Budget invests $10m to minimise gambling harm

The 2024-25 NSW Budget investment ensures access to information, treatment and support services for anyone impacted by gambling - regardless of where they live in NSW.

It will fund the work of GambleAware providers across 10 regions of NSW, and key services including the GambleAware Helpline and Gambling Help Online, which in 2022-23 collectively supported more than 25,000 people.

Funding for these critical services means people across the state can receive free and confidential support services, whether that’s face-to-face through regional support, or by phone or online.

The Office of Responsible Gambling also facilitates world-leading research, education and awareness campaigns. That includes “The Number that Changed My Life”, which encourages people from diverse communities to seek support, and the “Reclaim the Game” initiative, which is now supported by 18 teams in six sporting codes to reduce the amount of sports betting advertising.

The bolstered commitment builds on the government’s work to reduce gambling harm, including:

• slashing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new gaming machines
• reducing the statewide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3000
• banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming
• establishing the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform to oversee the comprehensive trial of cashless gaming in NSW and provide a roadmap for further reform
• banning external gaming-related signage from venues
• mandating Responsible Gambling Officers in venues with more than 20 machines from 1 July 2024.

The 2024-25 Budget continues the drive to reduce gambling harm and to encourage people to seek support when they need it.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure communities are safer and stronger.

A plan to build a better NSW.