Time running out for NSW gambling signage

In keeping with the NSW government’s election commitments, venues across the state are stripping away all external gambling related signage.

With a deadline of September 1, there is now only one month left for all venues to comply with the changes which were announced in May.

Venues must remove, alter or conceal all external gambling-related signs, including fixed unilluminated awning signs and digital video displays. Names such as VIP Room/VIP Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge and Players’ Room/Lounge are among the names banned, as well as images of dragons, coins or lightning motifs.

Liquor & Gaming NSW has sent inspectors to engage with 530 venues to provide support and advise to venues on how to meet the requirements. 215 of them had already complied, with Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown and Fairfield LGAs leading the way with the highest levels of early compliance.

Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris said: “It’s great to see industry and government working together to prevent and reduce gambling harm in the community.

“We announced these changes back in May as a staged approach to ensure pubs and clubs were given the appropriate amount of time to conceal, remove and switch off any gambling promoting signage.

“While venues have until September 1 to comply, our expectation is that they remove signs as quickly as possible and not leave it until the last minute.

“Removing this signage is just one important part of our commitment to gambling reform to reduce harm and tackle money laundering head on in NSW, and we are delivering.”