Liquor & Gaming NSW has issued a reminder to all hotels and clubs with gaming against having ATMs with credit access in any part of the venue after two Sydney hotels were found to have ATMs with credit card withdrawal functions.
The regulator said it has issued a direction to remove the credit card withdrawal function from an ATM on the premises of The Wentworth Hotel at Homebush, owned by Iris Capital Group, following a complaint from a customer who withdrew around AU$2,000 from a credit account for gaming purposes.
A similar direction has been issued to the Earlwood Hotel, owned by the Orion Hotel Group, along with a direction to remove material from the ATM screen that promoted gambling facilities at the hotel.
Under the Gaming Machines Act 2001, hotels or clubs with gaming machines are not allowed to have ATMs with credit access in any part of the venue.
Liquor & Gaming NSW said inspectors attended each hotel twice and on all occasions were able to withdraw money from credit accounts.
“These requirements are about limiting the harm that can be associated with gambling. Credit card restrictions are a fundamental measure that exists to stop people getting in over their head,” said Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations & Enforcement, Jane Lin.
“We have escalated our enforcement approach to these requirements, including by prosecuting offences and issuing statutory directions or using other administrative remedies to address instances of non-compliance to keep our community safe. Inspectors are out and actively testing credit withdrawal functions at licensed premises.”
Liquor & Gaming NSW previously ordered two Sydney pubs to either relocate or screen gaming machines which had been available to patrons in both venues via interconnected rooms.
“Liquor & Gaming NSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to venues that do not comply with gaming harm minimization requirements,” Lin said.
“While the majority of venues do the right thing, those that breach these laws or try to find creative ways to avoid complying with their obligations can expect to face the full force of the law.”
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