Hey everyone,
I just read some news about the NSW government that’s got me thinking. They were planning to get rid of 9,500 poker machines, but now they’ve changed their minds. They’re saying it wouldn’t really make a difference.
What do you all think about this? Is it a good move or not? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how this might affect gambling in NSW.
Also, does anyone know if other states have tried similar things? How did it work out for them?
Let’s discuss!
Ah mate, this news is a bit of a letdown, isn’t it? 
I reckon the government’s just looking out for their own pockets here. Pokies bring in heaps of cash, but at what cost? We’ve all heard the horror stories of people losing everything to these machines.
It’s a shame they’re not following through with the reduction plan. Even if it wouldn’t make a massive difference right away, it’d be a step in the right direction, you know?
I’ve got a mate in Victoria who says they’ve got stricter rules there. Maybe NSW could take a leaf out of their book? It’s about time we started taking problem gambling seriously.
What do you reckon we could do to push for change? Maybe writing to our local MPs or something? Just feels like we can’t sit back and do nothing while people’s lives are being messed up by these machines.
thats a bummer, mate. seems like the govt’s just protecting their revenue stream. pokies are a huge problem here, ruining lives n all. other states like vic have caps on machines, but nsw’s always been a bit lax. wish theyd actually do something instead of just talkin about it
As someone who’s worked in the hospitality industry, I’ve seen firsthand the damaging effects of poker machines. The NSW government’s decision to scrap the reduction plan is disappointing but not surprising. these machines generate significant revenue for both the government and venues.
While they claim minimal impact, even a small reduction could make a difference for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. It’s worth noting that other jurisdictions, such as the ACT, have successfully implemented machine reduction strategies.
The government should be exploring alternative approaches to address problem gambling, such as mandatory pre-commitment systems or lower bet limits. ultimately, the societal costs of gambling addiction far outweigh any short-term financial gains.
it’s crucial for the public to keep pressuring the government on this issue and advocating for evidence-based harm minimization measures. The current approach is simply not sustainable in the long term.