New developments in New South Wales gambling regulation have brought reform forward, amid intense scrutiny from industry experts and public health advocates. In June 2025, the NSW government introduced a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising across public transport assets, aiming to reduce impulse plays and public exposure. This work continues with further policy efforts under the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA), including regulations on cashless gaming trials, self-exclusion enrollment, and compliance with harm-mitigation measures in licensed venues.
Despite reforms, a government audit revealed that NSW regulators have failed to reduce gambling harm. Poker machine losses reached $8.4 billion by 2023–24, with an increase in machines continuing despite public health measures. Critics describe the current system as “broken,” with inadequate benchmarks to monitor harm reduction—especially in vulnerable communities.
In parallel, major operators such as Tabcorp are ramping up inducement offers—happy hours, in-play betting trials at pubs and clubs—to capture more market share, a move some argue is enabled by regulatory inertia. This shift has drawn industry watchdogs’ scrutiny and calls for the implementation of the full 31 recommendations from the 2023 Murphy Review.
NSW Government Bows to Gambling Industry Pressure, Abandons Poker Machine Reduction Plan
On the positive side, the ILGA’s agenda for early 2025 highlights strong enforcement priorities, covering advertising compliance, funding models for responsible gambling, and improved oversight of venues. These changes position NSW at a crossroads: while progressive on paper, enforcement gaps and industry resistance remain. The next six months will determine whether regulatory intentions translate into stronger protections or more subtle forms of industry expansion.
