Surging pokies revenue proves NSW Labor has failed to reduce gambling harm as promised, advocates say
Advocates in New South Wales are criticizing the state government for failing to curb gambling harm, as budget forecasts show poker machine tax revenue is expected to rise significantly by 2030. Despite promises of reform, the government's reliance on gambling tax revenue appears to be increasing.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between government revenue needs and public health concerns regarding gambling addiction.
Annual gambling tax revenue will rise to $4.9bn by 2030, the NSW state budget forecast. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Annual gambling tax revenue will rise to $4.9bn by 2030, the NSW state budget forecast. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian New South Wales politics Surging pokies revenue proves NSW Labor has failed to reduce gambling harm as promised, advocates say State budget suggests Minns government is addicted to pokies revenue, with tax take predicted to jump from $1.6bn to $2.2bn annually within four years
The framing focuses on the 'betrayal' of promises and the failure of the government to address social harm, which is a common critique in progressive-leaning outlets.
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