New South Wales government delays response to gambler’s plea over poker machine addiction

In mid‑2024 a man from Randwick wrote to the Australian prime minister describing how tens of thousands of dollars spent on poker machines left him unable to pay tuition and strained his marriage. He blamed the prevalence of "pokies" in New South Wales, saying they are "dangerous and programs put in place by the NSW government do not work."

The complaint was forwarded to NSW Premier Chris Minns and then to Gaming Minister David Harris. More than 11 public servants spent twelve weeks drafting a reply, repeatedly editing wording and omitting references to money‑laundering and self‑exclusion. The response, finally sent on 23 September, expressed sympathy, offered further inquiries and provided details of a free counselling service. Meanwhile, NSW’s gambling reforms have not reduced the number of machines; budget papers project poker‑machine tax revenue to rise to $2.2 billion by 2029‑30, and self‑exclusion remains ineffective as venues continue to admit excluded patrons.