NSW pokies: What’s the Scam?

by Luke Stacey | Jun 25, 2021 | What's the scam?

NSW has the world’s worst pokies losses per capita at $7 billion per year, equivalent to more than $1,200 for each adult. It’s a boon for the state’s coffers but the government is proposing reforms to stem the losses, or is it? What’s the scam?

The scam is fake reforms. According to this week’s NSW Budget papers, they are anticipating higher revenues from gaming, not lower. The 2021-22 NSW budget predicts its tax revenue from pokies will rise by 7.8% to more than $2 billion over the next four years.

“From 2021-22, stronger household income is expected to increase forecast gaming device revenue by $127.2 million over the four years to 2024-25”, the budget papers said.

Keep the Pokies Shut: Australians are saving $38 million a day

So how does this statement square with reforms that NSW’s Gambling Minister Victor Dominello is planning supposedly as a way to stem gambling losses? The minister is planning to introduce cashless pokies statewide, to minimise gambling losses and money-laundering activities by requiring patrons to register and pre-load money to a government-regulated card. The Nationals have rejected the plan. 

If the government is serious about helping people who gamble, why is Treasury forecasting that revenue will actually increase? Real gambling reform would include measures such as reducing the $10 maximum bet to $1, as the Productivity Commission has recommended on multiple occasions.

High Profits, Low Principles: betting losses balloon as Big 4 keep lending to gamblers

Luke Stacey was a contributing researcher and editor for the Secret Rich List and Revolving Doors series on Michael West Media. Luke studied journalism at University of Technology, Sydney, has worked in the film industry and studied screenwriting at the New York Film Academy in New York.

Don't pay so you can read it.

Pay so everyone can.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This