Government pokies sign-ban not enough to protect NSW

Independent member for Murray Helen Dalton has labelled the Minns’ government’s proposed ban on signage around poker machine venues as “a very, very small step forward.”

Ms Dalton says a cashless gaming card must be introduced immediately so that NSW can begin to tackle the state’s shocking levels of poker machine addiction.

“Poker machines are designed to addict. We need to focus on the machines, not just the signs that tell you about the machines, Ms Dalton said.

“Obviously the use of terms like VIP Lounge is just pokie advertising by stealth.”

“I will support the government’s ban on this kind of signage, but it is a very, very small step and can’t distract us from the real issue.”

Helen Dalton MP has been a long-standing outspoken critic of the poker machine industry and was subject to a public smear campaign run by Clubs NSW during the recent state election.

The Clubs NSW campaign failed and Helen was re-elected with an increased majority.

“A cashless gaming card is long-overdue in NSW,” Ms Dalton said. “That is the kind of reform that will actually help save lives and reduce addiction rates”.

“The government mustn’t waste time fiddling at the edges. We know the addictive machines are the problem. It’s a dangerous product and people need to be protected from it. The cashless card will do that.”

Helen has joined forces with other cross-bench MP’s who have vowed to make the introduction of a cashless gaming card a priority in this government’s current term in office.

“While this ban on signage is a step in the right direction, it’s only a baby step, and no-one wants to be governed by babies.”

“I’m confident this government is better than that and we will see real reforms, very soon.”