New South Wales has recorded its most devastating quarter ever for losses on poker machines, with new figures exposing a public health crisis deepening at an alarming rate.
Record-Breaking Losses Revealed in Staggering Data
Official statistics from NSW Liquor and Gaming show the state bled a staggering $2.45 billion to electronic gaming machines in just 92 days. This catastrophic loss occurred between July and September 2025, marking the third quarter of the year.
When broken down, the numbers become even more shocking. The losses equate to $26.6 million every single day, or more than $1.11 million each hour. With 87,839 poker machines operating across NSW, each individual machine raked in an average of over $28,461 during that three-month period.
This represents a massive 7.8 per cent surge compared to the previous quarter, leading the Wesley Mission to declare it the "single worst quarter on record for poker machine losses in NSW".
A Crisis "Disastrously Entrenched" in Communities
Reverend Stu Cameron, the CEO of Wesley Mission, did not mince words, stating that poker machine usage in the state is "now disastrously entrenched at crisis levels".
"Reform advocates, public health researchers and courageous lived experience advocates have all pleaded with the government to enact reforms that will arrest the public health catastrophe impacting every postcode and community in our state," Cameron said. "And still record losses continue quarter after quarter."
The data also pinpointed the local government areas (LGAs) hardest hit. Sydney suburbs dominated the top five spots for the highest losses:
- Canterbury-Bankstown led with a mind-boggling $202.7 million lost.
- It was followed by Fairfield, Cumberland, Blacktown, and the Sydney City council area.
Calls for Urgent Action Amid Government Measures
Cameron issued a direct challenge to the state government, arguing that inaction is a conscious choice to maintain a harmful status quo. "If the NSW government does not act with the urgency this crisis demands, it is choosing to maintain the status quo," he said.
"A status quo that is costing this state many billions more than the tax it earns on pokies profits and which is hurting the people who can least afford it, especially those in the Labor heartland. This is a moment to stand with the community, not the gambling industry."
The state government has recently introduced some reforms, including legislation that will force all gaming machines to shut down between 4am and 10am daily, starting from March 31. Other measures include limiting cash input on new machines, banning political donations from clubs with pokies, and removing external gaming signage.
However, Reverend Cameron insists the latest data proves these steps are insufficient. He urged parliament to push for stronger restrictions, particularly longer mandatory shutdown periods for the machines.
"The evidence is crystal clear: shutting poker machines down for longer saves lives, protects families and reduces harm," he stated emphatically.
