Australian Capital Territory
Gaming Machine (Warning Notices) Determination 2004 
Disallowable instrument DI2004–184
made under the  
Gaming Machine Act 2004, section 151 (Warning Notices)

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Background

The Gaming Machine Act 2004 regulates the operation of gaming machines in the Territory.

The Gaming Machine Act 2004 commences on 1 November 2004 and replaces the Gaming Machine Act 1987.  

All determinations and approvals previously made under the Gaming Machine Act 1987 are repealed by section 179(2) of the Gaming Machine Act 2004.

Warning Notices

In relation to warning notices, there are two types of notices required under the Gaming Machine Act 2004.  Individual warnings are required on each gaming machine - a choice of warning text is provided.  A warning notice at each entrance to each gaming area is also required where there is only one text of notice available.

The text of the warning notices to be displayed on each gaming machine are essentially the same as the text of warning notices approved under the previous Act.  However, the text of one notice approved under the previous Act has been discontinued as it is no longer considered appropriate.  

The warning notices on each gaming machine are designed to bring to the attention of the machines’ users that gambling can have negative consequences.

The text of the warning notice for each entrance to a gaming area has been redrafted so that it is much simpler and easier to read and does not include detailed information that can become outdated, such as phone numbers or names of counselling organisations.  

The warning notices at each entrance to a gaming area are designed to heighten awareness that persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter the gaming area (section 155 of the Act refers) and that contact details of a gambling counselling service is available from the venue.  This detailed information on gambling counselling services must be provided separately by licensees under the provisions of the Gambling and Racing Control (Code of Practice) Regulations 2002.

The minimum dimensions for each warning notice are specified in the determination in accordance with section 151(1)(a) of the Act.  The minimum dimensions are set at the same size as those specified under the previous legislation and are designed to make the notices conspicuous to gamblers.

All notices must be displayed in a prominent position (section 151(2) of the Act refers).