NSW Premier says no intention to allow poker machines at Crown Sydney
Summary
NSW Premier Chris Minns firmly stated that there will be no introduction of poker machines at Crown Sydney, amid speculations following talks between Crown and the Gaming Minister regarding an exemption to existing agreements. Currently, The Star Sydney holds a monopoly on poker machines for casinos in NSW.
The government has maintained its legislative stance for over a decade, and revoking this would require a new bill. Crown believes it is at a competitive disadvantage without slot machines, especially after the collapse of the VIP market.
Key Points
- Premier Minns has ruled out poker machines for Crown Sydney.
- Crown Sydney and The Star are the only casino operators in NSW with a significant disparity in machine access.
- The Star Entertainment Group has ongoing exclusivity to operate poker machines in return for a flat gaming tax rate.
- A recently released report by the NSW Auditor-General highlights ineffective regulation of gaming machines and harm minimisation efforts.
- Any changes to this regulation will take time to assess their impact.
Why should I read this?
If you’ve got a vested interest in the gaming landscape of NSW or just love keeping up with local news, this article gives you the lowdown on the Premier’s firm stance against poker machines at Crown Sydney. It’s a real eye-opener on how legislation impacts market competitiveness and the ongoing conversations surrounding gaming regulations.