Anzac Day retail ban: NSW MP Alex Greenwich wants pokie machines banned on April 25

Pokie machines could soon be shut down on Anzac Day if an independent MP has his way.

Alex Greenwich has drafted an amendment to add gaming rooms to NSW Premier Chris Minns’ proposed April 25 retail ban.

The proposal would add pokie rooms in casinos, pubs and clubs to the list of venues which would be closed on Anzac Day. 

‘I strongly support the government’s bill to extend the closure of shops and other businesses on Anzac Day,’ the Sydney MP wrote. 

‘Out of respect to this sacred day, the same should apply to the gaming rooms that take billions of dollars from NSW families every year.’

But his proposal looks to be destined for failure as neither the government or Coalition have pledged to support it.

The opposition frontbench formally opposed the notion by vote in a shadow cabinet meeting on Monday.

An unnamed member of the shadow cabinet dismissed the proposal as another way to ‘politicise’ the day, The Daily Telegraph reported

The proposal would add pokies rooms in casinos, pubs and clubs to the list of venues which would be closed on the day. Pictured are Aussies at this year’s Anzac Day march in Sydney

Mr Greenwich ruled out extending his proposed ban to the popular Anzac day tradition of two-up on the only day of the year it can be legally played.

‘Two-up is a social tradition that everyone loves, it’s very different to sitting alone on a machine designed to be addictive take your money,’ he continued.

‘Surely on a day as important as Anzac Day, we can give the harm caused by pokies a break.’

Despite this exemption, the member of the shadow cabinet still found it ‘laughable’ that Mr Greenwich would tackle ‘the issue of poker machines’. 

Another shadow cabinet source told the publication that the Opposition supports taking action on problem gambling but claimed that Mr Greenwich’s proposal would only stall a proposed bipartisan retail trade ban for April 25.  

Alex Greenwich wants Premier Minns’ proposed retail ban on Anzac Day extended to gaming rooms (pictured)

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak called the proposal ‘unpatriotic’ and suggested it could snowball and lead to the closure of pubs and clubs. 

Mr Minns’ proposed retail ban will try to ban retail trading until midnight on Anzac Day and a bill to introduce the new rules is currently before parliament.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Greenwich for comment.