A sharp political debate has erupted in New South Wales (NSW) over a proposed reform that would force every poker machine in pubs and clubs to shut down for ten hours a day. The Gaming Machines Amendment (Mandatory Shutdown Period) Bill 2025, introduced by Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, seeks to impose a daily blackout from midnight to 10 a.m. to curb gambling-related harm and reduce losses among vulnerable players.
At present, most venues must power down for six hours between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., although hundreds operate with exemptions that allow them to keep machines running almost 24 hours. Faehrmann’s bill would end those exemptions and standardize a stricter curfew across the state. Supporters describe the initiative as a secure investment in public health, pointing to research showing that gambling risk peaks after midnight when players are most fatigued and decision-making declines.
Wesley Mission and several community organizations have endorsed the plan, saying that restricting access during high-risk hours could help thousands of families affected by problem gambling. Recent analysis estimated that NSW gamblers lose roughly AU$24 million every day to poker machines, a figure that underlines the scale of the issue.
However, the proposal has divided the political establishment. While a number of Liberal Party members have voiced support for the Greens’ push, their coalition partners in the Nationals argue that the reform would severely hurt regional pubs and clubs that depend on late-night revenue.
Industry groups have called for an independent impact study, warning that jobs and small-business stability could be at risk if the shutdown is applied uniformly. The bill will face parliamentary debate in the coming weeks, with possible amendments that include phased implementation or specific exemptions for smaller venues. Observers believe its outcome could set a national precedent for gambling regulation, influencing similar discussions across other Australian states.
