NSW Poker Machine Losses Hit Record $8.6 Billion

NSW has hit a new record for poker machine losses, with gamblers losing a staggering $8.64 billion in 2024. That’s a 6.3% jump from last year, according to data from Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Wesley Mission CEO Stu Cameron isn’t holding back, calling it a “preventable public health crisis” and slamming the government’s efforts so far.

“There are more poker machines and record-breaking losses, resulting in a public health crisis of gambling harm,” Cameron said. “The government’s reforms appear to have achieved nothing in curbing the worsening crisis.”

In 2023, the NSW government introduced several gambling reforms, including lowering the cap on gaming machine entitlements, reducing cash input limits on new poker machines from $5000 to $500, and banning external gambling signs.

But Cameron argues that more drastic measures are needed—like a mandatory cashless gaming system and reduced operating hours for poker machine rooms.

“While it will take time to roll out a mandatory cashless card, we already know the technology works,” he said, pointing out that it’s already in use at Crown Casinos in Sydney and Melbourne.

He’s also calling for all poker machines to be shut down from midnight to 10am, saying it’s a simple reform that could make an immediate impact on reducing gambling harm.

With losses climbing year after year, the big question is whether the government will take stronger action—or if poker machine spending will keep breaking records.