Exclusion from a casino

In certain circumstances, patrons may be excluded from a casino. These circumstances can include where a patron has a criminal history, a patron has not complied with a casino's terms and conditions of entry, or where a patron has self-excluded from the casino.

It is an offence for an excluded person (other than a person who has self-excluded) to enter or remain in the casino. 

Exclusion orders

An exclusion order is issued under casino control legislation. It prohibits a person from entering or remaining in a casino. Exclusion orders can be issued by the NICC, NSW Commissioner of Police, or a casino operator. Exclusion orders are issued for various reasons including:

• criminal behaviour including acts of violence or drug use
• unacceptable behaviour such as rudeness to staff, intoxication, or displaying an aggressive attitude toward other patrons
• cheating
• displaying signs of problem gambling.

Individuals can request a voluntarily exclusion order that prevents them from entering the casino.

Third parties, such as family of a patron, can apply for an individual to be excluded on the basis they are experiencing gambling harm.

Review of an exclusion order

Only third party exclusion orders, which are issued by a casino, can be considered for review. An exclusion order given by the NICC or the Commissioner of Police cannot be reviewed, cancelled or called into question on any grounds. 

The NICC can review a casino's exclusion decision if it was made following an application by another party who considers the person was experiencing gambling harm. Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts such reviews, under delegation, on behalf of the NICC.

Email Liquor & Gaming NSW if you require a review of a third-party exclusion order.

Withdrawal of licence

A withdrawal of licence (WoL) can be issued to a patron or member of the public by a casino operator. NSW casinos can use this common law right to restrict members of the public from entering or remaining in their casino. 

A WoL can be issued for a specific term or indefinitely. A casino does not need to provide reasons for issuing a WoL, though usually this action would relate to non-compliance with a casino's terms and condition of entry. Each casino has its own process for patrons to request a reason or to undertake a review. 

Review of a withdrawal of licence

The NICC cannot review a decision by a casino to issue a WoL. Patrons and members of the public must contact the casino operator to discuss the casino's review process.