As of September 1, gambling-related external signage has been banned in New South Wales (NSW) to ensure legal compliance. The ban also extends to interior signage that can be seen from outside the building. This regulation applies to pubs and clubs, including various types of signs from un-illuminated awnings to digital video displays. Specifically, names like VIP Room/Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge, Players’ Room/Lounge and Prosperity Room/Lounge are prohibited. Additionally, imagery featuring dragons, coins, or lightning motifs falls under the ban as well. Failure to remove such signage may result in fines up to AU$11,000 (£5,767/€6,730/US$7,303) per offense. Moreover, venues that do not comply with removal requests face the same maximum fine of $11,000. L&GNSW reported that in October, approximately 99% of venues in the state had followed the new rules and removed all gambling-related signage. However, for those facilities that continued to display such signs, the regulator took appropriate action. Consequently, starting from December 1, L&GNSW has vowed to take escalated enforcement measures against any venue that displays illegal signage. The regulator considers this zero-tolerance approach as the final stage of the signage compliance program.
L&GNSW has highlighted several instances where it has intervened due to violations. For instance, two venues were instructed to remove new signage that attempted to bypass the ban by utilizing imagery strikingly similar to that seen on electronic gaming machines. In one case, The Royal Hotel in Granville used cartoon imagery to promote its restaurant, which closely resembled the aesthetics of the “Choy’s Kingdom” electronic gaming machine. The venue complied with the directive to remove the signage but sought a review of the decision by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority. Another case involved the Stardust Hotel in Cabramatta, where signage featuring animated pandas holding and chewing on branches or plants was found to resemble images from the “Panda Magic” electronic gaming machine. Consequently, the licensee received a statutory directive to cease using the digital archway. NSW’s Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, stressed that any signage attempting to circumvent the gambling-related ban would be met with escalated enforcement actions. This includes animations, symbols, or characters commonly associated with gambling, as well as poker machine graphics or gambling franchises.
It should be noted that the removal of gambling-related signage is part of a broader effort in NSW to enhance responsible gambling measures. Since March, the state government has lowered the cash input limit for all new poker machines from $5,000 to $500, effective since July 1. Additionally, the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements has decreased by around 3,000. Political donations from clubs involved in gaming are now prohibited, and there is an independent panel overseeing a trial of cashless gaming. Moreover, NSW recently announced a new funding injection of $100 million to combat gambling harm, with the funds being redirected from the $100 million fine imposed on Star Entertainment in October 2022.
In regards to land-based casinos, the NSW government confirmed tax increases for them last month. The rates, which have been effective since July 1, include an increase in rebate play rate from 10.0% to 12.5%, non-rebate play on table games from 17.91% to 20.25%, and non-rebate rates for poker machines remaining unchanged at 20.91% for now. However, starting from July 1, 2024, the rate for poker machines will increase to 21.91%, and from July 1, 2027, it will rise to 22.91%. Eventually, as of June 30, 2030, the rate will transition to a tiered system, aligning with the previous government’s suggestions.
