Hospitality and Racing NSW publish regulatory priorities for the gambling sector (Jul-Dec 2025)
Hospitality and Racing has this week released details of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s (L&GNSW) regulatory priorities for the broader gaming sector for the period from July to December 2025. These priorities have implications both for NSW-licensed gambling operators and online gambling industry participants servicing customers in NSW. We have set out an overview below.
Key priorities for the gaming sector
Policy and reform priorities
L&GNSW has advised that it will continue to focus on risks of gambling harm and money laundering associated with electronic gaming machines.
Key gaming reform commitments underway in the state which L&GNSW has advised it will support include:
expanding self-exclusion to cover the entire state
a third-party exclusion scheme for harm minimisation and criminal behaviour
establishing minimum standards for facial recognition technology (FRT) in clubs and pubs
ongoing periodic anti-money laundering training
L&GNSW is also proposing to renew the Registered Clubs Regulation 2015, which is due to be repealed on 1 September 2025, and provides administrative details for the operations of registered clubs to ensure practices are transparent and meet community expectations.
Also during the second half of the year, the implementation of recommended changes to the Responsible Conduct of Gambling and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training materials will commence. It is important for venues and clubs to monitor the release of these new materials and to support staff with undertaking the refreshed training as required.
Research and Evaluation priorities
An independent evaluation will be carried out to assess the effectiveness of the gaming reforms implemented between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 (which included the introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers, gambling incident registers, Gaming Plans of Management, ATM arrangement changes and Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling training requirements).
Compliance and enforcement priorities
Gaming machine harm minimisation programs will also take place, as many of L&GNSW’s priorities are centred around reducing gambling harm from gaming machines. This means that L&GNSW will continue to carry out their compliance campaign, including by monitoring external gaming machine signage, assessing the training and capability of gaming staff (particular Responsible Gambling Officers) and monitoring the use of inducements as a risk from a gambling harm perspective.
L&GNSW will aim to reduce risks associated with the playing of gaming machines by identifying non-compliant or predatory practices. Some key areas of focus will include:
preventing the withdrawal of cash from a credit account
correctly displaying mandatory signage and taking action against venues operating gaming machines outside of authorised hours
ensuring venues have sufficient controls in place to prevent minors from gambling or being exposed to gambling
responsible conduct of gambling training completion
L&GNSW will also work with regional and vulnerable communities, with the intention to reduce risks associated with the playing of gaming machines in these communities.
Key priorities for the casinos sector
Policy and reform priorities
L&GNSW will undertake targeted consultation to inform a statutory review of the Casino Control Act 1992, with the objective of examining the effectiveness of the legislative reforms introduced to the casino sector in 2022 and whether they are operating as intended.
L&GNSW will continue to work with casinos to implement the carded play regulatory requirements, such as daily limits for cash play.
Compliance and enforcement priorities
Planned activities include:
auditing, testing and monitoring compliance with internal controls, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements. The focus will be on systems to limit criminal infiltration, exploitation and community harm
inspecting and investigation security controls and service of alcohol practices
ongoing monitoring of controls and interventions relating to at-risk patrons, including excluded patrons and those experiencing gambling harm
ongoing monitoring of table operations and the use of approved gaming equipment to ensure the integrity of gaming operations
ongoing compliance programs reviewing and assessing the governance, culture and integrity capability of casino operators
The regulator also intends to carry out a targeted media campaign, which will be launched to ensure minors understand the consequences and risks of attempting to enter a casino.
Key priorities for the wagering and lotteries sectors
Policy and reform priorities
L&GNSW has advised that its focus areas will include, among others:
working with Transport for NSW to support implementation of the announced ban on gambling advertising on public transport
completing the review of the Totalizator Act 1997
reviewing the Bookmaker Telephone and Electronic Betting Conditions to clarify the harm minimisation standards that betting service providers are expected to uphold
ensuring the broader regulatory framework remains appropriate for today’s wagering environment
Wagering service providers should also note that L&GNSW will release the much-awaited update to the Guideline for Gambling Advertising and Inducements. The Guideline has become a critical tool for industry participants as they navigate complex and often inconsistent advertising requirements across jurisdictions. We will issue a further update upon the release of that important document.
Compliance priorities
The publication of wagering advertisements that induce a person to open a betting account, to gamble or to gamble more frequently will remain an area of focus for L&GNSW. It has also advised that it will:
continue its monitoring of websites, social media, television and radio and take strong enforcement action when infringements are identified
inspect racecourses and assess compliance with betting and racing laws
continue to provide education and advice to new entrants to the wagering sector
identify new technologies and potentially harmful emerging trends that seeks to circumvent current legislation or guidelines
continue testing compliance with the National Consumer Protection Framework requirements around consistent gambling messaging, marketing, and responsible gambling training and account closures
test compliance of venues with primary purpose obligations and review in-venue gambling and wagering advertising
Notably, the priorities document also refers to lotteries’ practices within the compliance priorities without reference to any particular forms of offering.
Throughout the second semester, L&GNSW will also attend regional racecourses to test compliance with on-course bookmaker requirements, and assess gambling harm minimisation controls relating to minors, advertising and inducements.
L&GNSW will also continue to confirm appropriate payment of the Point of Consumption Tax by online wagering operators by undertaking detailed proactive revenue audits.
Key priorities for the racing sector
Policy and reform priorities
The Hon Lea Drake, Acting Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, is conducting an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017. The inquiry is designed to ensure a viable and sustainable greyhound racing industry in NSW with the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare.
L&GNSW has advised that it will support the NSW Government in determining any next steps to be taken once Ms. Drake reports to the Minister and Commission. That report is due by 31 July 2025.
If you have any questions regarding the content covered in this article or wish to further discuss how Senet can assist with compliance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
