NSW poker machine profits surge despite COVID-19 lockdown, NSW Government data reveals

Profits from poker machine gambling in NSW clubs surged despite the COVID-19 pandemic, State Government data obtained by the ABC has revealed.

Gamblers across the state lost $2.17 billion to poker machines in clubs from June to November 2020, up 7 per cent on the same period in 2019.

Punters in Western Sydney lost the most cash — in the Fairfield local government area (LGA), profits surged to $197 million, while in Canterbury-Bankstown they hit $187 million.

In Blacktown, pokie profits were up 16 per cent to $96…