Latest figures from NSW Liquor and Gaming for Q3 2025 show poker machine losses have soared to the highest level ever in NSW history, a devastating record for the NSW community. The data, published days after the NSW Government announced long-overdue cancellation of pokies venue shutdown exemptions, proves much more needs to be done.
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron, says the current real reform standstill in NSW virtually guarantees record poker machine losses will continue every quarter.
"Yet again NSW has smashed another poker machine loss record, with $2.45 billion drained from communities in just 92 days.
Losses surged 7.8% in just one quarter and 8.8% compared with the same three-month period last year, making Q3 2025 (July-September) the single worst quarter on record for poker machine losses in NSW.
The new data shows the worst-affected communities are again in Sydney's west and southwest, with losses concentrated in areas already grappling with financial stress, disadvantage and housing pressure. Top metro LGAs for Q3 2025 losses: • Canterbury-Bankstown – $202.7 million • Fairfield – $187.7 million • Cumberland – $140.4 million • Blacktown – $110.5 million • Sydney – $109.3 million Some of these communities have far fewer machines than others and still record among the highest losses per day, showing extraordinarily intensive use of machines. Regional NSW was hit just as hard, with the Central Coast recording its highest-ever losses, surpassing $1million a day for the first time. Wesley Mission estimates that based on Q3 results, the combined LGA cluster of Berrigan, Edward River, Federation, Hay and Murray River recorded an astonishing $3,399 in annualised losses per person, including children.
Rev Cameron said the data again proves that the current pace of reform is nowhere near enough and statewide losses are now disastrously entrenched at crisis levels
Q3 2025 losses: • Daily losses: $26.6 million • Hourly losses: $1.11 million • Total machines statewide: 87,839 Rev Cameron says these numbers should shake every politician.
"With NSW breaking gambling loss records every quarter, it is time for real political courage. The evidence is crystal clear: shutting poker machines down for longer saves lives, protects families, and reduces harm. Whilst the government has taken some positive steps, this data shows that it is not enough. As matter of urgency, every Member of Parliament should support Gaming Machines Amendment (Mandatory Shutdown Period) Bill 2025. This is a moment to stand with the community, not the gambling industry."
"Reform advocates, public health researchers and courageous lived experience advocates have all pleaded with the government to enact reforms that will arrest the public health catastrophe impacting every postcode and community in our state. And still record losses continue quarter after quarter.
"If the NSW Government does not act with the urgency this crisis demands , it is choosing to maintain the status quo – a status quo that is costing this state many billions more than the tax it earns on pokies profits and which is hurting the people who can least afford it, especially those in the Labor heartland."
