The National Party in New South Wales (NSW) has unanimously opposed the proposed introduction of prepaid gambling cards in a move that could set up the potential for a major raft within the Coalition government in the state.
Earlier in February, John Barilaro, deputy premier and leader of the NSW National Party, shared he was against the proposal that would see the introduction of discussed prepaid gambling cards introduced for so-called poker machines offered by local clubs and pubs.
According to analysts, the recently-announced report of Commissioner Patricia Bergin into Crown Resorts’ operations, has given the proposal fresh impulse after Ms Bergin has described the cards as a powerful mechanism that would help the authorities deal with ongoing money-laundering in the state. The proposal, which would require poker machine players to register and preload some money on a card that is regulated by the Government, was first revealed in October 2020 by Victor Dominello, a customer services minister.
The idea, which seeks to minimise the negative effect that compulsive gambling has on local players, has also been supported by the long-time anti-gambling advocate Andrew Wilkie MP. According to Mr Wilkie, the implementation of the prepaid card is likely to result in a considerable reduction in money laundering and could also help the local Government in its efforts to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling in NSW.
Adoption of Prepaid Gambling Cards Would Seriously Affect Pubs and Clubs Offering Poker Machines
So far, the NSW Government’s idea has received the support of the Greens, the Animal Justice Party, One Nation and several other parties. Surprisingly, its junior Coalition partner, the National Party, has expressed disagreement with the prepaid cards proposal and its opposition to the idea could lead to more serious resistance.
Days ago, the leader of the NSW National Party explained that the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic already hit local pubs and clubs offering electronic gambling machines and there was no need for further restrictions. John Barilaro further noted that the pubs and clubs were extremely important for the communities and have also suffered from the Covid-19 restrictions and the economic difficulties that came along. According to him, it is now time to support the sector, not burden it with additional restrictions.
Now, the opposition to the Government’s idea has escalated. The National Party unanimously voted to oppose the introduction of prepaid gambling cards. Reportedly, the Government’s junior coalition partner would seek the renewal of a memorandum of understanding that was previously signed between the ClubsNSW and the Government.
Apart from the Nationals’ opposition, the Labor Party is also having concerns with the proposed implementation of the prepaid gambling card. The members of the Labor Party are expected to formally adopt a position on the proposed Government’s policy but their opinions are currently split on the matter.
- Author
Daniel Williams
