NSW has reached unprecedented poker machine losses, surpassing $8 billion in 2024.
The $8.64 billion figure marks a 6.3 per cent annual rise in gaming machine losses, according to Liquor and Gaming NSW data.
Advocates, including Wesley Mission CEO Stu Cameron, warn the NSW community faces a “preventable public health disaster”.
NSW has reached unprecedented poker machine losses, surpassing $8 billion in 2024. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“It is staggering that halfway through the Government’s term, New South Wales is still in a confused and inconsistent position,” Cameron said.
“We see more poker machines and record-breaking losses, sparking a public health emergency tied to gambling harm.
“The government’s reforms so far appear ineffective in slowing this worsening crisis.
“This 6 per cent rise on 2023’s poker machine losses is not random. It is a direct outcome of failing to enforce reforms with true strength.”
The government rolled out several gambling reforms in 2023, including cutting the cap on gaming machine entitlements, lowering cash input limits on new machines from $5000 to $500, and banning external gambling signs.
The government rolled out several gambling reforms in 2023, including cutting the cap on gaming machine entitlements (Nine)
Cameron argued that shifting to a cashless gaming system and shorter operating hours for gambling venues would significantly reduce losses.
He urged for gaming rooms to close between midnight and 12am.
“While introducing a mandatory cashless card will take time, the technology is already proven,” Cameron said.
“Testing last year confirmed its effectiveness, and it’s now running at Crown Casino in Sydney and Melbourne with strong adoption rates.
“Switching off poker machines in NSW from midnight to 10am is a reform that could be rolled out quickly, delivering immediate relief from the record gambling harm we are now witnessing.”
