Greens MP Calls for Action to Combat Problem Gambling in New South Wales
A Greens MP in New South Wales is urging the government to take stronger measures to address problem gambling ahead of a cashless gaming trial. The trial, set to begin in the first quarter of 2024, aims to minimize gambling harm in the state. However, the MP believes that more needs to be done.
Key Points:
- The trial will begin in the first quarter of 2024
- A Greens MP says operating hours and the number of machines in the state should be reduced
- Broken Hill Musicians Club is one of 28 venues that will participate
The state government has already committed $100 million over four years to address gambling harm and has banned political donations from clubs involved in gaming. Additionally, starting from July 1, the cash limit for gamblers will be reduced from $5,000 to $500.
However, NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann believes that further steps should be taken. She suggests changing the opening hours of venues with poker machines. Currently, gaming machines in pubs and clubs cannot operate between 4am and 10am. Faehrmann proposes that the law should require poker machines to shut at midnight and not open until 10am or even midday.
Furthermore, Faehrmann argues for a reduction in the number of poker machines in the state. She highlights the harmful effects of gambling during early morning hours when many venues continue to operate their machines.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris acknowledges the need for gambling reform but emphasizes that there is no simple solution. He states that the government is implementing a range of reforms to address gambling harm.
Gambling Helplines:
“The government could step in and pass the law that poker machines need to shut at midnight and they can’t open until, say, 10am,” said Ms Faehrmann. “We would prefer that to be midday. But instead, hundreds of hotels and clubs have dozens – if not hundreds – of poker machines operating at those hours, where it’s been proven the most harmful gambling occurs.”
The Broken Hill Musicians Club is one of the 28 venues participating in the cashless gaming trial. General manager Michael Boland emphasizes the importance of regional representation in the trial and the need for harm minimization strategies tailored to specific areas.
Author’s Quote:
“It’s important that we partake in this trial so we can provide some strong de-identified data from regional NSW, particularly the Far West,” said Michael Boland, general manager of the Broken Hill Musicians Club. “We want to be at the forefront of the trial, add input, and be the best we can with harm minimization.”
Author’s Conclusion:
While the New South Wales government has taken steps to address problem gambling, there is still more that can be done. The cashless gaming trial and reduction in cash limits are positive initiatives, but further measures such as changing operating hours and reducing the number of poker machines should be considered. By actively involving regional venues in the trial, a more comprehensive understanding of gambling harm can be achieved, leading to more effective harm minimization strategies.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
