ACT Government announces major poker machine gambling reforms

gambling reform poker machines ACT Government cashless gaming Australia

The ACT Government has announced a major package of gambling reforms aimed at reducing harm caused by poker machines. The legislation includes a ban on EFTPOS cash withdrawals at venues with gaming machines, with a subsequent ban on ATMs expected to follow. To move toward cashless gaming, all electronic gaming machines will eventually require mandatory account-based play.

Key provisions of the reform include a requirement for clubs to enforce a 15-minute break after every hour of continuous play. The government also plans to reduce the total number of authorized poker machines in the territory from nearly 3,500 to a maximum of 1,000 by 2045, implementing a reduction of 500 machines every four years.

Operating hours for poker machines will also be restricted. Starting July 1, 2027, machines will operate 15 fewer hours per week, with specific early-morning closures scheduled from Monday to Sunday. Additionally, the government intends to simplify the self-exclusion process for individuals seeking to avoid gambling. While reform advocates have welcomed parts of the package, industry groups like ClubsACT have raised questions regarding the necessity of venue-wide cash withdrawal bans.

Entities

ACT Council of Social Service · ACT Government · Canberra Gambling Reform Alliance · ClubsACT · Marisa Paterson

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The ACT Government has introduced a package of gambling reforms to reduce gambling harm. canberradaily.com.au · region.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] ATMs will be banned at poker machine venues one year after the Gaming Machine (Harm Prevention and Reduction) Amendment Bill 2026 becomes law. canberradaily.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Clubs must enforce a 15-minute break in play after every hour of continuous poker machine play. canberradaily.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] The government will remove 500 poker machine authorisations every four years. region.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Account-based cashless gaming will be mandatory for all electronic gaming machines. canberradaily.com.au · region.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] EFTPOS cash withdrawals will be banned at venues with poker machines. canberradaily.com.au · region.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Poker machine operating hours will be reduced by 15 hours per week starting July 1, 2027. canberradaily.com.au · region.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] The number of authorized poker machines in the ACT will be capped at 1,000 by 2045. canberradaily.com.au · region.com.au · www.canberratimes.com.au

Sources

ACT Government unveils gambling reforms [canberradaily.com.au]

11 days ago

ACT looks to ban EFTPOS withdrawals at pokie venues to reduce gambling harm | Region Canberra [region.com.au]

11 days ago

New laws to cut pokies, push cash-free gaming and boost self-exclusion [www.canberratimes.com.au]

11 days ago