NSW Government Opens Public Consultation on Gambling Reform Proposals
Sydney, Australia – February 17, 2025 – The New South Wales (NSW) government has opened a public consultation on a new package of gambling reforms designed to curb problem gambling and reduce the risk of money laundering. The proposals, announced by the Minns Labor Government, include a third-party exclusion scheme and the introduction of facial recognition technology in licensed venues.
The reforms are intended not only to tighten oversight of land-based gaming venues but also to reinforce standards for those looking to play at safe online casinos, where transparency, player protection, and responsible gambling practices remain central concerns. By inviting feedback from the public, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups, NSW aims to strike a balance between stronger consumer safeguards and the ongoing sustainability of the gaming sector.
Third-Party Exclusion Scheme
Currently, gamblers must voluntarily register for self-exclusion to restrict their play. The proposed third-party exclusion scheme would expand this by allowing friends, family members, or venue operators to request a ban for individuals showing signs of problem gambling.
- Minimum exclusion period: 12 months
- Maximum exclusion period: 3 years
- Temporary bans: 21 days while under review
- Excluded individuals would also be blocked from receiving promotional materials.
The government says this measure would give families and venues an extra tool to intervene before gambling harm escalates.
Facial Recognition Technology
To enforce the exclusion register, the government is proposing the rollout of facial recognition systems across NSW gaming venues. The technology would match patrons’ faces against a secure database of excluded individuals, alerting staff if a potential match is detected.
- Venue staff will confirm any match before taking action.
- The system will not be used for marketing or customer tracking.
- A draft code of practice has been developed in consultation with privacy and cybersecurity experts.
Supporters say this would close gaps in the current system, where self-excluded patrons can sometimes re-enter venues undetected.
Public Consultation
The consultation period runs until March 14, 2025, with feedback sought from gamblers, families, venue operators, privacy advocates, and public health experts. The government has signaled its intention to strike a balance between harm reduction and the needs of the hospitality industry.
NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the reforms are designed to strengthen protections while ensuring industry viability. “We are looking for practical solutions that protect people without unfairly burdening venues,” Harris said.
Background and Reactions
NSW already enforces several gambling restrictions to encourage responsible gambling, including bans on external signage for pubs and clubs, limits on gaming machine cash input, and prohibitions on political donations from gaming operators. Still, research shows more than one million Australians are affected by gambling harm each year.
Problem gambling advocacy groups have welcomed the reforms, particularly the use of facial recognition, which they see as a way to strengthen enforcement. However, digital privacy advocates have expressed concern about data collection and potential misuse, with some arguing that the technology could discourage venue attendance.
Next Steps
Once consultation closes, the NSW government will review the feedback, refine the proposals as necessary, and draft the legislation. Other states and international regulators are closely monitoring the outcome, as NSW could set a precedent for technology-driven gambling regulation.
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