The NSW Government has reduced the number of poker machines able to be operated in the state by more than 3,000.

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to gaming reform, reducing gambling harm and preventing money laundering.

Under regulation, pubs and clubs need to have sufficient gaming machine entitlements to legally operate poker machines, and these entitlements can be traded between venues.

The Government has lowered the state’s cap on poker machines entitlements available to pubs and clubs across NSW by more than 3,000, limiting it to entitlements currently in circulation.

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has also approved a tenfold decrease in the cash feed-in limit for all new poker machines entering service from July 1.

The new limit will be $500, down from $5,000, reflecting the Government’s pre-election commitment.

These announcements follow on from the Government’s ban on external signage for gaming rooms, which will come into effect on 1 September.

Venues have until then to remove signs like ‘Dragon’s Den’, ‘VIP Lounge’ or other names that allude to gambling. 

The Government has also already passed legislation which bans political parties accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines from July 1.

Prior to the election, the NSW Government has committed to a number of changes to curb gambling harm and prevent money laundering including:

• Increasing the forfeiture of gaming machines entitlements
• Implementing a cashless gaming trial of 500 machines
• Establishing an independent panel to oversee the cashless gaming trial

For more information about gaming machine entitlements, visit 
www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/operating-a-business/gaming-licences/gaming-licences-permits/hotel-and-club-gaming-licences 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris:

“We promised the people of NSW that we’d reform the gaming sector in a way that reduced gambling harm while future-proofing the industry."

“One of these commitments was to reduce the number of poker machines in this state – and this is an important step forward."

“Further down the track, we’ll also be changing the GME forfeiture scheme so that for every two entitlements traded, one will be forfeited – which will see numbers drop at a faster rate.”

“It’s important that as we navigate through these changes, we engage with industry so that we can ensure vibrancy of our hospitality and gaming industries.”