NSW cracks down on poker machines with sweeping gambling reforms
The New South Wales government is pushing ahead with major gaming reforms to cut gambling harm and stop money laundering. New rules will tighten controls on poker machines, ban certain advertising, and restrict political donations from clubs with gaming operations. Before the election, the government proposed changes to reduce risks linked to gaming machines. One key measure lowers the state’s poker machine limit by over 3,000. Venues can still trade entitlements between themselves, but stricter forfeiture rules will apply.
From July 1, political parties can no longer accept donations from clubs that operate gaming machines. Another change arrives on September 1, when external signage for gaming rooms will be removed.
The government also plans to introduce 500 new cashless machines, each with a reduced cash feed-in limit of $500—down from $5,000. An independent authority will oversee the trial of these machines and report on their impact.
Pubs and clubs must hold enough entitlements to keep running gaming machines. The reforms aim to create a safer gambling environment while closing loopholes used for illegal activity. The new measures will take effect in stages, with donation bans starting in July and signage restrictions in September. The government expects tighter controls on cashless machines and stricter entitlement rules to reduce gambling-related harm. Venues will need to adjust to the changes or face penalties.
