Deadline Looms for External Gambling-Related Signage Ban

The NSW Government announced in May that all venues must remove, alter or conceal all external gambling-related signs, including fixed unilluminated awning signs and digital video displays.

The ban will be implemented through a staged approach to ensure clubs and pubs are given the appropriate time to conceal, remove and switch off any illegal signs.

From 1 September, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is primed to start rigorous compliance inspections and is asking the community to alert it to any remaining signage from that date. Enforcement action will be taken in relation to non-compliant signage except where venues can provide evidence that reasonable steps have been taken to remove it and the delay is outside of the venue’s control.

From 1 December, there will be a zero-tolerance approach to any external gambling-related signage and members of the public can report instances of gambling-related signage via L&GNSW’s website.

“Let me be clear, if you have gambling-related external signage after September 1 and cannot demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to remove it, you will be fined”

^{— Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris}

Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris said the NSW Government is committed to gaming reform, reducing gambling harm and tackling money laundering.

“Let me be clear, if you have gambling-related external signage after September 1 and cannot demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to remove it, you will be fined,” he said.

“I’m also calling on the community to help us enforce this ban. If you see a sign which may breach the guidelines after September 1, please report to Liquor and Gaming NSW who will investigate further.”

The maximum penalty attributable for those who fail to remove their signs and breach the Act is $11,000 per offence.

A gambling-related sign means any sign that draws attention to, or can reasonably be taken to draw attention to, the availability of approved gaming machines in a hotel or on the premises of a club. Terms such as VIP Room/VIP Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge and Players’ Room/Lounge are among those banned, as well as images of dragons, coins or lightning motifs.

More information about gambling-related signage removal can be found in L&GNSW’s position paper here.