Policy

It’s important that clubs understand recent developments and ensure core compliance obligations are up to date.

The decision to suspend a patron’s membership over financial crime suspicions was upheld thanks to clear policies of the club — find out whether your processes stack up.

A guide to some of the key requirements for registered clubs in NSW.

Now’s the time to prove your program works day-to-day on the floor and under pressure.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested that more illegal gambling websites be blocked after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Act).

The NSW Government is pushing forward with changes in the vibrancy agenda and consultation on how the vibrancy changes have supported clubs.

Managers and Responsible Gambling Officers are essential in identifying and escalating concerns to protect patrons and ensure a safe venue.

The e61 Institute released its study “Gambling With Money You Don’t Have: Understanding the Interaction Between Credit Cards and Sports Gambling”.

The fine was for gaming machines being operated during the mandatory daily shutdown period.

The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has fined two Sydney hotels a combined total of $154,000 for gambling-related offences, including operating gaming machines during mandatory shutdown hours.

Bankstown Sports hosted their Service to Sport Medal and Awards Night, highlighting contributions to their 38 sporting clubs and volunteers.

Help us advocate for clubs on workforce issues. Share your experiences on recruitment, training and retention.

Recent developments in gaming regulation have implications for clubs.

The event is set to deliver a vibrant showcase of innovation and strategic insights.

• Regulatory Priorities: Key areas of focus for the remainder of 2025 include strengthening harm minimisation strategies, streamlining operations and supporting industry education on emerging legislative changes.
• Compliance Calendar: Clubs can prepare for targeted compliance campaigns and important enforcement dates from July to December 2025, including new training standards and advertising checks.
• Community Engagement: Special outreach and support will focus on regional and culturally diverse communities to strengthen compliance and protect vulnerable groups.
• Webinar Opportunity: A government-hosted webinar on 29 July 2025 (10.30am–11.30am) will brief the industry on key regulatory issues—clubs are strongly encouraged to register and participate.

The AUSTRAC 2025 Reporting Entity Forum highlighted the evolving compliance landscape for gaming venues.

The NSW Veterans Strategy and Action Plan is a comprehensive framework designed to support veterans and their families in NSW.

ClubsNSW is preparing its submission to Liquor & Gaming NSW on the Registered Clubs Regulation 2015 Remake.

ASIC has updated their FAQS to assist clubs that are hosting virtual and/or hybrid meetings.

The company was given a $60,000 fine over breaches which failed to meet standards of decency, dignity and good taste.

Clubs may be eligible for funding under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

The licensee of Markets Hotel in Homebush West has been fined a total of $28,400 for allowing patrons to play gaming machines outside of approved hours.

Important ways to stay vigilant in an ever-evolving landscape.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have held their first leaders’ debate of the election campaign, with a registered club playing host.

The benchmarks help clubs operating as small businesses assess their financial health.

• Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) released consultation papers on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and state-wide third-party exclusions in clubs and hotels.
• You can complete surveys on the L&GNSW website until Friday, 28 March 2025.
• ClubsNSW is also making a submission on behalf of members.

The latest webinar, providing key updates on compliance, eligibility and reporting, is now available for clubs to view.

Clubs Australia has warmly welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that in August 2025 it will freeze excise on draught beer for at least the next two years.

Liquor & Gaming NSW is conducting online surveys as part of the public consultation on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and State-Wide Third-Party Exclusions.

Select clubs can trade later during special events from March to June 2025.

An updated FAQ provides more accessible and structured information, with improvements to links and reporting processes.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested more illegal gambling and affiliate-marketing websites be blocked.

The Government has released their response to the Independent Review of the Meetings and Documents Amendments.

The NSW Government releases the 2024 NSW Gambling Survey (Survey), addressing the impact of gambling activities.

New cash dispensing requirements officially took effect on 1 January 2025 and from 1 February 2025 L&GNSW will begin strictly enforcing these requirements.

With changes possibly be on the horizon, it’s important for directors to stay up-to-date to ensure their club is compliant.

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has released the latest night-time economy quarterly report for NSW.

