Australia has some of the highest gambling losses per capita in the world, and governments are responding with increasingly strict regulations. In 2026, responsible gambling laws are being overhauled at both federal and state levels.
The most significant changes include BetStop (a national self-exclusion register for online wagering), sweeping advertising bans taking effect in January 2027, and state-based reforms introducing facial recognition technology, cash input limits, and mandatory machine shutdowns in pubs and clubs.
This article summarises the key responsible gambling regulations affecting Australian punters and venues in 2026.
BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register for online wagering, launched in 2024. It allows Australians to exclude themselves from all licensed Australian online wagering providers with a single application.
Exclusion periods range from three months to lifetime. Once registered, operators are legally required to close the person’s accounts and refuse new accounts. Lifetime exclusion is permanent and cannot be revoked.
BetStop does not cover casinos, poker machines, lotteries, or offshore gambling sites. The federal government has committed to strengthening BetStop following a statutory review, with potential expansion to additional gambling products.
[Source: BetStop official website]| Exclusion Period | Can Be Revoked? | Covers Online Wagering? | Covers Casinos/Pokies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months – 5 years | Yes (after period ends) | Yes | No |
| Lifetime | No (permanent) | Yes | No |
| Venue-based (state) | Varies by state | No | Yes |
| Offshore operators | Not available | Not covered | Not covered |
Advertising Bans Coming in 2027
On 2 April 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government’s response to the Murphy Inquiry, with reforms commencing 1 January 2027.
“What we don’t want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing.”
— Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
The government will also crack down on “pocket pokies” (online keno), strengthen enforcement against offshore providers, and expand financial counselling support.gthen enforcement against offshore providers, and expand financial counselling support.
[Source: Prime Minister’s Office]| Platform | Restriction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TV | Banned during live sports | No gambling ads during live sports broadcasts within 6am-8.30pm |
| Radio | Banned at school times | Banned during school drop-off (8am-9am) and pick-up (3pm-4pm) |
| Online | Age-gated only | Only allowed for logged-in users aged 18+ with opt-out option |
| Sports sponsorships | Banned | No gambling logos on player uniforms or sports venue signage |
| Celebrity endorsements | Banned | No celebrity or player endorsements in gambling ads |
Venue Reforms – Facial Recognition and Cash Limits
NSW Facial Recognition Code of Practice
The NSW government launched a code of practice for facial recognition technology in pubs and clubs with gaming machines. The code sets minimum expectations for venues voluntarily operating the technology and prepares the industry for future legislation to mandate facial recognition once the statewide exclusion register is operating.
NSW Cash Input Limit
The cash input limit for new gaming machines has been reduced from $5,000 to $500. This measure is designed to reduce the speed at which gamblers can lose money.
NSW Machine Shutdown
Over 600 venues must shut gaming machines between 4am and 10am effective 31 March 2026. This follows a successful trial that reduced gambling activity during early morning hours.
[Source: Liquor & Gaming NSW]
State-Based Changes – NSW and Victoria
NSW Reforms Summary:
NSW has introduced a range of additional measures including a state-wide gaming machine cap that reduces annually based on forfeiture rates, a ban on political donations from clubs with gaming machines, a ban on external gambling signage visible from outside venues, and a requirement for Responsible Gambling Officers in venues with 20 or more machines (with additional officers required after midnight). Gambling advertising on public transport, ferries, and terminals has also been banned.
Victoria – RSG Training
In Victoria, all employees who work in a gaming machine area or have more than incidental contact with players must complete Responsible Service of Gaming (RSG) training. The training is free and delivered through the Department of Justice and Community Safety. Venue operators must also maintain a responsible gambling register to record staff observations and customer interactions.
[Source: VGCCC]Final Note
Australia’s responsible gambling regulations are evolving rapidly at both federal and state levels. The key developments in 2026 include:
- BetStop – National self-exclusion for online wagering
- 2027 advertising bans – Restrictions on TV, radio, online and sports sponsorships
- NSW reforms – Facial recognition code, $500 cash input limit, 4am-10am machine shutdowns
- Victoria – Mandatory RSG training and responsible gambling registers for venues
The federal government has also committed to strengthening BetStop, cracking down on “pocket pokies”, and expanding financial counselling support. These measures collectively represent the most significant responsible gambling reforms in a decade.
Sources:
- BetStop official website
- Prime Minister’s Office – National crackdown on online gambling
- Liquor & Gaming NSW
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
What Are the Responsible Gambling Laws in Australia?
Q1: What is BetStop and how does it work? ▼
BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register for online wagering. A single application excludes a person from all licensed Australian online betting providers for a chosen period (3 months to lifetime). Operators must close accounts and refuse new accounts for excluded persons.
Q2: When do the new gambling advertising bans start? ▼
The advertising reforms commence on 1 January 2027. They include bans on gambling ads during live sports, bans on celebrity endorsements, and restrictions on online gambling ads to logged-in users aged 18+.
Q3: What is the new cash input limit for poker machines? ▼
In NSW, the cash input limit for new gaming machines has been reduced from $5,000 to $500. This applies to all new machines entering the market.
Q4: Are pubs and clubs using facial recognition? ▼
NSW has launched a code of practice for facial recognition technology in pubs and clubs with gaming machines. The technology helps identify excluded patrons and is expected to become mandatory once the statewide exclusion register is operating.
Q5: Do gaming venues need Responsible Gambling Officers? ▼
In NSW, venues with 20 or more gaming machines must have a Responsible Gambling Officer. Additional officers are required after midnight. In Victoria, all staff in gaming areas must complete RSG training.
