The NSW Government has announced that it has reduced the number of pokie machines that can be operated by more than 3,000 in its bid to reduce the harms of problem gambling.
NSW to Reduce Number of Pokies and Place Cash Input Limit on New Gambling MachinesNew cash input limit
NSW to Reduce Number of Pokies and Place Cash Input Limit on New Gambling MachinesThe new limits will come into force from July 1st 2023, but they will not be applied to machines that are currently in use.
Speaking of the new limits, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“We promised the people of NSW that we’d reform the gaming sector in a way that reduced gambling harm while future-proofing the industry. One of these commitments was to reduce the number of poker machines in this state – and this is an important step forward.
Further down the track, we’ll also be changing the GME forfeiture scheme so that for every two entitlements traded, one will be forfeited – which will see numbers drop at a faster rate.
NSW to Reduce Number of Pokies and Place Cash Input Limit on New Gambling Machines
The press release also notes that a cashless gaming trial for 500 pokie machines is still planned for New South Wales. This is despite the news that a pre-trial of the program was subject to a cyber attack just last week.