Public Lotteries Regulation 2026

Member clubs are advised that the Public Lotteries Regulation 2026 commenced on 1 September 2026, replacing the Public Lotteries Regulation 2016.

The 2026 Regulation largely rolls over the existing public lotteries framework, including Keno, while making targeted changes to responsible gambling information, prize payments and controlled-contract requirements.

Responsible gambling information

Existing requirements relating to player information brochures and gambling counselling signs at points of sale continue. The new Regulation extends or updates responsible gambling information requirements to cover:

• Digital entry forms or tickets, from 1 March 2027
• Online platforms through which tickets, entries or subscriptions may be purchased, including mobile apps, with the requirement applying to platforms other than websites from 1 December 2026
• Instant lottery tickets known as “scratch-its” costing $5 or more, from 1 September 2027
• A broader range of public lottery advertising, from 1 September 2027.

Advertising communicated by oral means only, including radio, is excluded from the requirement to include a statement about gambling help options approved by the Secretary. Most of these expanded requirements apply to public lottery licensees rather than directly to clubs acting as agents. Clubs should nevertheless follow updated material or instructions issued by the relevant licensee.

Prize payments and crossed cheques

Under the previous Regulation, prize payments above the applicable thresholds could be made by crossed cheque or electronic funds transfer.

For Keno, the existing $5000 threshold remains unchanged. Where the total prize money payable at the end of a customer session exceeds $5000, the amount above $5000 is subject to the prescribed payment requirements.

Crossed cheques may continue to be used for these payments until 1 July 2028, after which the Regulation provides for payment by electronic funds transfer. The separate prescribed amount governing the payment of prizes by an agent remains $9999.

During consultation, ClubsNSW supported the transition away from cheques but raised concerns about customers who may have difficulty providing electronic banking details or accessing online banking. ClubsNSW recommended retaining cheques during the transition and allowing other payment methods approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

While the broader approved-payment mechanism was not adopted, retaining crossed cheques until 1 July 2028 substantially addresses the immediate concern raised by ClubsNSW.

Controlled contracts

The 2026 Regulation also updates several controlled-contract thresholds and requirements under the public lotteries framework. These changes are mainly relevant to public lottery licensees and specialist suppliers, rather than the ordinary procurement activities of most clubs. They include:

• An increase in the threshold for gaming equipment supply and maintenance contracts from $15,000 to $20,000 over 12 months
• An increase in the security and surveillance equipment threshold from $110,000 to $150,000 over 12 months
• An increase in the controlled-contract notification fee from $2000 to $2600
• A limitation on the exemption for certain contract extensions to existing contractual options or variations that do not result in a total contract period exceeding five years.

What clubs should do

Clubs offering Keno should:

• Continue meeting point-of-sale requirements for player information brochures and gambling counselling signs (downloadable at this link)
• Note that crossed cheques remain available for relevant prize payments until 1 July 2028
• Review any public lottery advertising published, or caused to be published, by the club against the expanded gambling help information requirements and applicable commencement dates
• Follow updated operational material issued by the relevant public lottery licensee.

The Public Lotteries Regulation 2026 is available on the NSW legislation website, here.

If you have any questions, please contact ClubAssist on 1300 730 001 or email enquiries@clubsnsw.com.au.