NSW to Introduce Uniform 4am Closing Rule

The government of New South Wales has announced that over 670 pubs and clubs will lose their long-standing exemptions allowing poker machines (pokies) to operate past 4 am. From 2026, all venues with gaming rooms must shut down poker machines between 4 am and 10 am, enforcing a uniform six-hour closure each morning.

The new reform, announced in November 2025, will take effect from 31 March 2026 and will apply to all venues with electronic gaming machines, regardless of size, location or previous operating entitlements. The change is intended to make the system simpler and easier for regulators and operators to follow, while ensuring that all businesses operate under the same conditions.

The mandatory six-hour daily shutdown has existed for years, but many venues received approvals that allowed them to operate later than others. Under the revised rules, those legacy exemptions will be cancelled, creating a single closing window for the entire state. 

The announcement has added to wider conversation about how, when and where people choose to gamble, particularly as more Australians turn to online platforms. Online there are no restrictions on when to play pokies as online casinos are open around the clock. Additionally, digital platforms come with benefits such as larger game selections and free-play in demo mode, making it easier to find which online pokie suits you best. These reasons and more have resulted in an increased interest in online gambling.

The government's decision follows a review by Liquor & Gaming NSW, which examined how the exemption system had evolved over time. Many approvals were granted under previous laws when towns had fewer late-night entertainment options, or when specific venues sought flexibility due to local economic pressures. Regulators noted that the landscape had changed considerably, and that modern policy required a more consistent statewide approach.

Gaming Minister David Harris said the government would allow a lengthy transition period so businesses could adjust their operating models. Venues that previously relied on extended hours will be given time to plan changes to staffing, scheduling and trading patterns before the new requirements formally begin. Harris also confirmed that venues will still be able to apply for a variation under exceptional circumstances, though the new criteria will be much stricter than before.

Although some operators are expected to reconsider their late-night offerings, industry representatives have indicated that most venues already comply with the standard closure period and therefore will not see major operational shifts. Larger clubs and hotels that previously traded around the clock are likely to be the most affected, especially in areas with strong overnight hospitality activity. However, the removal of exemptions means those businesses will now be aligned with the majority of venues across the state.

The reform also brings NSW into closer alignment with practices used in other Australian jurisdictions, where daily shutdowns for gaming machines already apply relatively consistently. The uniform approach may assist regulators by reducing administrative complexity and eliminating the need to continually review historical exemptions.