The New South Wales Government has revoked more than 650 gaming machine shutdown exemptions as part of its ongoing gambling harm minimisation reforms.
From 1 April 2026, affected venues will be required to shut down all gaming machines between 4am and 10am each day, aligning with standard statewide shutdown hours. The six-hour closure is intended to provide players with a meaningful break in play and reduce gambling-related harm.
A total of 672 venues previously operated under varied shutdown arrangements, often allowing only a three-hour closure. Many of these exemptions had been in place for more than 20 years and were originally granted for reasons such as high-traffic tourist locations, historical early opening hours or financial hardship.
As of 24 March 2026, 649 exemptions had been revoked by Liquor & Gaming NSW under delegation from the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority, with a further 10 revoked directly by the Authority. Thirteen venues remain under assessment, with all outcomes to be finalised by 31 March 2026. Of the 62 venues that applied to retain their exemptions, 49 applications have been assessed and all have been rejected.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the variations, which enabled around 20% of pubs and clubs with gaming machines to operate outside mandated hours, were no longer fit for purpose. He added that updated Ministerial Guidelines and a streamlined transition process ensured venues had an opportunity to present their case.
Liquor & Gaming NSW will conduct a compliance campaign after 1 April to ensure venues adhere to the new requirements. The reform forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at balancing harm reduction with sustainable industry development across New South Wales.
A 2024 review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found that a minimum six-hour shutdown commencing no later than 4am is effective in minimising gambling harm
