Gaming machine shutdown periods

Under the Gaming Machine Act 2001, registered clubs and hotels must not operate gaming machines between 4:00am and 10:00am each day of the week. The intention of this requirement is to limit the opportunity for continuous gaming machine play and provide a “break-in play” for gaming machine players. The legislation requires all gaming machines in registered clubs and hotels to be subject to the shutdown requirements.

Existing registered clubs and hotels may apply to the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) to vary the shutdown period or apply for a three-hour shutdown period:

3-hour shutdown: 6.00am to 9.00am on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
3-hour limited shutdown: 6.00am to 9.00am every day

Approval to vary the shutdown period may be subject to conditions imposed by ILGA.

Changing your shutdown period

Approval to vary the shutdown period is subject to Guidelines approved by the Minister. ILGA will only approve a variation to the shutdown period if:

the licensed premises is located in an areas that usually attracts tourists; or
the licensed premises is located in an area where other hospitality and entertainment venues are open until 6:00am on Saturdays or Sundays or public holidays; or
before April 2002, the licensed premises remained open after 4:00am on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays; or
the licensed premises is seeking a variation based on hardship grounds and fulfils the Guidelines.

ILGA also considers the following factors when considering a variation:

The licensee has adopted and can demonstrate that all harm minimisation measures required under the regulatory framework are implement.
The licensee demonstrates participation in the local liquor accord.
The licensee can indicate that the licensed premises will usually be trading during the hours for which the approval is sought.
If the licensee is a club that earns more than $1 million annually from gaming machine revenue, the licensee can demonstrate participation in the ClubGRANTS Local Committee (if a committee is in place).

Lodging your application for variation

The application fee for a variation is $550.

Send your applications to:

Post: Gaming Systems | L&GNSW | GPO Box 7060 | Sydney NSW 2001
T: 02 9995 0500 | E: gaming.applications@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au

Revert back to the general shutdown period

You can apply to revert back to the general shutdown period of 4am to 10am.

Change gaming machine shutdown period to the general 6-hour period form (PDF 722.5 KB)

There is no fee for this application.