Economic Exploitation, Ineffective Regulations, and a Misguided Trial: Future Directions for Gambling Reform in New South Wales

Electronic gaming machines (‘EGMs’) proliferate in disadvantaged areas of New South Wales (‘NSW’), leading to unacceptable levels of harm. Achieving meaningful reform is hampered by both government and industry prioritising their own financial interests at the expense of vulnerable people. Drawing on the recent state trial into cashless gaming, this article investigates the shortfalls of NSW’s current regulatory framework and considers what reforms are needed to better protect communities from gambling harm. Through a critical analysis of the Gaming Machines Act 2001 (NSW), we argue that current EGM regulations are inadequate and that the cashless gaming trial was misguided. We suggest pragmatic reforms are needed, adapting innovations pursued in other jurisdictions. Reforms recommended include a state-wide mandatory digital pre-commitment system, a statewide self-exclusion register, increased accessibility limits, community opt-out schemes, and adaptations of communitycontrolled income management from Cape York. Some combination of these reforms may improve outcomes for struggling communities.