From July 1, the minimum age to take part in paintball in NSW will drop from 16 to 12 years and it will become easier to purchase and store paintball guns.

Project Paintball runs several 'battlefields' at its property just outside Wagga for social groups and competitive play.

Wagga Project Paintball owner Dwayne Nicholls told The Daily Advertiser that the changes would allow many more people to participate, whether on a one-off casual basis or through buying their own equipment.

"A lot of parents are aware of the (16 and over) rule," he said.

"I probably get three or four calls a month from parents inquiring about a group of 13 or 14-year-olds who might want to have a birthday party with us, and that I have to turn away."

A NSW Fair Trading statement said the Department of Finance Services and Innovation would regulate the paintball industry after it ceases to be included under firearms legislation.

"The new laws recognise paintball markers are not lethal weapons, but still impose strict control features that ensure the safety and security of players and the community," the statement said.

"The use of paintball markers will continue to be restricted to authorised paintball venues only, with heavy penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years for those who chose to do the wrong thing.

"The new legislation will require authorised venues to provide paintball participants with appropriate training, supervision and age appropriate personal protection equipment."

RELATED

Mr Nicholls said people who tried paintball often asked about getting into the sport but were put off by the current regulations around purchasing and storing paintball guns.

"To store my own paintball guns, I have to use a safe that is heavier and sturdier than what you might use to store rifles or shotguns," he said.

"You have to go through a similar application process to buying a firearm and when they hear that it puts people off.

"In America and even in New Zealand, paintball guns are like toys and you can buy them in K-Mart."

There will still be an application process and an 18-and-over age limit, but time taken to buy a paintball gun will be significantly reduced.

Wagga's other major paintball operator, International Paintball Group, has been contacted for comment.