The NSW Minns Government has lowered EGM entitlements in NSW by more than 3000 machines as part of its ongoing gaming reform platform. Under new regulations, clubs and pubs need to have sufficient gaming machine entitlements to legally operate poker machines, and these entitlements can be traded between venues.
The NSW Government has lowered the state cap on poker machines entitlements available to pubs and clubs across NSW by more than 3000, limiting it to entitlements currently in circulation.
Clubs are also reminded that the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has approved a tenfold decrease in the cash feed-in limit for all new poker machines entering service from July 1. The new limit will be $500, down from $5000, reflecting the Government’s pre-election commitment.
“We promised the people of NSW that we’d reform the gaming sector in a way that reduced gambling harm while future-proofing the industry,” Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said.
“One of these commitments was to reduce the number of poker machines in this state – and this is an important step forward.
“Further down the track, we’ll also be changing the GME forfeiture scheme so that for every two entitlements traded, one will be forfeited – which will see numbers drop at a faster rate.
“It’s important that as we navigate through these changes, we engage with industry so that we can ensure vibrancy of our hospitality and gaming industries.”
In addition, bans on external signage for gaming rooms come into effect on 1 September. Venues have until then to remove signs such as “Dragon’s Den”, “VIP Lounge” or other names that allude to gambling.
The NSW Government has also already passed legislation that bans political parties from accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines from July 1.
This is a good start, and more needs to be done.