The New South Wales (NSW) government has ruled out any possibility of allowing poker machines at Crown Sydney, reinforcing its strong stance on gaming regulation.
The decision reflects concerns that expanding access to high-risk gaming devices in one of the state’s most high-profile venues could exacerbate gaming harm and undermine broader industry safeguards.
NSW Government Vs. Crown Resorts
Despite Crown Resorts’ active lobbying to lift the long-standing legal ban on the slot machines/poker machines, Premier Chris Minns has made it clear the government will not back any legislation allowing poker machines at the Barangaroo casino.
The restriction, which has been in place for over a decade, was a key condition for Crown’s development on public land and has remained a consistent point of political and public scrutiny.
Minns said, “This is a legislative imposition that’s been in place for over a decade. It would require a government bill to knock over that restriction, and I’m not going to do it.” Showcasing his stance on the issue.
Efforts to sway parliament have stalled, with no MPs willing to Introduce legislation to lift the ban on poker machines. This leaves Crown with no immediate path to access the lucrative poker machine market at its Sydney site.
A Casino Built Without Pokies by Design
Crown Resorts’ Barangaroo complex was originally envisioned as an exclusive, high-roller destination offering table games only. However, the operator’s reputation was badly damaged by a 2021 public inquiry, which found crown unfit to hold a casino licence due to significant anti-money-laundering and compliance failures. The company underwent a three-year remediation process before being allowed to resume operations under strict oversight.
Consumer Safety and Regulatory Reform Take Priority
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who represents inner Sydney, praised the government’s decision, calling it a necessary stand for public trust and consumer safety. He referenced a critical report from the NSW Auditor-General that found regulatory enforcement around poker machine harm reduction lacking.
The decision aligns with a broader reform agenda in NSW aimed at curbing gaming-related harm. New measures under consideration include lowering the cash limit gamers can bring into a casino from AUD 5,000 to AUD 1,000, along with enhanced anti-money-laundering checks and enforcement efforts. In 2024 alone, police shut down five illegal gaming operations across the state.
Revenue Sacrificed, but Pressure Remains
For Crown Resorts, the continued ban means missing out on a major source of revenue. In the 2023-2024 financial year, poker machine profits in NSW hit a record AUD 8.4 billion (~$5.44 billion). While the company may continue lobbying behind the scenes, the government’s current position makes any change to the law highly unlikely in the near term.
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Source – Gambling News
