In the wake of a significant crime commission report, Labor was elected in 2023 with a commitment to buy back 9,500 poker machines over five years, aiming to address gambling issues in New South Wales.

However, the Minns government has now abandoned this pre-election promise, including the buyback of 2,000 machines, which advocates against gambling harm view as a betrayal.

During a recent budget estimates hearing, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced this decision, citing advice from an expert panel that deemed the buyback unwise due to its fiscal implications.

Gaming Minister David Harris further explained that spending $60 million to remove machines would not significantly impact gambling issues and could detract from harm minimization efforts.

The expert panel's report raised questions about the effectiveness of reducing the number of machines as a strategy for harm reduction, noting that other jurisdictions with fewer machines still experience high levels of gambling harm.

Despite understanding the rationale behind dropping the buyback, concerns persist that the government is not adequately addressing the role of cash in gambling, a significant factor for problem gamblers.

Advocates for reform emphasize the need for a cashless gaming card system as a crucial step in changing gambling practices in NSW.

Gambling reform advocate Tim Costello criticized the government's decision, suggesting it represents capitulation to the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs NSW.

Opposition gaming spokesman Kevin Anderson condemned the government for breaking promises and questioned the credibility of Labor's evidence-based approach to gambling reform.

The Coalition opposition has criticized Labor's decision, with MP Chris Rath accusing the government of lacking genuine commitment to gambling reform.

An independent report titled 'Roadmap for Gaming Reform' advised against the buyback, estimating it would cost $60 million and have a negligible effect on gambling harm.

The decision to abandon the buyback and the reduction of poker machines reflects a broader debate on how best to address gambling-related issues in a state with the highest number of poker machines in Australia.