The New South Wales Government has unveiled a broad package of gambling reforms focused on cutting harm, reining in aggressive marketing and giving better safeguards to people at risk.
The move comes after the NSW Gambling Survey 2024 showed that 3.1% of adults were classified as moderate-risk gamblers, while another 0.9% fell into the high-risk category.
Poker Machine Numbers Set to Fall
NSW currently operates around 87,000 poker machines. To shrink that total, the government will raise the forfeiture rate that applies when gaming machine entitlements are traded between venues.
Under the new rule, one entitlement will be permanently cancelled for every two that change hands. Previously the rate was one cancelled for every three transferred.
Authorities also plan to create a single statewide exclusion register covering every venue with gaming machines. Mandatory facial recognition technology will help venues spot excluded customers and stop them entering gaming areas.
Third-party exclusions will become available when there is clear evidence that someone is suffering serious gambling-related harm.
Advertising Crackdown and End of VIP Perks
The government will start work on account-based gaming, which would require players to register before using poker machines rather than playing anonymously. No firm start date has been set yet.
VIP loyalty programs linked to gaming will be banned. Gambling advertisements will also be prohibited on property owned by the NSW Government or local councils.
Betting operators will need a person’s explicit consent before sending promotional emails, text messages or making marketing phone calls.
Extra transparency rules will force gambling companies, influencers and affiliates to clearly declare any commercial relationships.
The reforms highlight the growing focus on transparency and player safeguards across Australia’s gambling sector. Readers comparing online casinos can find more information on how operators are assessed, while our guide to real money casinos covers key factors to consider when choosing where to play.
The full package will be rolled out in stages. The statewide exclusion system and the supporting facial recognition technology are expected to become enforceable in 2028.
Pokie Inc will continue following the progress of these NSW reforms and their impact on both venues and players.
