Shaping the Future of Gambling in NSW
As NSW navigates the complexities of the gambling industry, future reforms focus on reducing harm and integrating new technologies for better management.
There's a strong push towards improving support services for problem gamblers and enhancing community involvement in decision-making processes.
- Upcoming regulations aim to introduce advanced technology like facial recognition for self-exclusion.
- Community engagement initiatives aim to empower local areas to influence gambling practices.
- There is an increased emphasis on marketing restrictions, especially targeting vulnerable groups.
- Future policies may include digital pre-commitment systems to combat problem gambling.
Shifts in Legislation
Recent legislative changes focus on tightening harm minimization and anti-money laundering measures. Key developments include:
- Mandatory RGOs and incident registers.
- Stricter ATM placement rules and changes to prize payment methods.
- Ongoing trials and consultations on cashless gaming and statewide exclusion registers.
- Renewed focus on facial recognition technology to support exclusion schemes and combat criminal activity.
Community responses to these changes have been mixed, with advocates applauding stronger protections for vulnerable groups, while industry stakeholders express concerns over compliance costs and operational impacts.
Online Gambling in NSW
Growth of Online Platforms
Online gambling—particularly sports betting and lotteries—has grown rapidly in NSW, driven by convenience, mobile technology, and targeted advertising. While online casinos and poker remain prohibited unless licensed, the digital shift is reshaping consumer habits, with many gamblers now accessing services via smartphones and computers.
Regulatory Challenges
Regulating online gambling presents unique challenges, including:
- Enforcing age and identity verification to prevent underage and problem gambling.
- Monitoring advertising compliance, especially on social media and digital platforms.
- Addressing the rise of unlicensed offshore operators, which fall outside NSW jurisdiction.
- Adapting harm minimization strategies (e.g., self-exclusion, spend tracking) to digital environments.
L&GNSW has increased proactive compliance monitoring of online lottery providers and is leveraging technology to improve enforcement. However, gaps remain, and the regulator continues to consult on emerging risks and potential legislative updates.
Future of NSW Gambling
Predicted Changes in Regulations
Future reforms are likely to focus on:
- Mandatory digital pre-commitment systems for EGMs, allowing players to set binding limits on time and money spent.
- Expansion of statewide and third-party exclusion registers, supported by facial recognition technology.
- Tighter controls on gambling advertising, particularly targeting vulnerable populations.
- Community opt-out schemes, enabling local areas to restrict or ban gambling venues.
- Possible adoption of cashless gaming, though recent trials have faced criticism for being “misguided” without broader systemic reforms.
Industry and technology will play a central role, with innovations in player tracking, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven compliance expected to shape the regulatory landscape.
Community Outreach and Support Services
Ongoing public education campaigns aim to raise awareness of gambling risks and promote responsible behavior. Support services—such as Gambler’s Help, financial counselling, and family support programs—are being expanded and integrated with digital tools for easier access. Training for venue staff and directors is also being updated to reflect the latest harm minimization practices.
Conclusion
NSW gambling remains a high-stakes issue, balancing significant economic contributions against profound social costs. The current regulatory framework is evolving, with a clear shift towards stronger harm minimization, transparency, and technological innovation. While recent reforms address many longstanding criticisms, challenges persist—particularly in regulating online platforms and reducing the concentration of gambling harm in vulnerable communities. The future of NSW gambling will depend on continued vigilance, adaptive regulation, and robust community engagement to ensure a safer, more sustainable industry.
