The Buzz Around Poker Machine Reforms in New South Wales

It’s been a hot topic lately: what’s happening with poker machines in New South Wales? There’s a lot of talk and growing pressure for some serious changes, and it’s something that could really impact how people gamble in the state.

Push for Big Reductions

Within the New South Wales Labor Party, there’s a significant push to drastically cut down the number of poker machines. Some influential figures are backing proposals that could slash the current number of almost 90,000 machines by about half over the next decade. This idea, championed by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, aims to remove at least 45,000 machines. The interesting part is that this idea has support from different wings of the party, as well as from unions. Critics argue that the government hasn’t done enough to address the harm caused by gambling, especially considering the massive amounts people are losing.

Record Losses and Delayed Decisions

The pressure on the government has ramped up after news broke that gamblers in NSW lost a record $9.3 billion on poker machines in 2025. On top of that, there’s been a delay in the government’s response to recommendations about cashless gaming technology. Remember how, before the last election, cashless gaming was a big talking point? The former premier had promised to make it mandatory. Labor, at the time, was only on board for a trial. Now, nearly 18 months into that trial, it looks less likely that a full rollout will happen in pubs and clubs, even though similar systems are already in use at Sydney’s big casinos. The premier has admitted that poker machines are deeply ingrained in NSW communities and expressed regret about the situation. He also pointed out the potential financial challenges for venues and the thousands of people employed in the hospitality sector if machine numbers are cut too drastically. Balancing harm reduction with protecting jobs is clearly a delicate act.

Local Action and Union Support

It’s not just party insiders talking. Local councils are also getting involved. Georges River Council, for instance, unanimously passed a motion calling for mandatory cashless gaming cards, reduced operating hours for gaming machines, and stricter limits on machine numbers. They highlighted that the billions lost represent real harm to individuals, families, and communities. Even within local council discussions, there’s been debate about acknowledging the reforms already introduced by the government, like lowering cash input limits and reducing entitlements for some machines. Supporters of these changes emphasize that they are a work in progress.

Changes Already in Play

While the debate continues, some changes have already been implemented. Gaming machines now have a mandatory six-hour shutdown period between 4 am and 10 am. Cash input limits on newer machines have been lowered significantly, and responsible gambling officers are now a requirement at larger venues. Even visible gaming signage outside venues has been banned. On the financial crime front, AUSTRAC has increased its scrutiny of clubs, looking into concerns about money laundering through poker machines. One club, in particular, has been ordered to get an external auditor to ensure its anti-money-laundering controls are up to scratch.