The New South Wales government has decided to end special exemptions that allow more than 670 poker machine venues to operate past the mandated 4am shutdown time. Currently, some clubs and pubs keep gaming rooms open 24/7. Gaming Minister David Harris announced that these "outdated exemptions" will be removed by March 31. After this, all venues must close by 4am. The decision comes amid strong criticism from the government’s advisory panel, a damning audit report, and political pressure from the Greens and Liberals. Research funded by the state found players after midnight face much higher risks of harm. Harris said, "Following months of review, it is clear the 20-year-old variations enabling more than 670 clubs and pubs with gaming machines to operate outside the mandated hours were no longer fit for purpose." Some venues had exemptions due to being tourist spots or facing financial hardship. Clubs and pubs with strong reasons can appeal before March 31 but must meet stricter new rules from the state regulator. The government aims to enforce a six-hour shutdown to help gamblers "go home, get ‘out of the zone’, and reflect on their behaviour." About 20% of NSW poker machine venues currently have exemptions. The Australian Christian Lobby and NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann have pressed to remove exemptions, citing social costs. The NSW Liberals also support ending the exemptions, despite the Nationals' opposition. Faehrmann wants shutdown moved from 4am to 2am, but the government maintains 4am is suitable. Research shows 70% of gamblers between 4am and 10am are at moderate or high risk. Wesley Mission reports more than $1 million lost every hour on pokies in NSW, totaling $2.3 billion between April and June — up 8.8% from last year. Wesley Mission’s CEO Stu Cameron calls this a "public health catastrophe." The state auditor found NSW lacked clear targets and effective action to reduce gambling harm. Harris denies the government is inactive, saying these new rules continue efforts to protect people. Support for gambling problems is available via various helplines in Australia, the UK, and the US.