The Sydney lockout does not apply to the Star Casino, allowing revellers to keep the party going all night long. Now, they will have more places to go after 1:30am as the NSW government has starting granting lockout exemptions to pokie clubs. The lockout laws prevent nightclubs and bars in Sydney from accepting new patrons past 1:30am.

This prevents drinkers from bar-hopping, cutting down on alcohol-related crimes. Since the laws were introduced, there has been a 40% decline in alcohol-fuelled violence in the city. The only venue in the city that is permitted to accept patrons after this time is The Star Casino.

As such, the gambling venue has seen a huge jump in business over the course of the past few months Now, City Tattersalls has also received an exemption. With over 400 pokies, the venue has been described as Sydney’s ‘second casino’. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald notes that patrons who are interested in gambling after 1:30am will be able to enter through a special entrance on Pitt Street.

This is just one of several lockout exemptions that have been granted recently. The other venues that have received exemptions are: Cheers Bar and Grill, Charlie Chans, Scruffy Murphys and the Radisson Hotel. While all of these venues can welcome new patrons past 1:30am, they will not be permitted to serve alcohol after this time. The venues that have receive exemptions are those that rely on gaming revenue late at night.

For example, the City Tattersalls brings in more gaming business than food and beverage revenue later than 1:30am. "The lockout laws are working to reduce alcohol-related crime and these exemptions are only being allowed on the basis they will not do anything to undermine this outcome,” reads a statement from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.

While the exemptions are aimed at helping clubs maintain their business, they have been met with some criticism. Responsible gambling advocates are concerned that allowing pokie venues to remain open throughout the lockout may encourage unhealthy gambling habits.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.