TLDR NSW will require facial recognition technology at gaming-room entrances in pubs and clubs A single statewide exclusion register will replace the current fragmented system VIP programs linked to gaming machines will be banned across the state Gaming machine numbers will fall as the forfeiture rate rises from 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 AU$95.2 million will fund the reforms over the next four years
The New South Wales government has announced new gambling reforms for pubs and clubs. The changes include facial recognition technology, a new exclusion register, and marketing limits.
Officials pointed to survey data to explain the move. The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 found that 3.1% of adults faced moderate risk gambling, while 0.9% faced high risk gambling.
Statewide Exclusion Register Planned
Right now, people can only exclude themselves from selected venues or from one full venue. Staff at each location are largely responsible for checking compliance.
The new statewide register will cover every hotel and club with gaming machines. A person’s exclusion will apply everywhere at once instead of only at chosen locations.
Facial recognition technology will launch alongside the register in 2028. The system is meant to help enforce exclusions automatically across venues.
Machine Numbers And Funding
NSW currently has 87,000 gaming machines spread across 2,100 clubs and hotels. The reforms will reduce that total over time.
The forfeiture rate for machine entitlements traded between venues will rise from 1 in 3 to 1 in 2. Under the new rate, one entitlement will be permanently removed for every two traded.
A new sinking cap will speed up the reduction. The statewide machine limit will fall as entitlements leave circulation.
The government will spend AU$95.2 million over four years to fund the reforms. Money will come from the state’s gambling harm-minimisation fund