NSW to Fund Additional $100 Million for Problem Gambling

The state of New South Wales in Australia has revealed that it will be providing $100 million AUD of additional funding to help reduce gambling-related harms across the state.

The funds will be allocated to different projects across the state that have the goal of reducing gambling harm and will be funded by the huge $100 million AUD fine that was issued to operator Star Entertainment Group in 2022. $10 million will go to the Responsible Gambling Fund for the next year, $6.4 million will be going toward self-exclusion system improvements, and $3.4 million will fund a panel to oversee gambling reform in the state. $21.7 million will be spent each year to also fund other gambling-harm reducing programmes in the state.

In a statement the NSW government said, "This government has a clear focus and is committed to evidence-based reform. We know that when gambling becomes a problem, it is harmful to the person and the people around them, negatively impacting relationships, work life, finances and physical and mental wellbeing.

"This first Minns Labor budget delivers on our election commitment to deliver responsible gaming reform that prevents harm and prioritises support for those affected by gambling harm."

Recently, the NSW government has implemented a new limit on cash insertion at pokie machines, dropping the limit to $500 from $5,000, while also cutting the number of machine entitlements in the state by over 3,000. Advertising changes have also been implemented.