Pub Fined $46,000 for Gaming Shutdown Breach

A Western Sydney pub has been fined $46,000 by Liquor & Gaming NSW after inspectors found gaming machines operating during the mandatory daily shutdown period.

The venue allowed patrons to play gaming machines between 4:00am and 10:00am, despite the legal requirement for all machines to be disabled during these hours every day. The shutdown period applies to all venues, regardless of trading hours, and is designed to reduce gambling-related harm.

An investigation by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) found the Canley Vale venue’s 28 gaming machines were active during prohibited hours across “68 Sundays”, generating more than $760,000 in turnover during that time.

While this case involved a pub, the same obligations apply to clubs. Penalties of this scale highlight the importance of strict compliance, not only to avoid significant fines, but to maintain community trust and uphold responsible gambling standards.

Clubs are reminded to ensure all gaming machines are disabled during the mandatory shutdown period, conduct regular compliance checks and ensure staff are trained to respond immediately if machines remain active outside approved hours.

The mandatory 4:00am–10:00am shutdown applies every day unless a venue has an authorised variation. Clearing machines outside approved hours may be considered a breach.

Clubs are encouraged to read more about recent non-compliance cases in a previous ClubLIFE article published on 26 November 2025.

For further information or assistance, contact ClubASSIST on 1300 730 001 or [email protected].