Successful and welcome – industry embraces changes to signage rules
NSW gaming harm minimisation laws prohibit the display of gambling-related signage on the exterior of venues or where it is visible from outside the venue.
The Gaming Machines Act defines gambling-related signage broadly, and indirect references such as 'VIP lounge' and ‘Jackpot Room’ that imply access to gaming machine areas are considered to be non-compliant and cannot be displayed.
While the issue of signage has long been a concern, the NSW Government was determined to see venues ‘tidy up’ and comply with the law. To do this, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) undertook a wide-reaching compliance campaign across the state, working with local liquor accords and industry bodies, as well as individual venues.
Conducting more than 1200 inspections across 53 Local Government Areas, inspectors worked proactively with venues to address non-compliant external signage and advertising of gaming machines. The compliance activity was rolled out in three stages, to give industry the time to understand and then comply with their legal obligations under the Act.
The campaign was deemed ‘successful and welcome’ by industry. Pubs and clubs used the newly available signage space to promote more community-friendly aspects of their venues, highlighting restaurants, live music, food and beverage specials and events suitable for everyone.
The results have been excellent, with industry compliance increasing through this considered education and engagement approach.
By working closely with industry, the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing problem gambling through strong regulatory measures continues to have long-lasting benefits to the wider community, while venues continue to thrive across the state.
Gaming signage compliance program
- The NSW Government made an election commitment to removing all gambling-related external signage from pubs and clubs.
- Reducing the visibility of gambling helps protect those in the community who might be vulnerable to promotions and creates safer environments for patrons.
L&GNSW undertook a three-staged campaign to address the issue and ensure compliance across industry.
- Stage One – education. Using a range of tools including webinars and more than 530 onsite visits, L&GNSW engaged directly with venues and provided guidance on the need to remove or change external signage, explained the community benefits of doing so and encouraged them to be voluntarily compliant.
- Stage Two – compliance. Site visits gave inspectors the opportunity to check the changes venues had put in place and encourage venues to finalise any transitions they were making. If venues could demonstrate ‘reasonable efforts’ to comply, for example purchase orders for new signs, and temporary signage, they were not penalised.
- Stage Three – zero tolerance. To protect the community from the harms of gambling promotion, it was essential that industry embraced the law. Penalties were enforced for clubs and pubs that had not removed non-compliant signage and community members were encouraged to report venues that were in breach of the law.