Surging pokies revenue proves NSW Labor has failed to reduce gambling harm as promised, advocates say
Summary
New South Wales (NSW) expects its tax income from gambling, especially poker machines in pubs and hotels, to rise significantly in the next years. Despite promises to reduce gambling harm, government revenue from these machines is forecast to grow, while reforms like cashless gaming and machine reductions have not been fully implemented.Key Facts
- NSW gambling tax revenue is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2025-26 to $4.7 billion in 2029-30.
- Revenue from poker machines in pubs and hotels is projected to increase by 7.5% annually, faster than inflation.
- The government expects to receive $2.2 billion from poker machines in 2029-30, up from $1.6 billion currently.
- NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said budget forecasts reflect current policies, but future reforms may still occur.
- The Minns government promised before the 2023 election to reduce poker machines and trial cashless gaming, but progress has stalled.
- A 2024 trial of cashless gaming has not yet led to permanent changes.
- The government has not responded to 30 reform recommendations from an independent panel made in late 2024.
- About 90,000 poker machines operate in NSW, roughly half of all in Australia, and debate continues about cutting machines to reduce harm.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.