NSW gambling reformers push for stricter pokies restrictions

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Gambling campaigners are calling for stricter restrictions on poker machines in New South Wales, which hosts about 35 per cent of the world's gaming machines.

Gambling reform campaigners in New South Wales are pushing for stricter restrictions on poker machines as pressure builds ahead of the 2027 elections. The state hosts nearly 90,000 gaming machines—about 35 per cent of the world's total, second only to Nevada.

A poll commissioned by Wesley Mission and published on Tuesday found public confidence in the NSW government's ability to regulate gambling had plummeted. Trust fell from 35 per cent in May 2025 to 16 per cent in September 2026. Half of the 700 respondents surveyed believed the gambling lobby exerts too much influence on state politics.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich said parliament had failed to deliver meaningful reform on an issue that featured prominently in the 2023 election. Former premier Dominic Perrottet had promised a cashless gaming card, but more limited measures have been introduced under Premier Chris Minns, including restrictions on poker machines from 4am to 10am. The Put Pokies in their Place campaign is calling for machines to be shut between midnight and 10am instead, arguing that significant harm occurs in the earlier hours. Greenwich backed the proposal and noted pokies were a major drag on the night-time economy.

How it is being reported

• 'Reverse ATMs': pokies panned for harm as reforms urgedCampaigners want to pull the plug on Australia's pokies heartland to stem losses and pain to families amid an enduring cost-of-living crisis.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 03:53
• 'Reverse ATMs': pokies panned for harm as reforms urgedCampaigners want to pull the plug on Australia's pokies heartland to stem losses and pain to families amid an enduring cost-of-living crisis.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 03:53

In this story: New South Wales · Alex Greenwich · Chris Minns · Dominic Perrottet · Wesley Mission · Nevada

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