As part of its ongoing campaign to combat compulsive gambling, the New South Wales state government has given pubs, clubs, and any other establishment with a games room just three months to remove all exterior “VIP Lounge” advertising.
In response to a damning study, NSW Labor promised to take down the signage as part of its gambling reform plan.
The main recommendation of the NSW Crime Commission report was to create a cashless gaming card, and the then-Coalition government pledged to doing so by the year 2028. To make sure no jobs in the hospitality industry were lost, Labor decided to conduct a trial instead.
The $100 million fine imposed on the Star Casino for failing to stop illegal activities on its property will be used to pay for a year-long cashless gaming experiment for 500 machines in both metro and regional locations, according to Premier Chris Minns.
An independent group will examine it and issue a report with suggestions regarding whether or not cashless gambling should be implemented statewide.
Additionally, he promised to eliminate poker machine cash input limitations, outlaw any political contributions from the club industry, and cut back on the overall number of poker machines in the state.
Minns stated earlier this year that if cashless gambling machines were made required for all machines in pubs and clubs throughout NSW, it would take years to implement.
“We think that with 500 machines, $100 million, and the independent panel, we can determine whether this will work based on evidence.”
“I’m determined to make sure that all reforms are supported by facts and common sense so that we avoid a mishap like the one with the greyhounds or the lockout legislation.
Currently, NSW has almost 90,000 poker machines — more than any other country outside of Nevada, which is home to Las Vegas, the epicenter of the world’s gambling industry.
The composition of the advisory group for cashless gaming, which will monitor the 500-machine trial, is reportedly being finalized by the government.
Venues throughout the state will be alerted starting next week that VIP Lounge signage must be taken down, changed, or covered up before September 1.
