New South Wales Government Agrees to Ban Gambling-Related Signage

In New South Wales, the government has banned any gambling-related signage within the state. The ban will affect gambling signs in pubs and clubs, although it's still unclear if the ban also affects regulated casino operators.

This ban will be enacted on September 1, 2023, as the NWS continues to combat problem gambling in Australia. The government hopes that the 3-month period will be enough for businesses to remove these signs. 

It's expected that formal notification will be sent out to pubs and clubs starting this week. The ban on outdoor signage will affect business adverts such as unilluminated awning signs and digital video displays. These ads must either be taken down or modified by the enactment date. 

After the three-month extension has expired, the government will not tolerate further delays in taking down the signage. If a pub/club fails to adhere to the new directives within the period, the government will fine them up to AU$ 11,000 per offense. 

But the NSW government is aware that unavoidable circumstances may cause some delays. In such scenarios, the authorities would grant the venues an additional 3-month period to take down the signage. 

Some of the targeted signs include:

• VIP Room/Lounge
• Golden Room/Lounge
• Players' Room/Lounge
• Prosperity Room/Lounge

In addition to these adverts, the ban covers depictions of coins, dragons, and lighting. The government says it will cooperate with industry organizations and affected businesses over the transitional period to remove the signs. 

Extremely Prominent Signs

While announcing the new measures, David Harris, the minister for gaming and racing, declared that the NSW government is focused on initiating significant gambling harm-minimization strategies. He highlighted that the facades of clubs and taverns in the state have signs like 'VIP lounge', which can alert passers-by that gaming machines are inside.

The minister added:

“Some of these signs are extremely prominent and can be seen by children and members of the community who are at risk of gambling harm. While there are already laws in place that prohibit gaming related signage, venue operators have circumvented these by advertising 'VIP Lounges'. We are putting an end to this loophole for the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

It's to be noted that the NSW government recently announced plans to place a blanket ban on political donations in clubs with pokie machines or slots. In addition, the state will soon conduct cashless card trials on 500 slot machines beginning July 1, 2023.