Every single day, more than half a million dollars disappears from the Wollongong community alone, lost to poker machines. Across NSW, a similar story is playing out in countless suburbs.
This isn’t just bad luck. It's a public health crisis. And for five years, the people of NSW have been telling their government exactly how to fix it.
For the fifth consecutive year, our Community Attitudes to Gambling Survey tells us the public is overwhelmingly demanding bold reform. The latest poll, conducted by Compass Polling, is undeniable:
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78% of people support shutting down poker machines between midnight and 10am.
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Two-thirds want a mandatory cashless card with built-in limits, putting power back in the hands of the individual.
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Half the state wants a complete ban on the sports betting ads that bombard our screens.
The community sees the harm and understands what works. But meaningful action hasn’t been taken. Perhaps that’s why 65% of people in NSW don’t trust the government to stand up to the gambling industry.
Speaking with ABC Illawarra this week, our CEO Rev Stu Cameron asked: "How loud does the voice of the public need to be for the government to get the message?"
This isn’t about stopping people from having a punt. It's about prioritising people over profits.
Add your voice and call on the government to stop dawdling. Sign our petition to power down pokies from midnight to 10am: https://www.wesleymission.org.au/get-involved/advocate-with-us/petition-on-poker-machines/