ACT puts forward sweep of gambling law changes
The ACT is introducing a suite of gambling reforms including incrementally cutting the number of poker machines and banning cash withdrawals at venues.
The ACT government has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at tackling gambling harm across the Australian Capital Territory. The suite of changes includes transitioning to cashless gaming, mandatory 15-minute breaks for continuous gamers, and reducing the number of poker machines by 1,000 by 2045. Players will need to have an account with a venue and an accompanying player card, with a maximum loss limit set for each account.
The government has ruled out implementing a central monitoring system, citing cost and the smaller number of machines. The self-exclusion scheme will be revamped into a centrally-managed online system. Mandatory bet limits and individual bans on poker machines will not be introduced due to technological limitations. The government will establish a transition committee to explore alternative income sources for clubs.
Key reforms will address rezoning issues, including lease variation charges and rates. Some changes will take immediate effect, while others will come into force on July 1, 2027, pending approval by the Legislative Assembly.
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