The ACT Government has introduced legislation aimed at further reducing gambling harm in the ACT.
Introduced during Gambling Harm Action Week (19-25 October), the Gaming Machine (Harm Prevention and Reduction) Amendment Bill 2026 delivers key elements of the government’s coordinated gambling harm reduction agenda and commitments made at the 2024 ACT election.
The Bill will:
- establish mandatory account-based cashless gaming at all ACT venues with poker machines;
- introduce harm reduction safeguards, including pre-commitment and mandatory breaks in play;
- ban ATMs from venues with poker machines;
- establish a legislated pathway to reduce gaming machine authorisations to no more than 1,000 by 2045;
- require the surrender of at least 500 gaming machine authorisations every four years until the target is reached.
Minister for Gaming Reform, Marisa Paterson, said Gambling Harm Action Week highlights the collective effort required to prevent gambling harm and promote safer gambling practices.
“These nation-leading reforms are for every person who has experienced gambling harm, for the loved ones who have supported them through it, and for those we can help protect from experiencing that harm in the future,” said Dr Paterson.
“The gambling industry’s responsibility does not end at providing entertainment. It must play an active role in preventing and minimising the harm gambling can cause to individuals, families and communities.”
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission Chair, Laura Beacroft said gambling harm was a community issue, not just an individual one.
“It is important for those affected in the community to know they are not alone. Free and confidential support is available for individuals and families impacted by gambling harm,” said Ms Beacroft.
“This week, a series of videos, introducing people who work hard to prevent and reduce gambling harm, has been published online. Support workers and staff share how their individual roles contribute to a healthier Canberra.
“Gambling harm can have an effect on everyone – family, friends or colleagues at work. Whether support is needed for someone’s own gambling harm, or for supporting someone else, there is a range of online support services available. Sometimes it may just be a simple conversation or even an opportunity to access any of the free counselling services that are available.”
The Government also invites the community and stakeholders to provide feedback to the Gambling and Racing Commission’s draft 2027-2032 Harm Prevention Strategy, which will guide activity across all of the Commission’s regulatory functions.
Feedback on the draft Strategy is open until Monday 16 November. To have your say, visit the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission website.
More information on support for those affected by gambling, including information on counselling, financial support and self‑help options, please visit the Gambling Harm website.
