NSW Greens Bill Sparks Fierce Debate Over Mandatory 10-Hour Pokies Shutdown

A contentious proposal introduced by Cate Faehrmann of the NSW Greens seeks to mandate a shutdown of all poker machines in pubs and clubs across New South Wales (NSW) from midnight to 10 a.m. each day. Under the current system, machines already must be switched off for a minimum of six hours (4 a.m.–10 a.m.), but the bill aims to extend that to a full ten-hour daily closure and remove broad exemption provisions that allow around 674 venues to operate beyond the shutdown period.

Proponents argue that the later hours (after midnight) are particularly high-risk for gambling harm and that longer mandatory shutdowns are backed by expert evidence showing greater effectiveness in reducing problem gambling — for example, the Productivity Commission found that shutdowns beginning no later than 2 a.m. and lasting at least six hours were more effective, and that extending to eight or ten hours still reduces harm without materially affecting venue turnover.

Opposition to the bill is vigorous. Some Liberal Party members of the NSW Coalition have voiced support for reform, but the National Party of Australia – NSW Division strongly opposes the measure, especially citing the potential impact on regional pubs and clubs that rely on late-night operations. They argue that a rigid shutdown from midnight could render some venues unviable or undermine club-based fundraising and employment. 

The bill comes amid mounting concern over the scale of gambling losses in NSW — one analysis by Wesley Mission found that Australians in NSW lost an average of AUD $24 million per day to poker machines in the first quarter of 2025, and called for tougher measures such as mandatory shutdowns from midnight to 10 a.m., cashless gaming cards and tighter caps in high-risk areas. 

If passed, the legislation could mark a significant shift in gambling regulation in NSW, tightening overnight access to gaming machines and reinforcing harm-minimisation efforts. However, the complexity of political divisions within the NSW Coalition and the strong pushback from regional venue stakeholders means the path ahead is uncertain — and the question remains whether the benefits in reduced harm will outweigh the economic impact on the hospitality and club sector.