The New South Wales (NSW) government has abandoned its pre-election commitment to remove 9,500 poker machines across the state, despite previous assurances to do so. During the campaign, senior Labor figures, including Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, havienoted the party’s plan to drastically cut the number of poker machines as a key point of differentiation from the Liberals. Mookhey stated in early 2023, “Under the plan we have released, we reckon that we can get 9,500 of them out of the state within five years.”
The plan to remove the machines was to be executed through a combination of a buyback scheme, which would account for about 2,000 machines, and a separate forfeiture model. However, during a parliamentary hearing, the state’s gaming minister, David Harris, stated that this is no longer the government’s policy. Harris argued that the number of machines is not the primary issue but rather the intensity of play. He claimed that spending $60 million to remove the machines would not make a significant difference in addressing gambling concerns.
Harris’s stance shifted after the government considered advice from an independent panel on gambling policy, which included various groups that operate or profit from poker machines, as well as several organizations focused on social welfare and responsible gambling. The panel’s report suggested that a buy-back scheme would be costly and not significantly impactful, recommending instead that any scheme implemented should be voluntary and transparent.
Shadow Minister for gaming, Kevin Anderson, accused the state government of breaking its election commitments and criticized the current administration for failing to address problem gambling effectively. Despite this, the state government has introduced several policies to tackle gaming issues, including a ban on advertising outside poker machine venues and plans to restrict gambling advertising on public transport.
For those affected by gambling-related issues, support services are available. In Australia, Gambling Help Online can be reached at 1800 858 858, and the National Debt Helpline is available at 1800 007 007. In the UK, the National Problem Gambling Clinic offers support via 020 7381 7722, and GamCare can be contacted at 0808 8020 133. In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline is accessible at 800-GAMBLER or via text to 800GAM.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/nsw-government-drops-plan-to-remove-9500-poker-machines-saying-it-would-make-no-difference
