No new pokie machines will be introduced in Corowa after the NSW government classified the community as ‘high risk’.
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Corowa pubs and clubs are currently entitled to run 272 machines, split between two clubs and a hotel.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole announced a number of gaming reforms in an overhaul of the Local Impact Assessment scheme.
Under the reform hotels and clubs in Albury, a mid-risk area, looking to increase the number of gaming machines will have to demonstrate the extra machines will provide a positive contribution or overall positive impact for the community.
When purchasing machines from another hotel or club the assessment is not needed as the region’s total number remains the same.
Mr Toole said caps, like those now enforced in Corowa and Deniliquin were an appropriate response to concerns some areas have too many machines.
“Local community caps are part of a package of reforms that represent the most significant changes to gambling regulation in NSW for a decade,” he said.
“These changes will deliver more transparency, more community consultation and greater certainty for industry.”