Since 1 January 2025, new rules under the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019 have tightened restrictions on where ATMs and EFTPOS cash withdrawal facilities can be located in hotels and registered clubs across New South Wales. These changes are designed to promote responsible gambling practices by imposing strict distance and line-of-sight requirements between cash dispensing facilities and gaming areas.

NSW’s Gaming Landscape and January 1 New Rules

New South Wales has the highest number of gaming machines in Australia, with over 87,000 machines in clubs and hotels statewide, and more than 2,100 licensed venues operating these machines.

Effective 1 January 2025, new visibility requirements were introduced for cash dispensing facilities in relation to gaming machines and gaming areas. Under these rules, a cash dispensing facility, such as an ATM or EFTPOS with cash withdrawal capabilities, must not be visible from the entry to or exit from a gaming area or from any gaming machine within those venues.

Conversely, no gaming machine (or part thereof), no monitor displaying the jackpot prize of an authorised progressive system, and no entrance or exit to a gaming area should be in view.

These measures are designed to strengthen responsible gambling practices by creating a clear separation between cash access points and gaming areas, encouraging breaks in play and promoting a safer gambling environment.

Compliance Inspections and Findings to Date

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has already conducted over 200 compliance inspections, reporting an 87% compliance rate among venues. However, some venues have struggled to meet the new standards despite making efforts to comply. Common compliance issues include:

ATMs being moved but still located within 5 metres of a gaming entrance due to misinterpretation of where the entrance begins.
Venues measuring 5-metre walking distance instead of the required 5-metre radius.
Installed partitions failing to fully obstruct the line of sight to gaming entry, area or machine due to inadequate height, width, or gaps in design.
Venues engaging ATM providers but not arranging the relocation service in time.

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Began on 1 February 2025

L&GNSW implemented a zero-tolerance enforcement approach from 1 February 2025. The regulator has advised that venues found to not be meeting the requirements by this deadline are required to take immediate action, which in some cases may mean disabling non-compliant cash dispensing machines until full compliance is achieved.

For more information on staying compliant with NSW gaming regulations, visit Liquor & Gaming NSW.

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