Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority

Transcription

1 Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority - The Changing Shape of the National Gambling Landscape National Association for Gambling Studies Inc. 23rd Annual Conference Chris Sidoti Chairperson

2 Who we are: Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority Statutory Government Authority constituted by the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007

3 Background: The Authority was established on 1 July 2008 Established as part of the liquor & gaming reforms enacted by Parliament Replaced the NSW Casino Control Authority, the Liquor Administration Board and the Licensing Court of NSW

4 Authority Membership & Staff Board Members Mr Chris Sidoti Chairperson Mr David Armati Deputy Chairperson Mr Ken Brown Member Ms Helen Morgan Member Mr Micheil Brodie Chief Executive Staff 78 full time employees 24/7 on-site casino inspectorate

5 Functions under Legislation: Casino Control Act 1992 Liquor Act 2007 Gaming Machines Act 2001 Registered Clubs Act 1976

6 What we do: Licensing/approval of liquor and gaming machine applications in NSW hotels/registered clubs Licensing gaming-related companies and individuals (technicians, sellers, manufacturers, testers) Regulation of all aspects of the Sydney Casino (The Star)

7 Decision Making Functions: Licensing Review Disciplinary

8 The role of the Authority in shaping the gambling landscape in NSW: The Authority has responsibilities in some of the most challenging areas of social policy in public administration The Authority has to regulate activities that are lawful but potentially harmful Each area of the Authority s jurisdiction is subject to public and media scrutiny

9 The intentions of the Authority: The Authority has to enable residents and visitors to NSW to enjoy the entertainment and social activities of their choice It gives the highest priority to community safety and harm minimisation while recognising and accepting that the activities it regulates are lawful

10 Obligations under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 Applications to increase gaming machine threshold (GMT) A Local Impact Assessment (LIA) may be required Two types of LIA Class 1 and Class 2 Small increases in gaming machine numbers do not require an LIA

11 Class 1 and Class 2 Local Impact Assessment (LIA) Class 1 LIA applications must demonstrate that the additional gaming machines will provide a positive contribution towards the local community. Class 2 LIA applications must demonstrate that the additional gaming machines will result in an overall positive impact on the local community.

12 Local Government Areas (LGA) Each LGA is classified into Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3 which depend on: Gaming machine density Gaming machine expenditure Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) disadvantage score published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

13 Methodology for determining classifications 25% of LGAs in each region were classified as Band 3. 25% of LGAs in each region were classified as Band 2. All remaining LGAs classified as Band 1.

14 Significant decisions of the Authority Refusal of an application by South Wagga Sports and Bowling Club Ltd from 16 to 300 machines in a Band 1 LGA area Refusal of an application by Mt Pritchard & District Community Club Ltd (known as Mounties) from 561 to 621 machines in a Band 3 LGA area Refusal of an application by the Fairfield Hotel from 23 to 30 machines in a Band 3 LGA area

15 Future shape of gaming in NSW Future technology trends: Disruptive change in wagering Smart device simulations and the terrestrial consolidation Processing power, graphics and integration of business activity Gambling games for smartphones and tablets will be the future ( social casinos ) Demographics

16 The experiences and observations of the Authority from the front line The Authority s decisions will always be open to public scrutiny Regulators must apply a consistent approach Must be able to deal with the pace of change Maintaining the integrity of the regulated gaming industry so consumers have confidence in it

17 Thank you Questions?