Key facts
- New South Wales Labor plans to toughen its stance on poker machines.
- A moratorium on new poker machine licenses is proposed.
- Increased taxes are planned for high-profit clubs.
- The party's left faction is pushing for significant reforms.
- The reforms aim to address problem gambling.
- These changes are planned ahead of the next state election.
New South Wales Labor is preparing to implement a more stringent policy regarding poker machines in the lead-up to the upcoming state election. A key proposal involves introducing a moratorium on the issuance of new poker machine licenses. Additionally, the party intends to raise taxes specifically for clubs that generate high profits from their poker machine operations. These measures are being driven by the party's left faction, which is actively campaigning for substantial reforms aimed at mitigating the harms associated with problem gambling. The proposed policy shifts signal a potential move towards greater regulation of the gambling industry within New South Wales, reflecting growing public and political concern over the societal impact of poker machines.