Newcastle councillors back campaign for stricter gambling laws

Newcastle councillors have voted to support the Wesley Mission campaign, ‘Put Pokies in Their Place’, which advocates for stricter gambling regulations. The move follows reports that residents in the area lost $52 million to poker machines during the first quarter of 2026.

The campaign calls on the New South Wales government to implement five evidence-based reforms: mandatory cashless gaming cards, a nightly shutdown period, a statewide self-exclusion register, increased transparency regarding gambling data, and community input on the placement of machines.

While the motion passed with most councillors in favor, some members raised concerns regarding the council's jurisdiction. Independent and Liberal councillors questioned whether the local government has the authority to influence businesses operating on Crown land. Additionally, Labor councillors argued that local social inclusion grants should remain focused on community benefits rather than being used to address state-level regulatory issues.