$44,000 fine for ex-licensee after pokies violations at Western Sydney hotel

An investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW found that gaming machines at the former Richards on the Park Hotel were operated during the shutdown period on 68 occasions between May 2022 and September 2023.

The penalty has been imposed by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority following a complaint from Liquor & Gaming NSW.

It comes as the NSW Government has moved to revoke outdated exemptions that have enabled pubs and clubs to vary the hours they can operate gaming machines.

A repeal of variations will take effect from 31 March 2026 to provide venues with sufficient notice to adapt their business operations.

Under NSW law, gaming machines must be switched off between 4am and 10am every day except in cases where such variation have been granted. This rule helps protect the community by limiting extended gambling sessions.

Liquor & Gaming NSW Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said mandatory shutdown periods are in place to minimise gambling harm.

“Breaching these rules is a serious matter, and this penalty sends a clear message that compliance is not optional,” Mr Argeres said.

“Allowing gaming machines to operate during shutdown hours increases the risk of gambling harm, particularly in areas identified as high-risk. This decision reinforces the importance of harm minimisation and industry accountability.

“All gaming machines in NSW must be connected to a centralised monitoring system, and we will use the data from that system to commence investigations and as evidence to support strong enforcement action.”

The hotel has since changed ownership, and the former licensee is no longer involved in its operations.

The penalty is the second recent large fine imposed on hotels for operating gaming machines during shutdown hours.

Last month, the Concourse Hotel in the Sydney CBD was fined $110,000 for repeatedly operating its gaming machines during shutdown hours over eight months in 2023.