Rise in government earnings from poker machines in NSW prompts calls for government intervention

The amount of money generated from poker machines ((pokies)) in New South Wales reached more than two billion dollars in the third quarter of 2022. Proponents of gambling reform say that the growing cost-of-living crisis shows a growing problem of gambling - and requires greater government intervention.

Australia-Lifestyle-gambling. Source: AFP / WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

The significant increase in gambling losses has renewed calls for urgent reforms on that $25-billion-dollar national industry.

New South Wales Liquor and Gaming has released its third quarter of 2022 data, which shows profits from poker machines in clubs and pubs totalling more than two billion dollars.

That is comparable to the $3.8 billion generated in the first six months of the year.

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