NSW Budget Pathetic on Pokies Harm -

Written By Sandy Grant

Media Release - 24 June 2025

Extract: Table 5.4: General government sector – summary of taxation revenue, page 5-5, NSW Budget Paper 1, 2025-26.

It’s time to put airbags on pokies!

Today’s NSW Budget is pathetically weak on gambling harm.

In fact, NSW tax revenue from pokies in pubs and clubs will reach a record level – $2.6 billion in the next financial year! That’s rising by 6% per annum – faster than the inflation rate.

This comes off the back of NSW residents who lose over $24 million every day on poker machines — more than $1 million an hour! [Wesley Mission analysis, NSW Liquor and Gaming figures]

Jesus said we should love our neighbours. So I speak for the suicidal young man at our Cathedral door when he lost his last $3000 at the pub down the road… And the young family I know whose furniture was repossessed due to pokies problems.

NSW and its government has the world’s biggest gambling addiction, and relies on a regressive and socially destructive form of taxation for over 7% of state tax revenue.

And sadly, the Minns Government’s minor efforts on reform, such as removing ‘VIP’ signage from outside pubs, has done nothing to slow the rate of gambling harm in NSW.

It is telling that the Wellbeing Statement (Budget Paper no.2), tabled by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, does not mention the need to address gambling harm, as it boasts of measures to improve health, security and prosperity.

But I am not interested in partisan politics. Both Government and Opposition should commit to the following reforms recommended by experts:

  • Mandatory poker machine shutdowns from midnight to 10am;

  • A state-wide cashless gambling card with enforceable limits (which would also address money-laundering);

  • Tighter caps on machine numbers in high-risk communities.

Such public health and welfare measures is like putting airbags in cars and making seat belts compulsory.

The Bible says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God” (Proverbs 14:31).

I pray that our politicians will be kinder to the needy and stop preferencing the powerful pubs and clubs and protecting their own regressive taxation coffers.

The Very Reverend Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney,
St Andrew’s Cathedral

P.S. GambleAware provides 24 hour state-wide gambling support

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au

Sandy Grant
Next

Street T turns One