New South Wales introduced the Paintball Regulation 2024 on 1 September 2024, replacing the Paintball Regulation 2019. The regulation sits alongside the Paintball Act 2018 and provides the operating detail for permits, authorised venues and the lawful possession and use of paintball markers.
This article records the 2024 change and explains what players, marker owners and venue operators should check in 2026. It is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm important decisions with NSW Fair Trading.
Why the 2024 regulation matters
The 2019 regulation was due to be repealed automatically on 1 September 2024. Before replacing it, the NSW Government consulted the public and industry on a draft regulation. Consultation closed on 5 July 2024 and covered issues including marker identification, disposal processes, use away from authorised venues, permit decisions, penalties and fee updates.
The final Paintball Regulation 2024 commenced on 1 September 2024. It did not turn paintball into an unregulated activity. The permit framework under the Paintball Act 2018 continued, with NSW Fair Trading remaining the main regulator.
What players should know
- Playing and owning are different. A person who attends an authorised venue and uses equipment supplied for the session is in a different position from someone who buys and owns a marker.
- Owning a marker requires a permit. NSW Fair Trading states that a paintball marker permit is required to purchase and own one or more paintball markers in NSW.
- Personal markers need evidence. A player using their own marker at an authorised venue should be ready to show their marker permit to the venue owner or an employee.
- Off-site use needs separate authorisation. A marker permit does not by itself authorise use away from an authorised venue.
- Venue rules still apply. Booking conditions, minimum ages, identification, parental consent and safety procedures should be confirmed directly with the venue before arrival.
What venue operators should review
A responsible compliance review should cover the venue permit and conditions, staff responsibilities, marker supply and records, safe storage, participant checks, incident procedures and any requirements imposed by the Act or Regulation. Operators should also make sure public booking information matches the process that customers encounter on the day.
Good compliance is visible to customers. Clear confirmation emails, realistic arrival times, a structured briefing, mask-zone discipline and a simple way to raise concerns all help turn regulatory requirements into a safer experience.
Timeline: 2024 to 2026
- June to July 2024: NSW consulted on the proposed replacement regulation, with submissions closing on 5 July.
- 1 September 2024: the Paintball Regulation 2024 commenced and replaced the 2019 regulation.
- 2025: the official consolidated regulation remained the current source for detailed requirements.
- 2026: players and businesses should continue checking NSW Fair Trading and NSW legislation before relying on older guides or archived announcements.
A practical pre-booking checklist
- Confirm that the venue is authorised and that the booking is with the venue itself.
- Ask what identification and consent documents are required.
- If bringing a marker, confirm the permit and transport requirements in advance.
- Check arrival time, clothing, paint rules, equipment supplied and refund or cancellation terms.
- Follow the venue briefing and raise safety concerns with the supervising marshal immediately.
Official sources
- NSW Government: running a paintball business and current legislation
- NSW Government: paintball marker permit
- NSW consultation record: proposed 2024 regulation
Information reviewed 15 September 2026. Always verify current requirements with NSW Fair Trading and the venue.