In New South Wales, Police Officers to Monitor Poker Machines in Pubs and Clubs

Legislators in the Australian state of New South Wales are proposing the involvement of police officers in security and control measures at pubs and clubs with over 20 poker machines. The designated responsibilities for these officers include assessing whether visitors are at risk of developing gambling addiction and ensuring that minors do not engage in gambling activities.

Establishments with over a hundred poker slot machines will be required to hire additional staff to manage these responsibilities. Clubs and pubs will be given a grace period to adapt to the new regulations, with the measure expected to come into effect no earlier than July 1, 2024.

Rebecca Riant, Director of Clubs NSW, emphasized that the trade group's 1,200 members are committed to complying with these new measures, recognizing their importance in ensuring the protection of customers and gamers. Clubs NSW is a significant representative of the gambling industry in New South Wales, effectively operating as an association of entertainment operators.