The NSW Clubs organization, which represents social clubs in New South Wales, Australia, is implementing a series of updated regulations for their gaming activities. They claim these measures are intended to enhance safety.
These modifications encompass prohibiting individuals identified as having gambling difficulties, mandating staff to monitor patrons using slot machines (known as “pokies” locally) periodically, and providing staff training to identify problem gambling indicators. Additionally, each club will designate a responsible gambling officer.
Furthermore, they emphasize that anyone attempting to secure loans for gambling, utilize credit cards, or engage in theft will face expulsion from gaming areas. Families can also request the exclusion of loved ones experiencing gambling issues from these establishments.
ClubsNSW CEO, Josh Landis, asserts that these actions will establish clubs as the safest gambling environment. This announcement precedes a state election and follows a report revealing that gamblers in New South Wales lose nearly a million Australian dollars hourly on poker machines.
Significant pressure has been exerted on the government to eliminate cash transactions and mandate card usage at these machines, particularly after a major inquiry uncovered billions of dollars in illicit funds being laundered annually. However, ClubsNSW maintains that a cashless system would be ineffective and opposes its implementation.
The top official in New South Wales, Dominic Perrottet, strongly supports this initiative, saying: “I’ve been crystal clear, the New South Wales administration’s end objective is to completely eliminate wagering with physical currency. This presents a unique chance to accomplish it correctly. We must exhaust all efforts to minimize the negative impacts of gambling within our jurisdiction.”