City of Sydney council fights for more authority over gambling machines

A CBD council where punters squandered $110m in three months is fighting to improve gambling machine regulations in a fresh bid to reduce harm in the community – and has taken aim at the state government.

City of Sydney council wants more authority to regulate gambling machines.

Sydney City Council is fighting to improve gambling machine regulations in a fresh bid to reduce harm in the community.

There were 3671 gaming machines in the council area as of December. Those who gambled in the local government area lost more than $110m between September and December.

At the council meeting this week, independent councillor Adam Worling said gambling could become a “hideous addiction” and vulnerable community members would continue to be taken advantage of without further restrictions on gambling machines.

“It’s time for the state government to look for another source of revenue,” he said.

Greens councillor Matthew Thompson said the “machines were monsters” which ruined lives and tore apart families and communities.

Mr Thompson labelled gambling machines ‘monsters’.

“Both of the major parties have fundamentally failed to tackle this again and again,” he said.

Greens councillor Sylvie Ellsmore acknowledged there was shame associated with gambling addiction and those who were struggling could find it difficult to seek treatment.

Ms Ellsmore said those with gambling addictions struggled to get help.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she previously opposed the introduction of pokie machines in local hotels and thought it was “a terrible move” that made gambling more accessible and “easily tempting” for visitors.

“We have more gambling and more casinos than any other place in the world. It’s a shameful situation and we need to restrict it as much as we can or minimise the harm it’s causing,” she said.

The council agreed to contact the Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris and Planning Minister Paul Scully to establish greater authority to regulate gambling machines.

Ms Moore will request greater planning authority to assess the number, location, operating hours, lights and noise of gaming machines and take further action to reduce gambling harm, including investigating the introduction of gaming room hours.

NSW Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris. Picture: Christian Gilles

Mr Harris‘ spokesman said gaming machines were regulated under the Gaming Machines Act to ensure there was a consistent approach to managing risks of gambling harm across the state.

“We are working with all stakeholders in continuing to deliver gambling reforms that reduce harm, stop money laundering, protect people’s privacy and support local communities and jobs,” the spokesman said.

The council will need to contact the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to inquire about the number of gaming machines or their operating hours, the spokesman said.

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