Media Release 15 August 2025
Survey confirms bold gambling reform has overwhelming public support. When will the government act?
Wesley Mission is calling time on government inaction, as its fifth consecutive Community Attitudes to Gambling Survey confirms what the public has been saying for years: bold gambling reforms work and they want more of them.
Yet despite several years of strikingly similar results, the NSW government seemingly remains reluctant to deliver the meaningful change voters overwhelmingly support.
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron says, “How loud does the voice of the public need to be for the government to get the message? An overwhelming majority of the electorate are demanding real reform of the gambling industry.”
The latest 2025 poll conducted by Compass Polling of NSW residents confirms entrenched public support:
• Two thirds of respondents support a mandatory cashless card with fixed limits for poker machines
• 78% support a shutdown of poker machines between midnight and 10am
• 65% do not trust the NSW Government to stand up to the gambling industry
• 50% support a full ban on sports betting advertisements across all platforms
The majority support extends across the political divide and is strongest outside Sydney
Cameron says, “Two out of three people back mandatory cashless gambling. They are telling the NSW government loud and clear what they want and are are expecting.
“Similarly with ad bans: Half the state says to the Federal Government: ban the gambling ads. If we can do it for cigarettes, we can do it for betting.”
For five surveys in a row, the story remains the same: people want stronger protections from gambling harm, including poker machine shutdown periods and advertising bans. Yet reform inertia continues at federal and state levels, lagging far behind public sentiment.
Cameron says it is about protecting people, not profits and the only ones fighting this are the venues making the profits. The community knows what works and it is time for leaders to catch up.
“If consistent polling showing overwhelming support for reform is not enough for meaningful change, what is?” Rev Cameron asks. “Unchecked gambling harm in NSW has created a public health crisis and must be addressed with the urgency it deserves.”
ENDS
Interview: Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron is available for interview
Media contact: Anne Holt 0418 628 342 or [email protected]
Wesley Mission is a community services organisation that supports more than 150,000 people annually and advocates against systemic inequity so everyone can thrive. We are also a church, where spiritual growth, connection and hope are available to all.
Together, we pursue a singular vision of doing all the good we can.
