Greens introduce Bill to ‘Power Down the Pokies’ from Midnight to 10am
The Greens gambling harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has introduced a Bill to Parliament that would remove a loophole that has allowed hundreds of pubs and clubs in NSW to operate during the legislated shutdown period of 4am to 10am.
The Gaming Machines Amendment (Mandatory Shutdown Period) Bill 2025 would require all pubs and clubs to shut down their poker machines between midnight and 10am and delivers on a key recommendation of experts, community organisations and the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform.
Key facts:
- There is a requirement under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 poker machines in hotels and clubs be switched off for a minimum of six hours a day, between 4 am and 10 am
- The Act contains three variation provisions that allow venues to apply to the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to operate outside those hours
- 674 venues currently operate under exemptions to the mandatory shutdown period, including some of the wealthiest clubs in the state
- of these 674 venues, 97% of turnover is generated outside the standard shutdown hours and only 3% during their varied hours
“The gambling industry has dictated gambling policy in NSW for far too long,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“By law, poker machines are supposed to be switched off from 4am-10am every day, because that’s when the risk of gambling harm is highest. But around 674 venues, or one in five, are exploiting loopholes to allow them to operate through the mandated shutdown period, including some of the state’s most profitable venues claiming so-called “hardship” exemptions.
“A fully mandatory shutdown period is one of the simplest things we can do to reduce the harm poker machines cause.
“The Productivity Commission has consistently found that shutdown periods of less than six hours are ineffective at reducing gambling harm, and that shutdowns are most effective when they start no later than 2 a.m. and last at least six hours
“The Commission also found that longer shutdowns — eight or ten hours — do not significantly affect the overall turnover of clubs and hotels but do have a measurable impact on the prevalence of problem gambling.
“Three of the ten most profitable clubs are operating with extended trading hours after gaining a so-called “hardship exemption” to mandatory shutdown periods for poker machines.
“The Premier has failed to act to close these loopholes based upon a key recommendation made by the very expert panel he set up to advise him on these matters.
“The Premier’s lack of leadership on genuine pokies reform is an enormous disappointment to the thousands of families impacted by pokies addiction in this state. Every day he delays taking action more NSW families are being pushed to the brink.
“I remind the Premier that he doesn’t have a majority government. If he doesn’t act soon on pokies including by reforming the dodgy loophole allowing venues to sidestep shutdown hours, then the Greens will,” said Cate Faehrmann.