New South Wales’ Liquor & Gaming targets pokies shutdown hours compliance
Liquor & Gaming New South Wales has reviewed 51 venues and is assessing another 70 as it enforces mandatory 4am-to-10am gaming machine shutdowns, issuing penalties and compliance support.
Liquor & Gaming New South Wales is stepping up intelligence-led enforcement of mandatory gaming machine shutdowns, requiring venues to switch off machines between 4am and 10am daily. In April 2026, NSW removed exemptions that had let more than 650 pubs and clubs operate during standard shutdown hours. The regulator has since reviewed 51 venues, with another 70 under assessment.
Fines were issued to the Crown Hotel in Camden and East Cessnock Bowling Club, while one venue received an official caution and one was referred for formal disciplinary action. Thirty-two venues received education and compliance support for isolated or minor issues or exceptional circumstances. Of 672 venues with reduced shutdown periods, a small number were approved by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to retain three-hour shutdowns.
L&GNSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said the six-hour shutdown is an important safeguard and venues should expect ongoing scrutiny. He described the approach as intelligence-led and proportionate, with stronger action for significant or repeated breaches. The NSW Government said in August 2026 that the shutdown period would be reviewed, after consultation and evidence review.
