NSW pokie numbers have continued to rise despite the state government pledging to cut down on the machines, which cost gamblers billions of dollars each year.
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There were 87,545 poker machines in the state's pubs and clubs at the end of 2023, up 895 machines on the tally at the same point the previous year.
Gembling losses for the year hit a record $8.1 billion, the equivalent to about $1000 for every person in NSW.
Wesley Mission compiled the figures from official government data and said the continuing billion-dollar losses from the machines showed the need for urgent action.
The Minns Labor government, which was elected in March 2023, has pledged to cut poker machine numbers and has begun a promised trial of cashless gaming in a bid to reduce gambling harm.
A ban on political donations from clubs and a reduction in maximum cash inputs from $5000 to $500 have also been implemented.
NSW has among the highest per-capita concentrations of poker machines of any jurisdiction in the world.
Wesley Mission chief executive Stu Cameron said there were a number of solutions that could be implemented immediately to reduce harm.
"The government's own research shows the increased danger of harm occurring to people gambling after midnight," he said.
"We urge the government to act now on powering down poker machines between midnight and 10am."
Mr Cameron said similar strategies had been proven to work, citing the example of the removal of advertising for poker machines in mid-2023.
"Our (survey) revealed that 25 per cent of people who gamble on poker machines at least once a month said they were less likely to gamble following the removal of VIP lounge signage," he said.
The analysis also shows that some of the state's most disadvantaged areas continue to suffer the biggest gambling losses.
The Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Cumberland council areas in Sydney were all among the top regions for poker machine profits.
A spokesman for Liquor & Gaming NSW said the state government was committed to gambling reform, including reducing harm and stopping criminal activity associated with poker machines.
"(We are) conducting a review of existing gaming machine shutdown hours, including variations and exemptions, for hotels and clubs to ensure that they remain valid and appropriate," he said in a statement.
Changes already implemented include lowering the state's cap on poker machine entitlements for pubs and clubs by more than 3000, which would limit numbers to units already in circulation, the spokesman said.
Australian Associated Press
