NSW’s Gambling Advertising Ban for Australian Operators
August 3, 2023 Tony ChristopherOne of the hottest legal changes is the gambling advertising ban in NSW, Australia. This major decision was a shocker upon announcement, but the operators were given time and options to adapt to the new situation easily. Read on to find out how.
The ban on gambling advertising in Australia is already in power in a few provinces. This blog post will introduce the gambling signs ban in New South Wales. Furthermore, we also answered some of the most asked questions on the matter.
New South Wales Government vs VIP Signage
New South Wales (NSW) legalised casino gambling in 1986, and then the newer versions of the Betting and Racing Act (1998) and the 1997’s Totalizator Act improved the industry. Ever since, the gaming, casino, betting, and iGaming industries have been regulated with more rules and updated regulations.
One of the latest legislation changes was banning donations towards politicians and parties from clubs with pokies. This was followed by the advertisement exterior gambling-related signage. The gambling ban in this Australian province is supported and organised by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
All pubs and clubs must obey the ban of signs on gambling before September 1st, 2023. Any form of casino, wagering games, games of chance, or other forms of gambling advertisement signage has to be removed, concealed, or altered. The government created procedures for this transition period and will support the operators in every way.
Why a Gambling Advertising Ban is Needed?
The decision to ban gambling advertising in Australia comes after thoughtful consideration. New South Wales’ government is decided to deal with problem gambling and all its negative effects. David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing, explained why the changes are necessary.
The first reason is aesthetical and aims to show the lovely architecture of the building and remove the clutter from the walls. Clearing away the gambling advertisement signage over facades and windows of clubs, pubs, and other establishments offering wagering games and pokies will allow operators to draw players’ attention in numerous ways.
The second reason is to prevent problem gambling, underage gambling, and gambling addiction. In this case, the gambling laws NSW approved follow the logic ‘far from the eyes, far from the heart’. By removing the excessive advertisement, the temptation to play will also diminish.
The last reason for the gambling advertising ban is Australia to erase false promises of huge or guaranteed winnings. Those are directly promoted or indirectly promised with signs of exclusivity like ‘VIP Lounge/Room’, ‘Prosperity Room/Lounge’, and more.
Outcome of the Gambling Advertising Ban in Australia
Operators, government authorities, NSW Independent Casino Commission, and other gambling-related organisations observe and question the changes. The new legalisation affects operators and players, but the calamities are not as great as it seems.
Operators vs the Ban of Signs for Gambling
The improved NSW gambling rules are cosmetic and apply to land-based operators. Every establishment with a gambling licence from NSW has to remove the external advertisement of:
- High-class gaming rooms signs (VIP/Exclusive Room/Lounge/Club, ect.)
- Information about huge prizes and bonuses
- Images hinting of treasures and certain profits (coins, dragons, flashes of lightning, and more)
- Images of pokies and wagering games
Licensed venues have until September 1st, 2023, to deal with the situation, but under specific circumstances, the period can be extended with government approval. If problem gambling signs are not removed, the operator will face a penalty of 100 penalty units (AU$11,000) per sign.
Players & the Gambling Ban in Australia
The ban on gambling advertising in Australia affects players directly. Gamblers can still enter the venue’s premises and play as much as they like, but people outside will not be submitted to direct and constant advertisements or subliminal messages.
We will follow this situation and any future changes in the gambling legislation Down Under. Check the rest of our blog posts for more interesting news and explore the listing of New Zealand’s best online casinos.
FAQ
Granting information is important, but answering questions on a hot topic is always beneficial. Check out the most frequently asked inquiries about the gambling advertising ban Australia accepted recently.
1️⃣ What is the gambling advertising ban in Australia?
The gambling advertising ban in Australia is one of the latest changes in the gaming legislation. The New South Wales gambling laws now ban gaming and wagering advertisement from the facades and windows of the land-based venues. The operators are obligated to fulfil the new requirements until 1st September 2023.
2️⃣ Why was the gambling advertisement in New South Wales, AU banned?
The ban on gambling advertising in Australia's provinces aims to tackle problem gambling. It is considered that the removal of excessive exterior signage and advertisement of casinos and games will decrease the luring of players with big promises of unrealistic winnings. Operators will still show the latest bonuses, games, prizes, and more wagering information inside the venues.
3️⃣ What NSW government's ban on gambling signage will lead to?
Every legal change is taken harshly at first; in this case, the operators are less than happy. Operators and government institutions monitor the changes in the legislation, so we are yet to see the long-term effect. The gambling ban in Australia is yet to show what the outcome of the gambling signage removal will be.
4️⃣ How NSW operators take the gambling ban?
The ban on a sign with gambling advertisements means that the owners of the establishments must invest in removing signages they paid for in the fists place. Knowing this, the operators' reactions to the ban are expected to be negative at first. Eventually, the changes will allow them to create a new advertisement strategy inside the venues.
5️⃣ How are players affected by the advertisement ban in New South Wales, AU?
The recent changes in the NSW gambling rules are big news for professional gamblers and players for fun. According to the gambling advertising ban, they can see information about the latest games, promotions, and other gambling information only inside casinos, clubs, bars with pokies, and other wagering venues.
