Key points:
- The ban applies to ads on buses, trains, ferries and state-owned station infrastructure
- Privately managed assets near transport hubs will be encouraged to adopt the same measures
- Broader reforms, including cashless pokies systems, remain under consideration
The NSW Government has unveiled plans to remove gambling advertisements from its public transport network, marking a step towards reducing the visibility of gambling promotions in the state.
The ban, which mirrors similar measures implemented in Victoria in 2017, will apply to trains, buses, ferries and state-owned station infrastructure. Managers of privately owned assets near transport hubs will also be encouraged to comply voluntarily.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said: “Parents are rightly worried about the impact it has on their kids, so it's not something that needs to be on our transport network."
This announcement follows mounting pressure on the NSW government to implement broader reforms in the gambling sector.
Gaming Minister David Harris stated: "We have a culture in NSW that has built up over decades, it is not something that will change overnight."
Good to know: A report by the NSW Crime Commission previously identified pokies as a tool for money laundering and recommended the introduction of a cashless gaming system by 2028
The ban on gambling ads also comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny during the holiday season. In December 2024, Liquor & Gaming NSW launched a compliance operation to prevent underage gambling in casinos, enforcing ID checks and imposing penalties for breaches.
As Australians continue to experience the highest per-capita gambling losses globally, estimated at AU$25bn ($15.6bn) annually, the NSW government’s move is seen as a step forward, though critics argue it must be accompanied by systemic reforms to address deeper issues in the industry.
