The gambling industry in Australia thrives by targeting the most vulnerable in our communities.
Today, people are constantly bombarded with gambling ads online, while pokies are a fixture in almost every club across NSW.
This is no accident, it's a system designed for profit, regardless of the harm it causes.
Labor Governments at both the State and Federal level have a real opportunity to protect Australian families and reduce the damage caused by gambling.
NSW residents lost $2.3 billion on poker machines in the second quarter of 2025.
We are a broad coalition of Labor members calling for urgent action to address gambling harm - action that has been delayed for far too long.
This group have come together from across the labour movement to fight for the vital changes that our communities want and need.
In 2023, the 'You Win Some, You Lose More' report, led by the late Peta Murphy MP, laid out a clear roadmap for reform.
Yet more than two years later, the Albanese Government has failed to act.
We are calling for the implementation of the recommendations in full, specifically Recommendation 26, a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling.
In NSW, gambling losses are dominated by pokies in pubs and clubs, turning over $95 billion including $11.7 billion in losses from working class communities.
Urgent action is needed to stem these losses, including an immediate reduction in the number of poker machines in the state with a phased five-year reduction to remove 25,000 machines and bring NSW in line with other states.
If you're ready to join the fight for a safer future, sign up to our mailing list today.
Our organising committee:
Mark Morey, Secretary Unions NSW
Caitlin Marlor, President NSW Young Labor
Denise McHugh, ALP member, Independent Education Union Deputy President and Chair of the NSW ALP Education and Skills Committee
Joanna Woods, teacher and community activist
Harry Woods former publican, bookmaker and Government Minister
Sam Priebee, Labor and community activist