NSW Targets Gaming Venues Over Mandatory Pokie Shutdown Breaches

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 12/10/26

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has intensified enforcement of mandatory gaming machine shutdown hours, fined two venues and referred another for disciplinary action. In its 12 October announcement, the regulator confirmed it reviewed 51 hotels and clubs across Sydney, the Hunter and the North Coast, and is conducting compliance assessments at another 70 venues.

The operation follows reforms requiring gaming machines to remain switched off between 4 am and 10 am daily to reduce gambling-related harm.

NSW Government logo alongside gaming machines displaying mandatory 4am–10am shutdown hours as regulators intensify compliance inspections.

Regulation & Compliance

shutdown hours as regulators intensify compliance inspections. Key Takeaways From NSW's Gaming Machine Compliance Operation

L&GNSW has reviewed 51 venues, with another 70 undergoing assessments.
Two venues received fines, while one was referred for formal disciplinary action.
Gaming machines must remain switched off between 4 am and 10 am unless an approved exemption applies.
The regulator is combining data analysis, inspections and record reviews to identify potential breaches.
Further enforcement action remains possible as investigations continue.

NSW Issues Fines Following Gaming Machine Inspections

According to the NSW Government’s official announcement, the Crown Hotel in Camden and East Cessnock Bowling Club received fines for breaching shutdown requirements. Another venue received an official caution, while the regulator referred one for formal disciplinary proceedings. The regulator also provided education and compliance support to 32 venues where issues were minor, isolated or linked to circumstances beyond their control.

L&GNSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said:

Our approach is intelligence-led and proportionate.

The inspections show authorities are moving toward targeted enforcement rather than relying exclusively on routine venue inspections.

New Shutdown Requirements Replace Longstanding Exemptions

In April 2026, the NSW Government removed exemptions allowing more than 650 pubs and clubs to operate gaming machines during standard shutdown hours. Of the 672 affected venues, many had operated under reduced three-hour shutdown periods for over two decades.

Only a limited number have since received approval from the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to keep shorter shutdown arrangements. The latest enforcement operation comes alongside wider NSW gambling reforms introducing statewide exclusion measures, including mandatory facial recognition from 2028.

The regulator has also identified gambling marketing and affiliate practices as compliance priorities.

What the Enforcement Push Means for Operators

For hotels, clubs and gaming technology suppliers, the inspections highlight the importance of reliable machine shutdown controls, accurate operational records and staff training.

Similar compliance developments are emerging internationally, with the UK Gambling Commission introducing new gaming machine requirements focusing on player protection and session monitoring.

NSW authorities will continue assessing venues in the coming months. As investigations continue, operators face growing pressure to show their systems prevent unauthorised gaming machine activity and meet mandatory shutdown requirements.