NSW GOVT PLAN TO REMOVE EGMS ABANDONED
The NSW government has decided to abandon its plan to remove 9,500 poker machines, citing doubts over its effectiveness in reducing gambling harm. This policy shift comes after an independent panel, which included industry representatives, concluded that the proposed buyback scheme would cost $60 million but fail to deliver meaningful results. Instead, the government argues that the focus should be on controlling the intensity of gambling rather than simply reducing machine numbers.
Prior to the state election, the Labor Party had pledged to significantly cut the number of poker machines, a promise championed by key figures such as Treasurer Daniel Mookhey. He had outlined a five-year plan to remove thousands of machines through a buyback scheme and a forfeiture model. However, during a parliamentary hearing, Gaming Minister David Harris confirmed that the government had revised its stance after closer examination. He explained that current evidence suggests the number of machines is less influential on gambling harm than the intensity of play.
An independent panel consisting of industry groups including Clubs NSW, the Australian Hotels Association, and Gaming Technologies Australia, along with social service representatives, unions, and academics advised against the buyback programme. The panel did suggest that any buyback initiative should be voluntary, transparent, and open to clubs and hotels across the state. The government has since redirected its focus towards alternative harm minimisation strategies.
While the policy reversal has drawn criticism from some, the government has determined that the estimated $60m buy back scheme funds would be better spent implementing measures to address problem gambling.
The NSW government has implemented other regulatory changes, such as banning advertisements outside venues with poker machines and prohibiting gambling-related ads on public transport. The government maintains that these initiatives will be more effective in addressing gambling-related harm than reducing machine numbers alone.
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