Starting from today (17 February), the NSW government is accepting feedback on consultation papers that propose a third-party exclusion scheme and the use of facial recognition technology to manage already excluded patrons.
The NSW government said it is building “strict parameters” into the reforms that aim to protect the privacy of patrons who visit clubs and hotels that have deployed the facial recognition technology.
As such, venues will be prohibited from using the software to track customers for marketing or surveillance purposes.
Additionally, the government is looking to introduce a third-party exclusion scheme. This would allow the family and friends of bettors to seek a ban that would be applied to problem gamblers.
The proposed minimum period for exclusion under the third-party scheme would be 12 months, up to a maximum of three years. Gamblers could be banned temporarily for 21 days while the application is under consideration.
“Third-party exclusions are designed to help those experiencing gambling harm and their loved ones when other avenues to seek help may have failed,” the Australian minister for gaming and racing David Harris said.
“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.”
Harris stated that the facial recognition technology would act as an “important harm-minimisation tool” that can be used by venues, clubs and hotel staff to identify excluded patrons in crowded environments.
The consultation period for the ‘third-party exclusion consultation paper’ and ‘facial recognition technology in pubs and clubs consultation paper’ will close on 14 March.
Minns NSW Labour government aims to curb gambling
The NSW government has introduced a raft of measures to tackle the gambling industry in recent years. Last month, NSW set out plans to ban all forms of gambling advertising on public transport across the state.
Led by the Chris Minns NSW Labour government since 2023, NSW has implemented anti-gambling measures such as banning all external gambling signage outside all pubs and clubs across the state.
NSW has also put cash input limits in place on new gaming machines from AU$500 to AU$5,000. The donation of political funds from clubs with electronic gaming machines has also been banned.
Last year, the NSW regulator carried out a number of compliance checks in the state.
Inspectors from the regulator visited 528 hotels and clubs across NSW, enforcing new requirements. For instance, venues are required to establish a responsible gaming officer and gambling incident register.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/gaming-regulation/new-south-wales-seeks-feedback-on-facial-recognition-exclusion-proposal/
