ACT Gambling Reforms to Ban Cash Withdrawals at Pokie Venues

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is preparing to introduce further gambling legislation in October 2026, with proposed restrictions on cash withdrawals and mandatory cashless poker machine gaming.

The changes form part of a reform package announced in September. They aim to reduce gambling-related harm across Canberra while helping community clubs become less dependent on poker machine revenue.

The government also plans to reduce the number of authorised gaming machines and extend mandatory shutdown periods.

ACT Plans Ban on ATM and EFTPOS Withdrawals

Under the proposed reforms, venues operating poker machines would no longer be permitted to provide ATM or EFTPOS cash withdrawal facilities.

The measures are intended to prevent players from repeatedly accessing additional money during gambling sessions.

According to the ACT Government's official reform guidance, the EFTPOS ban will begin six weeks after the relevant regulation is notified.

The proposed ATM ban would take effect 12 months after the legislation passes, giving venues time to remove their machines.

Minister for Gaming Reform Dr Marisa Paterson said the restrictions would help players reconsider their spending.

These reforms reduce access to cash creating an important break in play and gives people time to reconsider spending more than they intended.

Cashless Gaming and Mandatory Player Breaks

The Gaming Machine (Harm Prevention and Reduction) Amendment Bill 2026 would introduce compulsory account-based cashless gaming at ACT venues with poker machines.

Players would need to register, provide identification and obtain a player account card before gambling.

They would also be required to establish a maximum loss limit.

The system would track spending and losses within individual venues, helping players understand how much money they have spent.

Clubs would also have to enforce a 15-minute break after every hour of continuous poker machine play.

Mandatory account-based gaming is expected to commence 12 months after the legislation passes.

Poker Machine Numbers to Fall by 2045

The ACT Government wants to reduce poker machine authorisations to no more than 1,000 across the territory by 2045.

The proposed legislation would require reductions of at least 500 authorisations every four years until the target is reached.

The government says electronic gaming machines account for approximately one-third of the ACT's gambling harm burden, according to its 2024 gambling survey.

The measures reflect broader efforts across  Australia to strengthen protections for people experiencing gambling-related harm.

Longer Shutdown Periods From July 2027

Separate regulations will extend the mandatory periods during which venues cannot operate poker machines.

The changes are scheduled to begin on 1 July 2027.

The revised operating hours will increase mandatory shutdown periods by 15 hours each week.

The changes are intended to reduce access to gambling during early morning hours, when prolonged gambling sessions may increase the risk of harm.

Canberra Clubs Face Significant Changes

Community clubs will need to prepare for restrictions affecting poker machine revenue and operating arrangements.

The ACT Government says it will support clubs in developing alternative income sources and making better use of their existing facilities.

Some reforms have already been approved, while others still require legislation to pass the ACT Legislative Assembly.

The October legislative process will therefore be an important next step in determining how Canberra's gambling industry adapts to the proposed restrictions.