NSW Regulator Fines Two Venues for Pokies Shutdown Violations After April Reforms

Liquor & Gaming NSW has fined two venues for breaching mandatory gaming machine shutdown rules, the latest step in enforcement that followed April 2026 reforms eliminating exemptions for more than 650 pubs and clubs.

The Crown Hotel in Camden and East Cessnock Bowling Club received penalties. One additional venue received an official caution and a fourth faces formal disciplinary proceedings, according to World Casino News. Current rules require gaming machines to remain off between 4am and 10am each day as a harm minimisation measure.

Compliance Reviews Since April 2026

The regulator has reviewed 51 venues across Sydney, the Hunter and the North Coast, with another 70 establishments still under assessment. Before the reforms, 672 venues held exemptions that generally permitted three-hour shutdown periods, many of which had been in place for more than two decades. The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has approved a small number of venues to retain reduced restrictions after individual assessments.

L&GNSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said the findings showed widespread compliance, though several breaches required intervention. “The six-hour shutdown period is an important safeguard that supports harm minimisation by providing a guaranteed break in gaming machine operation each day,” Mr Argeres said in a press release. “Our approach is intelligence-led and proportionate. Where issues are minor or isolated, we work with venues to improve compliance. However, significant or repeated breaches will attract stronger regulatory action.” The agency also delivered education and compliance assistance to 32 venues with minor or isolated issues.

Previous Fines and the Active Policy Review

Earlier violations drew substantial penalties. In 2025 the Concourse Hotel at Wynyard was fined $110,000 after patrons accessed its 29 gaming machines outside authorised hours. The former Richards on the Park Hotel at Canley Vale received a $44,000 penalty for operating machines on 68 occasions when gambling should have been suspended. The Royal Inn Hotel in Newcastle paid a $7,540 fine in 2024 for 13 identified breaches.

In August 2026 the NSW Government announced a review of whether the shutdown arrangements adequately address gambling-related harm, particularly evidence that higher-risk gamblers use machines during early morning hours. The review will consider research on harm and operational consequences, informed by stakeholder consultation. Until changes are made, the 4am-to-10am restriction remains the default except for venues with specific approvals.

The concurrent enforcement programme and policy review place immediate compliance pressure on operators while leaving room for regulatory adjustment based on emerging evidence.

Reporting: World Casino News

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