New research released by Wesley Mission reveals widespread and ongoing community concern about the need for poker machine reform in NSW.
A survey of 1000 NSW residents conducted just a month after the March 25 election reveals 70% of people don't believe the NSW government is doing enough about poker machines and gambling reform.
"Community concern about the level of harm caused by poker machines remains very high", says Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent Rev Stu Cameron.
"One in three people told us they knew a colleague, friend or family member who has been harmed by playing poker machines".
The research also revealed that a majority (56.7%) feel the NSW government should abandon plans for a 500-machine trial and instead follow the NSW Crime Commissioner's recommendation to fully implement a cashless system for poker machines.
"Casino-based poker machines in NSW will be cashless next year, and all Tasmania's poker machines will be as well", says Rev Cameron.
"There is also sufficient evidence from the successful implementation of cashless systems overseas to inform a full roll-out in NSW".
While NSW residents want to see real action on reducing poker machine harm in NSW, 66% believe the gambling lobby still has too much influence on NSW politics.
"The new government has indicated its willingness to pursue gambling reform in NSW, and the announcement last week about legislation to ban political donations from clubs with poker machines is an encouraging first step.
"But the people of NSW are expecting more significant reforms in this new parliamentary term".
Data released in April by NSW Liquor and Gaming revealed that a record $8.1 billion was lost to poker machines in NSW in 2022 - equivalent to $1000 for every adult and child in the state.
Wesley Mission provides practical care and support for more than 130,000 people annually in NSW and across Australia, including help for people experiencing homelessness, local community action groups preventing suicide, and gambling and financial counselling among more than 120 programs. www.wesleymission.org.au
Rev Stu Cameron is available for interview.
Media contacts:
Anne Holt on 0418 628 342 or anne.holt@wesleymission.org.au
GambleAware help line 1800 858 858 | Lifeline 13 11 14
Online survey of NSW adults (n=1007) conducted between 18 and 23, April 2023 by FastTracker.com.au
| What do you think is the most pressing social issue from the list below? | |
| Domestic violence | 36.2% |
| Social inequality | 22.5% |
| Illegal drug abuse | 16.1% |
| Gambling/poker machines | 10.8% |
| Racism | 8.2% |
| Alcohol addiction | 6.1% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| How often do you play poker machines? | |
| Never | 47.4% |
| Less than once per year | 20.8% |
| Several times per year | 19.5% |
| More than once a month | 9.2% |
| More than once a week | 3.2% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| When it comes to the probability of winning money, do you think poker machines are fair? | |
| No | 88.5% |
| Yes | 11.5% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Do you think poker machines are bad and require further legislation? | |
| Yes | 75.9% |
| No | 24.1% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Do you think the NSW government is doing enough for poker machines and gambling reform? | |
| No | 69.8% |
| Yes | 30.2% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| What do you think would be the best intervention by the government? | |
| Introduce a mandatory cashless gambling card for all venues with daily, weekly and yearly loss limits locked in | 32.3% |
| Introduce midnight closing for poker machine venues instead of 4:00am-6:00am currently | 22.4% |
| A mandate for poker machines to play a negative sound after every monetary loss | 10.2% |
| Make it simpler for people to self-exclude from all poker machine venues in the state instead of a just a maximum of 36 venues | 9.7% |
| No need for intervention by the government | 7.5% |
| Introduce cashless gaming trial of 500 poker machines is enough | 6.9% |
| Let local Councils have more of a say about extra poker machines being introduced into their area | 6.7% |
| Other (please specify) | 4.3% |
| Totals | 100% |
| Do you have a colleague, family member or friend who has been harmed by playing poker machines? | |
| No | 68.8% |
| Yes | 31.2% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Should the new government abandon plans for a trial of 500 machines and instead follow the NSW Crime Commission's recommendation for the full implementation of a cashless system? | |
| Yes | 56.7% |
| No | 43.3% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Do you believe the gambling lobby has too much influence on NSW politics? | |
| Yes | 65.9% |
| No | 34.1% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Who do you believe has the strongest say on gambling policy in NSW? | |
| Industry lobby | 32.5% |
| Citizens/voters | 25.5% |
| Politicians | 24.7% |
| Media | 10.2% |
| Academics and reform advocates | 7.1 % |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Are you more likely to visit clubs with or without pokies? | |
| Clubs without poker machines | 67.3% |
| Clubs with poker machines | 32.7% |
| Totals | 100.0% |
| Should clubs rely on poker machines to fund running costs? | |
| No | 78.6% |
| Yes | 21.4% |
| Totals | 100.0% |