smh.com.au
NSW Rejects Crown Casino's Poker Machine Request
NSW Premier Chris Minns rejected Crown Resorts' request to operate poker machines at its Sydney casino, upholding a decade-long state legislative restriction, despite Crown's proposal to introduce 500 cashless machines and remove 500 cash machines elsewhere in NSW. This decision comes amidst a damning audit showing it will take 55 years to reach the national average of poker machines.
- What is Crown Resorts' proposal for introducing poker machines, and what evidence supports or refutes the proposal's effectiveness?
- This decision follows Crown Resorts' lobbying efforts and a proposal to install 500 cashless poker machines in Sydney, offsetting 500 cash machines elsewhere. The proposal, based on a Victorian model, aimed to demonstrate cashless technology's effectiveness despite a failed NSW government trial. The rejection highlights the NSW government's commitment to the existing restrictions.
- What is the NSW government's response to Crown Resorts' request to introduce poker machines at its Sydney casino, and what are the immediate implications?
- Premier Chris Minns has rejected Crown Resorts' request to operate poker machines at its Sydney casino, stating that the government will not amend the casino's operating license. This decision upholds a decade-long state legislative restriction. Crown Resorts had proposed installing 500 cashless poker machines, arguing it would reduce gambling harm, but this was rejected.
- Considering the damning audit of NSW gambling regulations, what are the long-term implications of the government's decision, and what alternative strategies might be considered?
- The NSW government's refusal underscores its current stance on gambling harm reduction, despite a damning audit revealing it would take 55 years to reach the national average of poker machines at the current reduction rate. The rejection also points to the limitations of cashless technology as a solution, given the failed NSW trial and the insufficient budget allocated to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority ($4.9 million annually).
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction emphasize the Premier's rejection of Crown's proposal, framing it as a clear-cut victory against gambling expansion. The inclusion of the failed cashless gambling trial and the damning audit serves to further reinforce this narrative. The article's structure prioritizes the government's response over potential arguments in favor of Crown's proposal or the potential benefits of cashless technology.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, however, phrases such as "damning audit" and "failed trial" carry negative connotations and contribute to the negative framing of Crown's proposal and the government's regulatory approach.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Premier's stance and Crown's lobbying efforts, but omits perspectives from anti-gambling advocates or experts on the social impact of poker machines. The lack of discussion on the potential benefits of cashless technology beyond Crown's claims is also a notable omission. The economic benefits generated by poker machines are presented without counterarguments about the social costs.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as either allowing Crown to have poker machines or maintaining the current ban. It overlooks the possibility of alternative solutions or compromises, such as stricter regulations on existing machines or a more limited trial of cashless technology.
Sustainable Development Goals
By refusing to allow Crown Resorts to install poker machines in its Sydney casino, the NSW government demonstrates a commitment to mitigating gambling harm and reducing social inequalities associated with problem gambling. This aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by aiming to reduce economic disparities and protect vulnerable populations from the negative impacts of excessive gambling. The decision also highlights the need for stronger regulation and harm-minimisation strategies in the gambling sector. The audit revealing it would take 55 years to reach the national average of poker machines further reinforces this issue and the government's inaction.