New poker machine laws could mean an increase in their numbers, says NSW Greens MP and gambling spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon and describes the bill as an "opportunity lost".
The NSW Parliament on Tuesday introduced changes to the Gaming Machines Act 2001, which Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said would protect communities from problem gambling by reducing poker machine numbers.
The bill also would bring in "community protection measures", Mr Greene said, such as banning cash withdrawals on credit cards in gambling venues.
The Gaming Machines Amendment Bill 2008 had been developed through consultation with problem gambling counsellors, community groups, and industry participants, he said.
But Ms Rhiannon said the bill actually included "some sweeteners" for the gambling industry.
"The government is spinning these new laws as a win for problem gamblers, but they barely change the status quo," she said in a statement.
"Gambling venues in LGAs (local government areas) with low numbers of electronic gaming machines can now purchase up to 20 extra machines without a social impact assessment.
"The new laws are an opportunity lost.
"They should have set long-term targets to dramatically reduce the number of poker machines in NSW."
Ms Rhiannon said the new laws should have banned ATMs from gambling venues altogether rather than just banning credit card cash withdrawals, and should have given local councils a greater role in regulating gambling.
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