The Greens have introduced the Gaming Machines Amendment (Mandatory Shutdown Period) Bill 2025, proposing an extended poker machine shutdown in New South Wales pubs and clubs, requiring all gaming devices to be switched off daily from midnight to 10 a.m. This proposal extends the existing government mandate that currently limits machine operation between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Key Takeaways:
- Greens introduce bill to extend the poker machine shutdown period in NSW from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Industry criticizes measure as disruptive and unconsulted, focusing only on pubs and clubs.
- Reforms come amid broader push for harm minimization and night-time economy improvements in NSW.
The bill, according to Greens gambling harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann, is designed to close loopholes that allow approximately 674 venues to operate gaming machines during the existing shutdown period under hardship exemptions.
As Faehrmann stated in a media release, the legislation aims to create a uniform poker machine shutdown across NSW, aligning with expert recommendations for a fully mandatory, no-exemption policy to reduce gambling harm.
Industry Pushback Against Proposed Poker Machine Shutdown
The proposed poker machine shutdown has met opposition from industry representatives. Rebecca Riant, the chief executive officer of ClubsNSW, described the bill as a “one-size-fits-all instrument” that did not involve adequate consultation with the hospitality industry, per Club Management. She drew parallels between the bill and past lockout laws, which she said had a negative effect on the sector’s economic health and employment opportunities.
Riant questioned the bill’s focus on pubs and clubs while excluding casinos and online gaming platforms, which are associated with higher levels of gambling harm. She advocated instead for a comprehensive reform package that balances harm reduction efforts with economic viability and community interests.
Reform Bill Aligns With Broader Agenda
The Greens’ proposal comes along with ongoing legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the night-time economy in New South Wales, alongside public safety measures. Recent government initiatives include legislation permitting venues to retain intoxicated patrons for monitoring rather than immediate removal, reforms to streamline licensing for live entertainment and extended trading incentives, especially for regional venues.
Concurrently, harm minimization remains a stated priority in the gaming sector, reinforced by recent rules requiring venues to employ dedicated Responsible Gambling Officers and limitations on ATM and EFTPOS placement near gaming areas.
The Greens’ proposal also echoes their earlier plan to remove pokies from bars and clubs, highlighting the party’s long-term push to reform New South Wales’ gambling landscape.
