Licences and entitlements
To own and operate gaming machines in South Australia, a venue must hold a gaming machine licence and hold gaming machine entitlements. The licence sets an approved number of machines, while entitlements held determine how many can actually be operated.
Both are public. The CBS register of gaming machine entitlements shows each venue's licence number, approved machines and entitlements, and the SA liquor and gaming public register lets anyone search licensed venues.
Example: Angle Vale Tavern, licence 57007312, has 40 machines approved and 34 entitlements held (CBS register, checked 1 October 2026).
Age limit
Gaming rooms are strictly for adults 18 and over. Venues must not allow minors into gaming areas, and staff can ask for proof of age at any time.
Return to player
According to Gambling Harm Support SA, all new pokies in South Australia must have an expected return to player of 87.5% or more. This is a long-run statistical figure; it does not mean you will get 87.5% of your money back in any visit.
Barring and self-exclusion
South Australia allows people to bar themselves from gaming venues. You can arrange barring through a venue or with the help of a gambling help service. Family members affected by someone's gambling can also seek advice on barring options.
For licensed online wagering, the national BetStop register lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian providers at once.