NSW to End Late-Night Poker Machine Exemptions

More than 670 poker machine venues across New South Wales will lose their special permissions to operate past 4 am, after the state government moved to tackle what it calls a “public health catastrophe.”

“No Longer Fit for Purpose”

The decision, announced by Gaming Minister David Harris, means all gaming rooms will now have to close at the mandated 4 am deadline. Some venues have been operating their machines around the clock, taking advantage of exemptions that have been in place for decades.

Harris said the exemptions were outdated and no longer acceptable. “Following months of review, it is clear the 20-year-old variations enabling more than 670 clubs and pubs with gaming machines to operate outside the mandated hours were no longer fit for purpose,” he said. 

Clubs and pubs have until March 31 to adjust, though those with a “strong case” can appeal under stricter conditions set by the state’s independent regulator. The specifics of those conditions have not yet been released.

The exemptions were originally granted for various reasons, including financial hardship or venues being considered tourist destinations. About 20% of poker machine venues across NSW currently operate under some form of exemption. 

Removing them will ensure gamblers face a minimum six-hour shutdown, giving them time to step away, “get ‘out of the zone,’ and reflect on their behavior.”

Higher Perils After Midnight

The move comes after a string of pressure points, including criticism from the government’s own independent gambling advisory panel, a critical audit report, political pressure from the Greens and Liberals, and state-funded research showing players are far more likely to experience harm after midnight. 

Research cited by the government found that 70% of people gambling between 4 am and 10 am were considered high or moderate risk.

The decision has received support from groups like the Australian Christian Lobby. “The fact that these exemptions have not been reviewed in 20 years is unacceptable when you think about the social cost,” said ACL chief executive officer Michelle Pearse. 

The NSW Liberals also recently agreed to support ending the exemptions, despite some opposition from their Coalition partners.

Poker machines continue to cause significant financial and social harm. Analysis from Wesley Mission found more than AUD 1 million ($655K) is lost every hour in NSW, with $2.3 billion ($1.5 million) lost between April and June alone, an 8.8% increase on the same period last year. CEO Stu Cameron called the figures a public health catastrophe and urged the government to act.

Harris defended the government’s approach, calling it “a continuation of measures” made to protect people in NSW who are experiencing gambling harm.