From 1 January 2025, new regulations in New South Wales will restrict the placement and visibility of automatic teller machines (ATMs) and EFTPOS facilities in hotels and clubs with gaming machines, as part of efforts to further reduce gambling harm.
Under the new rules, ATMs and EFTPOS with cash withdrawal facilities must not be visible from any gaming machine or the entry to a gaming room. Rather, these facilities must be located outside of a five-metre radius from any entrance or exit of a gaming area in a hotel or club.
Additionally, signage for these facilities will face stricter controls. Venues will be prohibited from allowing gaming machine or jackpot-related signage to be visible from cash dispensing facilities.
Venues unable to comply with the location requirements due to constraints, such as insufficient space, can apply for an exemption from Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW). Exemptions will only be considered if compliance with the five-metre rule would result in a breach of other legislation, such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. For example, this could apply to venues too small to accommodate cash facilities in a compliant location. Exemptions can be applied here.
These changes build on earlier reforms introduced in July 2024, which banned signage or advertising for gaming machines from being visible near cash dispensing facilities.
To assist with the transition, L&GNSW will host a webinar on 26 November 2024. The session will provide industry stakeholders with guidance on implementing these changes, including advice on compliance timeframes and the exemption process. Venues are encouraged to register to ensure they meet their obligations. The recorded webinar will also be available online after the session.
These changes are part of L&GNSW’s broader effort to reduce gambling harm by limiting cash access in hotels and registered clubs.
