NSW pubs want more pokies despite reform
Seven pubs across NSW are pushing to introduce more pokies machines despite government policy to reduce them.
NSW residents have collectively lost $8 billion over the past financial year to 87,000 poker machines.
However, hotels pubs across the Riverina and southeast NSW want more pokies and have made applications to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA).
To be accepted, the venues must state their “positive contribution” and harm minimisation strategies.
Applications from Commercial Hotel in Young, Criterion Hotel in Gundagai, White Tank Hotel in West Wyalong, Commercial Hotel in Junee, Hotel Yanco in Yanco, Queanbeyan Bowling Club in Queanbeyan, and Milton Ex-Servos in Ulladulla, are now pending and awaiting a final ILGA decision.
Contrary to the government’s stance on pokies, the number of machines increased in 2022 and now exceeds 87,000.
“How many machines are too many poker machines, in your view, in terms of trying to reduce the harm from poker machines?” Greens MP Cate Faehrmann asked Gaming Minister David Harris at a 2023 parliamentary hearing.
“That will be for [an independent panel on gambling we formed] to direct us on. I think you’re asking me how long is a piece of string,” Minister Harris responded.
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello accused the state government of not being serious about reform.
According to data provided to the ILGA and analysis done by The Region, residents in Wagga, Griffith and surrounding small towns lost more than $100 million on pokies over the 2022-23 financial year.
Jonathan Jackson, 31st January 2024
