Sydney, Australia – February 17, 2025 – The New South Wales (NSW) government is looking to crack down on gambling harm and money laundering with two big changes in the gaming industry. They’re asking for public input on new proposals that could reshape how gambling is regulated in the state.
The first proposal introduces a third-party exclusion program, allowing concerned friends, family, or venues to request a gambling ban for someone struggling with addiction. The second involves facial recognition technology to help enforce a statewide exclusion register, making sure banned individuals don’t slip through the cracks. These ideas are part of a broader effort by the Minns Labor Government to create stricter rules around gambling in Sydney and across NSW.
Breaking Down the Proposals
Third-Party Exclusion Program
Right now, self-exclusion is the main option for gamblers who want to take a break. But what if someone doesn’t realize—or won’t admit—they have a gambling problem? This program would allow friends, family, or even venues to request a gambling ban on behalf of someone at risk.
- The minimum exclusion period would be 12 months, with a maximum of three years.
- While waiting for a full review, a temporary 21-day ban could be put in place.
- Excluded gamblers wouldn’t be allowed into gaming venues and wouldn’t receive promotional materials during their ban.
This program aims to protect individuals who might not seek help on their own, giving loved ones a way to intervene before gambling spirals out of control.
Facial Recognition Technology
The second proposal would use facial recognition software to help venues identify people on the exclusion list. Instead of relying on staff to recognize banned individuals manually, this technology would match faces against a secure database of excluded gamblers.
- Staff would still have the final say, confirming matches before taking action.
- The system would not track, monitor, or market to customers—strict privacy rules would apply.
This move is designed to close loopholes in the current self-exclusion system, making sure those who are banned stay banned.
Have Your Say: Public Consultation Open
The NSW government wants to hear from the public before making these reforms official. They’re accepting feedback on both proposals until March 14, 2025.
They’re especially interested in hearing from:
✅ Gamblers and their families
✅ Venue operators
✅ Privacy advocates
✅ Public health groups
While the government sees these changes as necessary, there are privacy concerns—especially when it comes to collecting and storing biometric data. To address this, they’ve put together a draft code of practice for facial recognition, developed with input from cybersecurity and privacy experts.
Why These Reforms Are Happening
Gambling addiction and crime linked to the gaming industry have been making headlines in NSW. The government has been working on ways to reduce gambling harm while keeping the hospitality industry running smoothly.
Existing Gambling Rules in NSW
NSW already has strict gambling laws in place, including:
🚫 No external gambling signs on pubs and clubs
💰 Limits on cash input for gaming machines
🏛 Ban on political donations from gaming venues
Public Pressure for Stronger Regulations
Research shows that over a million Australians experience gambling-related harm each year. Advocacy groups and public health experts have been pushing for tougher protections to help those at risk.
Support & Concerns Over the Proposals
These reforms have strong backing from problem gambling advocates who believe they could make a real difference. Many see facial recognition as a powerful tool to close loopholes in the current self-exclusion system.
On the flip side, digital privacy advocates—like Samantha Floreani—have raised concerns about personal data security and the potential misuse of facial recognition. Some worry that the system could be too invasive or might discourage people from visiting venues altogether.
What’s Next?
The success of these reforms depends on public feedback. NSW’s Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, emphasized that the government wants a balanced approach—one that reduces gambling harm while still supporting the hospitality industry.
Once the consultation period ends, the government will:
📌 Review public input
📌 Refine the proposals (if needed)
📌 Move forward with legislation
Other parts of Australia—and even governments overseas—are watching closely. If NSW successfully integrates technology-driven gambling reforms, it could set a new standard for how to manage gambling risks while protecting both individuals and businesses.
Final Thoughts
The NSW government’s proposed third-party exclusion program and facial recognition system could significantly change how gambling is regulated in the state. The big question now is: Will these reforms strike the right balance between harm reduction and privacy?
Your voice matters—if you have thoughts on these changes, now’s the time to speak up.
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