Local Government Set To Back New Sydney 'Pokies Free' Campaign

The inaugural Proudly Pokies Free event took place late last month in Sydney and the campaign has already gained one mighty ally in the City of Sydney who have signed on to help fight for the reduction of poker machines across Australia.

Despite accounting for only 0.3% of the world's population, Australia has 20% of the world's poker machines; a figure Lord Mayor Clover Moore says needs to be cut down. 

"It is incredibly sad that an estimated 300,000 people are addicted to poker machine gambling in Australia, with seven additional people affected for every one problem gambler," Moore said.

"Sydney’s nightlife has long suffered at the hands of poker machines – the past three decades has seen entertainment rooms in hotels being converted into gaming rooms, with lost opportunities for live music, pub theatre and cabaret.

"People would once go to the pub to socialise, but many now find themselves glued to these machines that are capable of draining thousands of dollars from players in a matter of minutes.

"The City works hard to support local businesses and encourage a lively and engaging creative culture everyone can enjoy. The Proudly Pokies Free campaign complements our OPEN Sydney Strategy in that it is seeking to promote a safe, inclusive and diverse night time economy."

A number of popular venues across Sydney have also signed on for the cause including Oxford Art Factory, Young Henry's and The Unicorn, among others. 

"The World Bar in Kings Cross decided to get rid of their 15 poker machines more than five years ago after noticing some of their regulars becoming hooked," Moore continued.

"They are one of 150 venues in the City of Sydney area that don’t have poker machines. We want that number to continue to rise."

The Proudly Pokies Free campaign will be back in action next week when they screen a documentary on the poker machine industry at The Unicorn. 

For more details, check out the official Facebook page.