Liquor and Gaming NSW has launched a strict compliance operation to ensure minors are kept out of casinos during the festive season. According to its press release, the initiative, running throughout the holiday period and into early 2025, seeks to prevent under-18s from gambling, entering casinos, or consuming alcohol.
“This is a critical time of year when we see an increase in people visiting casinos, and it’s essential that minors are not among them,” said Dimitri Argeres, Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at L&GNSW.
Minors caught breaching these laws face fines of up to AUD4,400 (€2,666) and the forfeiture of any gambling winnings. Additionally, they could be banned from re-entering casinos for a year or more after turning 18.
Liquor & Gaming NSW also said that the compliance operation not only targets underage offenders but also ensures that casino operators adhere to their legal responsibilities. The regulator added that they are working closely with casino management to enhance internal controls and educate staff on preventing underage access.
“This operation focuses on both holding individuals accountable and ensuring casinos meet their legal obligations. Staff training, rigorous ID checks, and robust security measures are essential to preventing underage access,” Argeres noted.
By implementing these measures, the operation aims to proactively deter violations. “Our goal is not only to catch offenders but also to proactively prevent breaches. We are working closely with casino operators to enhance internal controls and educate staff on the critical role they play in preventing underage access,” he added.
New South Wales imposes stringent penalties on minors and excluded persons entering casinos. Aside from fines, using fake identification or entering restricted areas can lead to bans and, in severe cases, imprisonment for repeat violations.
Offenders who are already banned from casinos face harsher consequences, including fines of up to AUD5,500 (€3,333) or a 12-month prison sentence. These measures reflect the New South Wales government’s firm stance on maintaining the integrity of gambling venues.
Liquor & Gaming NSW’s initiative follows multiple high-profile breaches involving underage individuals. In one instance, a 17-year-old used a fake ID to enter a casino and gambled for over an hour. The individual was fined, and the casino faced a significant AUD25,000 (€15,150) penalty issued by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
As the holiday season attracts large crowds, Liquor & Gaming NSW said it remains committed to ensuring casinos are safe spaces for adults. By enforcing these regulations and working collaboratively with casino operators, the agency aims to uphold the highest standards of compliance.
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