GREENS MP and gambling harm minimisation spokesperson Cate Faehrmann, says that recently-released NSW gaming data shows a staggering $9.3 billion was lost to pokies in 2025 – the highest ever.
“[This] is not just a statistic, it’s a full-blown social and economic crisis unfolding in plain sight.
“The harm is being concentrated in the same communities over and over again: Western Sydney and regional areas already under huge financial pressures.”
According to the report, Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA) is towards the middle ranking of profits per machine and person in NSW.
Twelve premises collectively made a profit of more than $10.5m from 571 gaming machines.
This equates to approximately $18,500 profit per machine at a cost of $134 for every adult and child in the LGA.
Bellingen, in comparison, has four premises operating 114 machines, making an overall profit of $1.1m, equating to $9,783 per machine at a cost of $84 for each person in the Shire.
As of 31 March, more than 650 venues are required to shut down all gaming machines between 4am to 10am.
A review conducted by Liquor and Gaming NSW in 2024 found that a minimum six-hour shutdown period was effective at minimising gambling harm.
Additionally, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has announced that 649 exemptions have been revoked by Liquor and Gaming NSW under delegation from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.
“Following months of review, it was clear these variations enabling about 20 percent of clubs and pubs with gaming machines to operate outside of the mandated hours, some of which were more than 20-years-old, were no longer fit for purpose.”
Ms Faehrmann said, “This is a win, and it’s proof that pressure works.
“But let’s be clear: most gambling harm doesn’t start at 4am.
“It’s bad after midnight and even worse after 2am.
“Families are being devastated while clubs and pubs rake in billions.”
Mr Harris said the move continues a suite of gaming reforms that the Minns Government has implemented, including reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines, banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines, banning external gaming-related signage and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue, and banning gambling advertising on public transport and ferries and terminals.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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