In November, the Government released its Cheques Transition Plan. Take a look at the next steps.

An update on some of the government’s current key areas of focus.

The government has outlined three key areas of reform to address skills shortages.

The NSW Government is offering financial motivation for upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment to help businesses reduce their electricity bills.

Venues must be aware of their new obligations.

The board and management are responsible for safeguarding a club's environment and ensuring all members adhere to the established standards of behaviour.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner has released the findings of its review: Rightsizing Regulation: Small Business Experience with Regulatory Policymaking.

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has updated the direct debit request form for club gaming machine taxes and Central Monitoring System (CMS) fees.

Member clubs have the opportunity to share their business experiences by participating in the NSW Small Business Survey.

The night-time economy in NSW is thriving, showing resilience and growth despite challenges — which is good news for the club industry.

From 1 January 2025, clubs must ensure their gambling incident register meets new requirements.

The final Hospitality and Racing NSW Regulatory Roadshow for 2024 is coming up at Dubbo Zoo on Tuesday, 12 November.

Applications for the Live Performance Venue Accelerator Program close on 4 November 2024 — don’t miss out!

A court recently found in favour of a CEO who had his employment removed quickly to stop him accessing rights for unfair dismissal.

Building communities where culture thrives after dark is at the heart of the second tranche of the Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

Compliance is required by January 2025 relating to the location of ATMs and EFTPOS permitting cash withdrawals.

The NSW club industry is proudly leading the way when it comes to fostering safe and respectful workplaces.

Be aware of recent cases of cheque fraud involving gaming machine prizes at venues in Sydney.

The rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a club from signing in without first becoming a member is being torn up.

Clubs can access funding to help reduce and separate food waste.

With clubs busily arranging their Annual General Meetings, it is important to be aware of legislative obligations.

A quick rundown of the most frequently asked questions from local committees about their roles and responsibilities.

Applications are now open and will close on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2024, at 5pm.

We answer some of the most common questions on the new requirements for clubs.

A summary of the key findings and recommendations in the NSW Vocational Education and Training Review Final Report.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has spoken on the opening morning of the National Bush Summit at Orange Ex-Services’ Club.

Discover the ‘key themes’ that emerged from the NSW Review of Small Business Experiences with Regulatory Policymaking Consultation.

The Australian National University has released two studies on gambling participation and the harm from others' gaming based on survey data.

ILGA found the pub’s signage featuring a Chinese man with dumplings was “materially extremely similar” to cartoon of a man from a poker machine game.

Clubs should have a clear procedure in place for responding to these types of requests.

Under the new Harm Minimisation Regulations, clubs with gaming machine entitlements must have a GPoM by 1 September 2024.

A summary of ClubsNSW’s submission in response to additional operational and administrative vibrancy-related reforms.

Outdated conditions that force patrons to be seated while drinking outside a licenced premises will soon be removed.

Find out how the ClubSAFE Compliance Team supports members with their important obligations.

The report offers interesting insights that are relevant to clubs.

Between 27 Aug and 11 Sept, NSW ministers and senior public servants will be quizzed about their agencies' expenditure, performance and effectiveness.

Clubs that host live music might be eligible for funding to help bring exciting performances to local communities.

Critical support is now available for live music venues and festivals that are the lifeblood of the Australian music scene.

ACMA has requested more illegal gambling websites be blocked after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of legislation.

Ensure your club is compliant with new gambling harm minimisation measures.

The NSW Government has announced that the internationally recognised Purple Flag Program will be implemented across the state.

A summary of Clubs Australia’s submission to the inquiry into law enforcement’s capability to tackle money laundering and financial crime.

An overview of Clubs Australia’s feedback to the panel reviewing the amendments to the Corporations Act in 2022.

Certain venues may be required to implement a source-separated food organics collection from 1 July 2025.

As venues prepare to welcome patrons in to cheer on our Aussie athletes, it’s important to understand the special rules that apply during the Olympics.

ACMA has released its key focuses for 2024–25, while reporting last year’s priority outcomes.

It is important you are aware of the risk of artificial intelligence as part of your club’s cybersecurity practices.

