Reforms
On 3 December 2020, significant gambling reforms came into effect in South Australia.
Latest updates
For more details about what has changed see:
Updated Gaming Machine Licence Conditions have now come into effect.
In particular, the Attachment B Licence Conditions have changed in relation to:
- the correct operation of facial recognition systems
- using devices to receive alerts from facial recognition systems
- retaining copies of barring orders
- the identity of barred persons
- notice of breach of barring orders
- withholding and dealing with winnings from minors and barred persons
- the requirement to have documented procedures.
The holder of a gaming machine licence must not contravene or fail to comply with a condition of the licence.
The fee notice under the Gaming Machines Act 1992 has been updated for the 2021-22 financial year.
This notice was gazetted on 17 June 2021 and includes updated application fees for:
- exemptions from provisions within the Code of Practice
- amalgamating club licences
- varying licence conditions to increase the number of gaming machines approved for operation on a licensed premises.
See the South Australian Government Gazette for a comprehensive list of the fees.
As a licence holder you must display a sign if facial recognition technology is operating in the gaming area.
A number of new signs have been created in different languages for licence holders to use if required.
See Signage requirements for details.
As part of the gambling reform package, certain licensees operating gaming machines with banknote acceptors and the Adelaide Casino will need to operate a facial recognition system to identify barred persons about to enter a gaming area.
Licensees will only be allowed to operate facial recognition systems that have been evaluated and approved by the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.
See Facial Recognition Technology for more details about the currently approved systems, gaming machine licence holder requirements and the minimum technical requirements for systems.
On December 1 2018, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) assumed responsibility for all gambling regulatory and policy functions in South Australia – including those previously overseen by the Independent Gambling Authority.
These reforms arose from recommendations in the review by the Hon Tim Anderson QC.
You can read the review on parliament.sa.gov.au by searching 'Tabled Papers and Petitions'.
Search instructions - In the 'Search Text' field, include the full name of the report - Gambling Regulation in South Australia, Administrative Review of - Report 9 December 2016.
Gambling legislation
- Gambling Administration Act 2019 – effective 3 December 2020
- Gambling Administration Act 1995 (formerly the Independent Gambling Authority Act 1995) – ceases 3 December 2020
- Statutes Amendment (Gambling Regulation) Act 2019 – effective 30 July 2020
- Authorised Betting Operations Act 2000
- Casino Act 1997
- Gaming Machines Act 1995
- Lottery & Gaming Act 1936
- Lotteries Act 2019 - uncommenced
Resources
Additional resources are outlined below:
We encourage you to regularly check this website for updates or if you hold a gaming machine licence, sign up for gaming e-notification updates.
Help with gambling
If you need immediate help from gambling harm - including if you want to be barred, or are concerned about a family member visit Help with gambling
More information
For queries relating to gambling regulation, enforcement or barring orders, contact CBS on
131 882 or gamblingadministration [at] sa.gov.au