Facial recognition cameras to be installed in NSW pubs as part of new gambling reforms

Facial recognition tech designed to keep a watchful eye on problem punters will be introduced in pubs and clubs across NSW as part of a new package of gambling reforms launched by the Minns government.

On Tuesday, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris announced new reforms designed to crack down on gambling harm across the state.

One of the core features of thes reform is the introduction of a statewide exclusion register, which will be actively monitored by facial recognition cameras in every licensed venue with poker machines in NSW.

Mr Harris said the technology would ensure “people can exclude themselves but also will allow for third-party exclusions, including family members”.

“Often, people experiencing severe gambling harm do not necessarily recognise themselves that they’re experiencing that harm,” he said.

“That can lead to a whole lot of poor outcomes. What this will allow is a family to apply to have their loved one excluded. The player, of course, would have appeal rights, but we would put in place a system to allow for that third-party exclusion to occur.”

Mr Harris said the current system wasn’t statewide and allowed for people excluded from one venue to simply “go down the road to a different venue”.

“Under this system, the whole exclusion system would apply to every venue in the state,” he said.

“The system is already operating in some venues, and the idea is that the cameras are at the entry to the gaming room. If the person enters, that triggers an alarm and then there’s a reaction from staff to ask them to leave.”

Mr Harris said the technology would adhere to “really strict guidelines” regarding the use of data gathered by the cameras, which are designed to prevent problem gamblers from feeding their addiction.

The cameras are also expected to be used to “support NSW Police efforts to prevent gaming machines being used for money laundering and other criminal activity”.

Outside of facial recognition, the new reforms package will ban VIP programs linked to gaming, prohibit gambling advertising on NSW government and council-owned assets, and outlaw direct marketing via phone calls, emails or text messages without consent.

A transition towards “account-based gaming”, which will require punters to use registered accounts to play poker machines, not dissimilar to the principal behind sports betting apps, will also begin.

“We’ll be supporting venues through this transition by delivering targeted programs to help clubs and hotels successfully diversify their revenue away from gaming machines and towards sustainable hospitality, live entertainment and community events,” Mr Harris said.