Having clear and accurate minutes is critically important for any club.

Your club may be eligible to fund the costs of community infrastructure.

A local court has fined a South Sydney hotel for requiring patrons to walk through a gaming room to leave the premises, breaching legislation.

The Australian Government is seeking clubs’ feedback on the update of the National Code of Good Practice for Australian Apprenticeships.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner is conducting a Review of Small Business Experiences with Regulatory Policymaking.

Important changes come into effect from the start of July.

In the past 15 years, around 20,000 self-exclusion deeds have been submitted and 13,000 people have used the MVSE to help control their gambling.

The NSW Budget projects a deficit of $3.6 billion in 2024-25, down from a $500 million surplus projected last year.

The arts and night-time economy will get a boost in the 2024-25 NSW Budget, with $1.66 billion allocated to free events, festivals and more.

On 6 June 2023, ILGA released a report examining the relationship between the number of liquor outlets in LGAs, and domestic and non-domestic violence in NSW.

A summary of Clubs Australia’s response to the second round of consultation on the AML/CTF reforms.

The Minister for Gaming and Racing has approved changes to Liquor & Gaming NSW’s gaming machine reporting. From July 2024, the department will publish quarterly gaming machine data for clubs and hotels.

NSW Health has provided a suite of resources to support clubs as the cooler months approach.

The breaches reinforce the importance of ensuring venues understand and comply with their obligations.

Fee notices were issued to secretaries on 25 March 2024 and payment was due on 29 May 2024.

Following complaints to Liquor & Gaming NSW, the previous licensee of a hotel has been banned from holding a liquor licence for two years.

The Club Gaming Code of Practice (Code) commenced on 1 July 2023. A key requirement is to have a Gambling Policy Statement.

Clubs must ensure they are following specific processes as set out in their constitution.

Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the new Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling Training.

The Australian Government has released the 2024-25 Federal Budget — and there are several key policies and measures that might impact clubs.

A summary of Clubs Australia’s response to the Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia Inquiry.

Forty-five community projects are set to share in over $6.6 million in funding in the latest round of the ClubGRANTS Infrastructure Grants Program.

A detailed summary of Clubs Australia’s response to the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Inquiry.

The NSW Government is introducing reforms to support restaurants and bars that want to trade later in locations that are not close by homes.

Clubs Australia’s response to the Commonwealth Government’s Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

Clubs are encouraged to share their feedback on the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy.

Register to attend L&GNSW’s 2024 Liquor Accord Forum, to be held in Newcastle on Tuesday, 28 May.

A detailed insight into the proposed climate-related financial reporting disclosures which may impact your club.

Here’s how some of our member clubs commemorated the NSW Seniors Festival last month.

ClubsNSW, along with Liquor & Gaming NSW, recently lodged a submission responding to the Government’s review of the ClubGRANTS scheme.

NSW Health has created a set of resources to assist venues in promoting healthy ageing to their older patrons.

An insight into Urbis’ assessment of the economic impacts of the ClubGRANTS scheme.

The GME trading and leasing scheme provides a framework for clubs while supporting the reduction of gaming machines operating in NSW.

Since March 2023, 112 pubs, clubs and other live venues have qualified for two hours extended trading in return for staging live music.

Patrons at the Twin Towns Services Club in Tweed Heads are now able to sign up to use cashless gaming technology as the state’s expanded trial begins.

Musicians are set to receive a boost under the NSW Labor Government with the opening of grants focused on rebuilding the NSW touring circuit.

The Queensland Parliament has passed new laws requiring casinos to introduce specific measures to reduce gambling harm and combat money laundering.

Under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 and Registered Clubs Regulation 2015, there are governance requirements clubs must meet.

An insight into Clubs Australia’s submission on the National Skills Passport.

As regulatory changes are announced regarding responsible gambling, clubs must be aware of their obligations and be proactive in ensuring compliance.

Clubs can collaborate with their local council to construct or upgrade larger-than-accessible toilet spaces for patrons with disability.

Liquor & Gaming NSW have released their 2024-2026 delivery plan, including its five key priorities.