We need to hold gambling corporations to account for the harm they cause
NSW now loses more money to gambling than any other state.
Poker machines dominate those losses, pulling billions out of local communities every year, while gambling corporations post record profits and pay very little back.
Australians needs a government that stands up to powerful gambling interests.
The problem we see is an industry that makes its money by pushing losses as hard as it can, then uses its influence to block reform.
Labor governments regulate powerful industries when they put profits ahead of people. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.
In 2023, the 'You Win Some, You Lose More' report, led by the late Peta Murphy MP, laid out a clear roadmap for reform.
Yet more than two years later, the Albanese Government has failed to act.
We are calling for the implementation of the recommendations in full, specifically Recommendation 26, a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling.
In NSW, gambling losses are dominated by pokies in pubs and clubs, turning over $95 billion including $11.7 billion in losses from working class communities.
Urgent action is needed to stem these losses, including an immediate reduction in the number of poker machines in the state with a phased five-year reduction to remove 25,000 machines and bring NSW in line with other states.
If you're ready to join the fight for a safer future, sign up to our mailing list today.
Our organising committee:
Mark Morey, Secretary Unions NSW
Caitlin Marlor, President NSW Young Labor
Denise McHugh, ALP member, Independent Education Union Deputy President and Chair of the NSW ALP Education and Skills Committee
Joanna Woods, teacher and community activist
Harry Woods, former publican, bookmaker and Government Minister
Lyndal Howison, City of Ryde Councillor
Paul Reid, unionist and community activist
Amy Smith, community activist
Kate Sullivan, community activist