The Minns Labor Government has launched a new code of practice governing the use of facial recognition technology in pubs and clubs, as part of its broader effort to reduce gambling harm across New South Wales.
The guide sets out minimum expectations for venues that voluntarily operate facial recognition systems and is intended to prepare the sector for future legislative changes that will mandate the technology once a statewide exclusion register is in place.
The implementation of facial recognition aims to help enforce exclusion orders and prevent money laundering in hotels and clubs operating gaming machines.
Given the sensitivity of biometric data collected through such systems, the Minister for Gaming and Racing has approved the code under section 48 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001. The guidance was developed following consultation with industry representatives, gambling and health experts, privacy regulators and service providers.
The facial recognition code forms part of a wider package of evidence-based reforms. These include reducing the cash input limit on all new gaming machines from AU$5,000 to AU$500, lowering the statewide cap on gaming machine entitlements over time, banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines and prohibiting external gaming-related signage.
Venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements must now appoint Responsible Gambling Officers, with additional officers required after midnight. All venues must maintain a Gaming Plan of Management and a Gambling Incident Register, while gambling advertising has been banned on public transport, ferries and terminals.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the Government remains committed to balancing harm minimisation with support for an industry that contributes billions to the state economy and employs more than 150,000 people.
Over 600 pubs and clubs will be required to shut down gaming machines between 4am and 10am daily by March 2026
