Pokies Shutdown After Midnight: Proposals For Poker Machine Curfew In NSW

Wesley Mission, an Australian organisation addressing potential gambling harm, released the results of their July Community Attitudes on Gambling Reform survey, which found that 83% of survey participants in NSW wished to see the 87,000 pokies operating in the state powered down between midnight and 10 AM.

These results remain unchanged from last year, where surveys in October and May found similar percentages (82% and 83% respectively).

Reverend Stu Cameron of Wesley Mission said of the results: “The community couldn’t be clearer and for the government, it couldn’t be simpler to deliver on this reform.” The organisation believes that by shutting down pokies after midnight, there will be a significant reduction in gambling harm.

Poker enthusiasts who frequent the pubs and clubs where these pokies are located may be dismayed should the proposals be considered by the local government. However, it is unlikely that any new regulations regarding poker machine shut-down would affect casinos. Poker players will also be able to play real money poker games online, created specifically for Australian players who can’t access conventional casinos and table games. These sites often come with bonuses and a host of other rewards on sign up.

The government has already taken steps towards gambling reform, but Wesley Mission believes it’s not enough. September 2023 saw the banning of external signs that promote gambling inside venues, including interior signage that can be seen from the outside. Of this legislation, Reverend Cameron said: “While the government is to be commended for enforcing the poker machine signage ban last year, the community remain clearly frustrated with the pace of reform.”

It should be noted that under the Gaming Machine Act 2001, clubs, pubs and hotels can’t operate any gaming machines between 4 AM and 10 AM each day of the week. This closure period is to prevent unlimited access to games.

According to Liquor and Gaming NSW, venues with gaming machines may apply to have alternative shutdown hours, including 3 hours from 6 AM to 9 AM. These applications will be reviewed by the Liquor and Gaming Authority.

According to Reverend Cameron, the current legislation is still not enough. “[The public] wants to see more prompt action to reduce gambling harm and address this serious public health issue.”

Despite these concerns, poker machines bring in a lot of revenue, with pokies generating a total of $4.18 bn in the second half of 2023, according to data from Liquor and Gaming NSW ($2.3 bn in clubs and $1.88 bn in hotels).

It is uncertain what the future for pokies in pubs, clubs and hotels looks like in the state. With strong opposition from the community, but generous revenues generated, the NSW government will have to consider all angles before making a decision.