Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has launched a compliance campaign in the lead-up to Christmas and New Years Eve celebrations, targeting under 18s who are illegally gambling and drinking in NSW casinos and their associated hospitality venues.
For the first time in NSW, under 18s caught in a casino will face bans of 12 months or more and fines of $2,200.
Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jane Lin, said casino security and L&GNSW inspectors will be on the lookout for minors doing the wrong thing.
“If a minor is caught within a casino, we may exclude them from re-entering for a period from their 18th birthday, which means they won’t be able to visit until they’re at least 19, and they may be issued with a fine. Minors will also not be allowed to keep any winnings from gambling and will leave empty-handed,” Ms Lin said.
“We have also reminded the casino operators of their obligations to prevent minors from entering casinos including by ensuring that casino staff are checking IDs where necessary.”
In NSW, if you are aged under 18, it is illegal to enter a casino or use false evidence of age, including fake IDs. It is also illegal for minors to buy, attempt to buy, or consume alcohol in a casino. Breaking these laws can result in the minor being fined up to $2,200 per offence.
If an excluded person enters or remains in a casino, they face penalties including fines of up to $5,500, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
In one recent case, a 17-year-old used a fake ID to enter a casino and spent over one hour gambling. L&GNSW issued the minor with penalty notices for entering a casino and using a fake ID to do so.
L&GNSW also takes enforcement action against casino operators if they fail to prevent minors from entering a casino. One notable case involved a 12-year-old girl playing gaming machines and resulted in the casino being fined $60,000 by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority in 2020.
The compliance operation will continue into early 2024.
For more information, please visit: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/community-and-stakeholders/underage-drinking
