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A Call: Pray for Gambling Reform on 25 Oct

Join us in praying that political leaders take courageous action to help Australians harmed by gambling. 

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Gambling has Australia in its devastating grip


In 2025–26, Australians lost more than $36 billion to gambling, and one in five people surveyed in NSW reported experiencing harm from their own gambling or the gambling of someone close to them. 

 

Behind these figures are families experiencing financial stress, relationship breakdown, mental health challenges, and isolation. Gambling harm affects not only individuals, but entire communities. 

 

At Wesley Mission, we are continuing a 200-year tradition of standing against injustice, supporting people experiencing hardship and advocating meaningful gambling reform. 

 

On 25 October, at the conclusion of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we are inviting churches across Australia to unite in prayer for people affected by gambling harm, for their families and communities, and for reforms that put people before profits. 

 

Together, and by God's grace, we pray for healing, justice and lasting change. 

Ready to take a stand?

How to get involved

 
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Pray
Pray as a faith community on Sunday, 25 Oct
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Promote
Promote the event in your church bulletin or newsletter
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Stay connected
Connect with us and join our coalition for change 
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Our Points of Prayer

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I

 

For the spiritual power gambling holds over our nation and state to be broken, in Jesus’ name

 

 

VI

 

For a material reduction in poker machines numbers and venues across NSW

 

II

 

For those trapped in a gambling addiction be set free

 

 

VII

 

For the grassroots voice of the collective Church, community groups, the media and individuals to become so great that Governments are compelled to act

 

 

III

 

For federal and state governments to enact full bans of all gambling advertising on all media platforms

 

 

VIII

 

For Indigenous, migrant and socially disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by gambling harm

 

IV

 

For the implementation of a mandatory cashless gaming card for poker machines across NSW, with robust harm prevention measures built in 

 

 

IX

 

For those who provide gambling counselling and education services – that they would be strengthened and their work even more fruitful

 

 

V

 

For poker machines across NSW to be powered down between midnight and 10am.

 

 

X

 

For the protection of Australian children from grooming by the gambling industry.
Download the resource

Our Points of Prayer

 

 

 

For the spiritual power gambling holds over our nation and state to be broken, in Jesus’ name - for chains to be loosened and shackles to be broken 

 

 

 

For evidence-based reforms that reduce gambling harm and protect future generations. 

 

 

For people being preyed upon by harmful gambling products and practices to find freedom, healing and hope 

 

 

 

For counsellors, community workers, financial support services, church leaders and all who walk alongside people affected by gambling harm, that they would be sustained, encouraged and effective in their work 

 

 

 

For God's justice to move the hearts of decision-makers and bring lasting change for families and communities affected by gambling harm. 

 

 

 

For Indigenous, migrant and socially disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by gambling harm 

 

 

For a future where community connection, sport and entertainment are not dependent on gambling losses.  

 

 

 

 

For the grassroots voice of the collective church, community groups, the media and individuals to become so great that governments are compelled to act in implementing urgent needed reforms 

 

 

 

 

For meaningful reform of poker machines in NSW, including stronger safeguards that prevent harm before it occurs 

 

 

 

 

For Australian children and vulnerable community members to be protected from the normalisation and targeting of the gambling industry. 

 
Download church toolkit, including prayer points

The case for change

$ 36 B
$ 36 B
Lost to gambling in 2025-2026
$ 4.75 B
$ 4.75 B
Lost through poker machines in 6-months in NSW
$ 26 M
$ 26 M

Daily losses in NSW 

$ 1 M+
$ 1 M+
Lost per hour in NSW
Read the latest NSW Poker Machine Loss Data report

Will your church join the day of Prayer?

Free, confidential support for people experiencing gambling harm is available 24/7 by calling the GambleAware helpline 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online. In crisis? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or crisis chat online.