Summary
- The NSW Premier has dismissed hopes that Crown Sydney might influence lawmakers' views on poker machines.
- The property has been working to influence MPs to expand its offerings, adding poker machines to its high-roller and table games portfolio.
- Worries about the harm and addiction associated with gambling have caused the current government to strongly oppose any such action.
Crown Sydney, a major player in the gambling industry with plans to expand its offerings, will not be permitted to have poker machines, known as slot machines elsewhere, on its gaming floors in New South Wales.
NSW does not intend to break with a 10-year-old precedent
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the decision last Friday, emphasizing that Crown Sydney will not introduce slot machines any time soon. He cited concerns about community harm, increased gambling-related issues, and the impact on the broader industry. Importantly, the original agreement prohibited the property from hosting poker machines in the foreseeable future. Minns stated that his government would honor the decade-long precedent, restricting the Barangaroo casino to only offering table games. Though table games were introduced in 2022, a year later than planned due to regulatory issues faced by Crown Resorts, the situation eventually led to its acquisition by the investment firm Blackrock. While Minns' administration does not plan to amend legislation to change the current regulations, there remains a possibility that another MP could propose a law permitting Crown Resorts to introduce slot machines. However, such efforts could be hindered by recent reports of the company's attempts to lobby MPs for a decision that would allow slot machines. This legislative measure has been in place in the state for over ten years, Minns stated. Crown Resorts may be seeking to add poker machines due to the challenges it faces, including a decline in tourist numbers and licensing issues, which have obstructed its original vision of a high-roller casino experience. A 2021 public inquiry revealed anti-money laundering and compliance breaches by the company, further complicating the project's success. This occurs during a period of heightened public skepticism towards gambling.
Gambling harm is a huge part of the conversation in NSW
The NSW Auditor-General has released a report criticizing the government for its inadequate enforcement of poker machine harm-reduction measures. This lack of action suggests that any politician attempting to change the current situation might appear to be favoring the industry. Despite this, NSW is progressing with reforms, such as reducing cash limits on gaming floors from AUD$5,000 to AUD$1,000. Amid growing concerns that poker machines are contributing to a gambling addiction crisis in New South Wales and nationwide, approving Crown Sydney's plans to expand gaming activities seems highly unlikely.
