Liquor & Gaming NSW, the gambling regulator in New South Wales, has launched a new compliance initiative aimed at preventing individuals under 18 from engaging in gambling and alcohol consumption, keeping them away from venues that offer these activities.
Gambling regulator in NSW reminds minors to steer clear of gambling
The regulator has issued a reminder that minors found in adult venues offering gambling services or serving alcohol may face serious consequences, such as fines and bans that prevent re-entry for over a year after they turn 18. The fines can reach up to $4,400 and include a prohibition on entering casinos until they are 19 years old. Repeat offenders—those who are caught and banned again—may incur even harsher penalties, including fines up to $5,500 and up to 12 months in prison. This approach interestingly shifts the responsibility onto minors, as they are directly fined by the regulator. This move comes as New Jersey in the United States considers replacing criminal charges for minors entering casino floors with civil penalties. Dimitri Argeres, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at Liquor & Gaming NSW, commented on this new public awareness campaign, noting that inspectors are collaborating with venues to ensure underage individuals neither enter these establishments nor engage in prohibited activities.
Minors liable to face tough penalties for failure to comply
Argeres highlights the heightened activity at casinos during this time of year, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that minors do not enter these establishments. Liquor & Gaming NSW is committed to reducing instances of underage gambling. One concerning case involved a 17-year-old using a fake ID to gamble for over an hour. While local casinos are equipped to identify such fraud, they are not yet swift enough to completely prevent it from occurring.
