ClubsNSW, the representative body for registered pubs and club venues in the state of New South Wales, has released an updated code of practice ahead of expected gambling industry reforms this year.
The code, which is set to come into effect on July 1st 2023, has promised to implement a series of changes to how the industry self regulates. However, the code fails to include a move to a cashless card system which has been proposed by premier Dominic Perrottet. The plan has been supported to some extent by opposition parties but not by ClubsNSW who feels that a move to cashless gambling will negatively impact the livelihoods of its members.
The new code proposes:
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ClubsNSW Reveals New Gambling Code Ahead of Expected Industry Reforms
- Welfare checks on pokie machine players every three hours
- Measures to ban problem gamblers from venues
- Each venue to have a responsible gambling officer
- Staff trained to identify problem gambling indicators
An NSW Crime Commission also reported that billions in illicit funds were laundered on a regular basis through the machines.
ClubsNSW chief executive Josh Landis said the code was the most effective way to keep illicit fund out of clubs.
“Clubs have always been the safest places to gamble and they are about to become even safer.”
However, politicians were less than impressed by the move.
Labor Leader Chris Minns, who recently announced his party’s plan to reduce the number of pokie machines in the state, made his feelings clear on the new ClubsNSW policy and the effect it will have on Labor’s plans:
ClubsNSW Reveals New Gambling Code Ahead of Expected Industry Reforms“It’s up to them what they do. We’ve got a policy plank that will be law if we win the election on March the 25th.”
“weak and ineffective; a desperate attempt to appease the public and avoid the necessary regulation”.
