In New South Wales (NSW), the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has announced that it is no longer approving licensees’ applications for additional late-night gaming offerings unless there is sufficient evidence that the venues have proper harm minimization resources in place.
The change in guidelines is in response to a recent study from Roy Morgan Research that outlined a correlation between aggressive gambling and late-night to early-morning play, particularly after the hour of 2 a.m. The later that bettors play, the study suggested, the more likely they are to engage in problem gambling behavior.
In a statement, ILGA Chairperson Caroline Lamb asserted that the agency “is generally concerned about applications which, if approved, would result in significantly increased access to post-midnight gaming.”
“It is our hope that in the face of the evidence, venues offering gaming facilities will recognize the risks and themselves introduce effective measures to protect their members and customers from harm,” she continued.
“ILGA is unlikely to approve applications involving additional late-night gaming unless there are effective conditions aimed at decreasing the risk of gaming-related harm, such as conditions limiting the operating hours of gaming rooms.”
