NSW Labor Adopts Tougher Stance on Poker Machines

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns will adopt a more stringent policy on poker machines for the upcoming election, following pressure from the party's left faction. A motion anticipated to receive unanimous backing at the NSW Labor conference on Sunday afternoon will incorporate a commitment to "decisive action" against problem gambling and the increasing prevalence of poker machines into the party's policy platform. This move comes amidst reports of surging profits for poker machine operators and criticism regarding a perceived lack of action on reform. The proposed policy aims to address concerns over problem gambling and the societal impact of widespread poker machine use.

The motion, expected to pass with unanimous support, specifically commits to removing 50% of poker machines from operation within the next 10 years. This represents a significant policy shift for the party, indicating a willingness to confront the powerful gambling lobby and address the social costs associated with the industry. The push for reform has gained momentum, with figures like the Sydney inner-west mayor reportedly stating that the "momentum for real reform [is] unstoppable."

This development signals a potential turning point in the debate surrounding gambling regulation in NSW. The commitment to a substantial reduction in the number of poker machines reflects a growing public and political awareness of the harms associated with problem gambling. The policy's inclusion in the party's platform suggests that if elected, Labor would prioritize legislative changes to significantly curb the industry's reach and impact.