Authorities in New South Wales have announced they are seeking community feedback on the impact of the 2018 reforms that limited the number of gaming machines in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Australia.-\u00a0The New South Wales Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority\u2019s (ILGA)<\/strong>\u00a0will analyse the\u00a0impact of the gaming machine reforms\u00a0<\/strong>introduced in 2018. It has called on the public and interested stakeholders to give their views to help shape future policy directions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regulatory reforms introduced in 2018 limited the number of gaming machines allowed in high-risk areas<\/strong>, introduced tools to reduce the harm of gambling, and made\u00a0comprehensive reforms to the local impact assessment plan<\/strong>\u00a0that regulates so-called ‘pokies’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reform also introduced\u00a0a scheme for small clubs and hotels to lease their Gaming Machine Entitlements<\/strong>\u00a0to other clubs and hotels, allowing them to go \u201cpokies-free\u201d while staying economically viable.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\u00a0consultation will close on Friday September 10, 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New South Wales government is currently analysing a proposal to\u00a0transfer licences<\/strong>\u00a0from poor-performing machines in other areas of the state to the\u00a0Star Sydney<\/a>. There are currently 96,000 poker machines across 4,000 venues in New South Wales.\u00a0Star has 1,500 in its venue in Prymont<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John Tansey<\/strong>, Executive Director Policy & Strategy for Better Regulation Division, said: “The NSW Government is keen to hear from the community, so we are conducting a survey to help inform our evaluation.\u00a0We will also be inviting\u00a0venue operators with GMEs to complete a separate online survey.<\/strong>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities expect to launch their first trial of highly anticipated\u00a0digital gaming wallets<\/a>\u00a0by the end of the year. Tests will take place in the final quarter at Wests Group Australia\u2019s New Lambton venue, in Newcastle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNSW to test digital gaming wallets during last quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n