Minors caught in an adults-only gaming venue can face significant consequences, including fines and bans preventing them from re-entering for an entire year or more once they turn 18.   

L&GNSW A/Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said inspectors and casino security are working together to ensure venues remain off-limits to minors during the Christmas and New Year period.  

“This is a critical time of year when we see an increase in people visiting casinos, and it’s essential that minors are not among them,” Mr Argeres said.   

“Under 18s caught in a casino will forfeit any gambling winnings and may face fines of up to $4,400, along with a ban on entering casinos until they are at least 19.”  

Mr Argeres also reminded casino operators of their obligations to prevent under 18s from entering their premises.  

“This operation focuses on both holding individuals accountable and ensuring casinos meet their legal obligations. Staff training, rigorous ID checks and robust security measures are essential to preventing underage access,” he said.  

“Our goal is not only to catch offenders but also to proactively prevent breaches. We are working closely with casino operators to enhance internal controls and educate staff on the critical role they play in preventing underage access.”  

In NSW, it is illegal for under 18s to enter a casino or use fraudulent identification such as fake IDs. It is also an offence for minors to buy or consume alcohol.  

More severe penalties apply to excluded persons who enter or remain in a casino, including fines of up to $5,500, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.  

The operation follows several high-profile breaches involving minors in NSW casinos in recent years. In one instance, a 17-year-old used a fake ID to enter a casino and spent over an hour gambling. The individual was fined for both entering the casino and using false identification, and the casino operator was issued a pecuniary penalty of $25,00 by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).   

The compliance operation will run throughout the holiday period and into early 2025.  

Gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by Jay Robinson, Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer at Focal Research Consultants.

With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Robinson is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments.

“Robinson’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritizes player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience,” a press release says.

This masterclass will delve into:

• How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.

• The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.

• Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improve customer experiences, reduce staff burnout, and drive long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.

“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organizations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.

According to the announcement, this masterclass is “essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives.” Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organization’s reputation.

The Regulating the Game conference seeks to bridge the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.

The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference have announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by the renowned Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants.

With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering impactful training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Jay is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments that transcend compliance. Jay’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritises player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience.

Why attend this masterclass?

Great training is more than ticking a compliance box—it is the foundation of cultural transformation and customer care. This masterclass will delve into:

How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.

The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.

Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improving customer experiences, reducing staff burnout, and driving long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.

“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organisations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.

Who should attend?

This masterclass is essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organisation’s reputation.

Regulating the Game: A leading global event

The Regulating the Game conference has established itself as a flagship event, bridging the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving innovation and inspiring meaningful discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.