The Minns Labor Government in the Australian state said the month-long consultation will give people the chance to have their say on two new schemes drawn from its election commitments.
The public can give feedback on consultation papers for a proposed third-party exclusion scheme and proposed mandatory facial recognition technology to support a statewide exclusion register for NSW hotels and clubs with gaming machines. The third-party exclusion scheme would allow family, friends and venues to apply to ban someone experiencing significant gambling harm.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “The Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing gambling harm through evidence-based policy and it’s important that we get the balance right.
“Third-party exclusions are designed to help those experiencing gambling harm and their loved ones when other avenues to seek help may have failed.
“It recognises the physical, psychological, emotional and financial flow-on effects of gambling on a person’s family and friends.
“This is complex reform which is why we are seeking feedback on a range of issues.”
Reduce gambling harms
The proposed measures are the latest in a suite of reforms introduced over the last two years by the Minns Labor Government to reduce gambling harm.
It is proposed the minimum period for an exclusion order would be 12 months, with a maximum period of two or three years, with a temporary exclusion of 21 days while an application is considered.
The NSW government has sought to diminish concerns about facial recognition technology by building strict parameters into the reforms to protect people’s privacy. It said this technology will support gambling harm-minimisation by removing the guesswork of staff identifying excluded patrons, often in crowded venues.
Harris said: “Facial recognition will also be an important harm-minimisation tool by providing another way to identify excluded patrons in crowded venue environments, which can often be challenging for venue staff.
“I encourage everyone to have their say on these important harm-minimisation measures.”
