When discussing a controversial issue like gambling, it is likely that things will get heated. However, MPs are held to a different standard than the average person is. So it comes as no surprise that Chris Sidoti, chairman of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority of NSW (ILGA), has come under fire for his anti-pokie statement.

The statement in question was made in November 2013, when Mr Sidoti voiced his strong and negative opinions about gaming. He was quoted as saying: “I hate gambling and I despise poker machines”. His admission quickly spread around the club and casino market. The statement was viewed as a conflict of interest, as Mr Sidoti’s organisation is the sole body responsible for regulating gaming and clubs and casinos in the state.

Now, he is being openly criticised for the statement, as O’Hara Group feels that the ILGA rejected its application for new pokies due to Mr. Sidhoti’s stance on gambling. As such, the group has appealed the decision and taken the issue to the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justice David Davies weighed in on the issue and he has sided with the ILGA.

According to Smart Licensee, he stated that Mr Sidhoti’s opinion on gambling did not necessarily establish a bias or cause him to prejudge O’Hara Group’s pokie application. “Members of a decision-making body… should probably never publicly disclose personal opinions that they might hold about matters that relate to the office they hold or the function they perform,” Justice Davies said.

The judge rejected the group’s appeal. The ILGA, which is made of up five members, rejected the application because they determined that the new games would not benefit or have a particularly positive effect on the community. He stated that Mr Sidoti put his own opinions aside during the application process, and ruled that the rejection should stand.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.