After Wagga Wagga residents lost $18 million on poker machines in the first three months of 2026 and remain on track to lose more than $72 million by years end, Wagga Wagga City Council has backed a Notice of Motion from Cr Jenny McKinnon, calling for stronger poker machine reform.
The decision builds on growing momentum for gambling reform following the recent NSW Labor State Conference, where delegates voted to support stronger action to reduce gambling harm.
The Council motion recognises gambling harm as a major public health issue and calls on the NSW Government to continue progressing evidence-based reforms, including mandatory cashless gaming with effective harm reduction measures, reduced operating hours, stronger self-exclusion programs, greater transparency of gambling losses and increased investment in gambling counselling and support services.
It also calls on Council to write to the Premier, the Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Member for Wagga Wagga urging the NSW Government to strengthen action to reduce gambling harm.
Cr Jenny McKinnon, says Wagga Wagga is sending a clear message that communities deserve stronger protection from gambling harm.
“The scale of poker machine losses in Wagga Wagga is simply too great to ignore. Almost $200,000 leaves our community every day through poker machines. That is money that could be helping families with the cost of living and supporting our local economy. This motion is about backing practical, evidence-based reforms that reduce harm while ensuring Wagga Wagga adds its voice to the growing movement for change across New South Wales.”
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron, welcomes Council’s decision, saying it reflects growing support for practical and proportionate reform across the state.
“Wagga Wagga City Council has sent a clear message that gambling losses on this scale are unacceptable. Almost $200,000 is flowing out of this community every day through poker machines, causing harm that reaches far beyond the individual.”
“Momentum for reform is building across New South Wales. Communities are calling for practical and proportionate reforms that reduce gambling harm. They are sending a clear message to decision-makers: put people first and put pokies in their place.”
