New data proves Minns too close to gambling lobby to care about rising harm from pokies
Greens MP and gambling harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has accused Chris Minns of being so close to the gambling industry that he is blind to the growing social and economic costs of New South Wales’ pokies addiction, with the quarterly gambling data showing a record $2.37 billion lost in the first quarter of 2026.
Greens MP and gambling harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has accused Chris Minns of being so close to the gambling industry that he is blind to the growing social and economic costs of New South Wales’ pokies addiction, with the quarterly gambling data showing a record $2.37 billion lost in the first quarter of 2026.
This is an increase of more than $200 million or 9.4% compared to the same period last year.
“This latest data is shocking and shows that Chris Minns is far too close to the gambling industry to stand up to it and introduce genuine reform and simply doesn’t care about the harm being caused,” said Cate Faehrmann.
“In the face of this new data, the Premier must urgently release the government’s response to the recommendations from the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Government also needs to urgently commission a study into the social costs of gambling harm in NSW.
“Pokies are now taking more than $26.4 million every single day from the people of NSW. That’s nearly $1.1 million an hour out of local communities and household budgets.
“Losses to pokies in NSW is more than double the rate of inflation, and all the Premier can say is that he’s sorry about the number of poker machines in NSW. Well sorry doesn’t help pay the rent and it certainly won’t stop the incredible amount of harm that pokies are doing to families and to communities.
“Every dollar lost to poker machines represents real harm to individuals, families and communities. The Premier has had expert advice from his desk for months but instead of implementing evidence-based reforms he keeps finding excuses for inaction.
If current trends continue, total losses are set to reach $10 billion this year. The data shows losses are particularly concentrated in the same communities, with Canterbury-Bankstown losing nearly $200 million in 3 months, Fairfield losing $186 million and Cumberland losing $136 million.
“With even Labor heavyweights like Bob Carr joining the call for pokies reform, it’s clear that the only thing standing in the way of reducing gambling harm now, is a Premier who is too close to the clubs and pubs lobby,” said Cate Faehrmann.