Sydney hotel from operating any cash dispensing facilities until it could be satisfied the hotel’s ATM was compliant.
Inspectors were keen to follow up with venues to ensure the gaming reform measures were being observed.
Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at L&GNSW, Dimitri Argeres, said the campaign focused on strengthening frontline capability while reinforcing compliance.
“Frontline gaming staff play a critical role in identifying the indicators of gambling harm and are well placed to engage with patrons and to provide support and resources,” Mr Argeres said.
“These inspections supported staff by testing their knowledge in a practical, hands-on way, making sure the reforms are understood and the need to prevent gambling harm is operationalised as part of everyday practice.”
Across all questions, 95 per cent of staff answered correctly, demonstrating a strong understanding of their harm minimisation obligations. Most staff clearly identify the location of their Gaming Plan of Management and Gambling Incident Register and understand what they are for and what was required to be recorded.
Many also reported that Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training was informative and interactive.
“The results showed encouraging progress, staff knowledge was generally strong, and awareness of harm minimisation responsibilities was high,” Mr Argeres said.
An independent evaluation of the implementation of these reforms is underway, led by Ipsos Public Affairs in partnership with CQUniversity, with feedback helping to assess how effectively the reforms support a culture of gambling harm minimisation across NSW. Those who have completed the Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training are invited to take part in a 10-minute online survey before 18 May 2026.
L&GNSW encourages staff and patrons to speak up if they observe practices that cause them concern regarding gambling harm minimisation requirements. They can be reported anonymously via the L&GNSW online portal.
If you or someone you care about needs support or advice, call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help and support 24/7.