ACT Government Moves to Curb Gambling Harm with New Measures

The ACT Government is taking significant steps to reduce gambling-related harm with a comprehensive package of safeguards. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of excessive gambling on Canberrans and their communities.

The proposed changes include banning EFTPOS and ATM cash withdrawals at venues with poker machines, making account-based cashless gaming mandatory, and easing access to exclusion. Additionally, the total number of poker machines will be reduced to no more than 1,000 by 2045. Starting in July 2027, poker machines will operate 15 hours fewer each week, with restricted hours from Monday to Thursday from 2 am to 10 am, and Friday from 2 am to 9 am. There will also be a prohibition to operate these machines on Saturdays from 4 am to 9 am and Sundays from 4 am to 10 am.

The government is also committed to helping clubs develop sustainable business models that are not reliant on gambling revenue, ensuring that the measures do not negatively impact the venues' financial stability.