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

If it were up to an independent MP, slot machines could soon be shut down on Anzac Day.

Alex Greenwich has drafted an amendment to add gambling to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ proposed shopping ban on April 25.

The proposal would add Casino gaming arcades, pubs and clubs are among the locations that would be closed on Anzac Day.

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

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

But his proposal seems doomed to failure, as neither the government nor the coalition has pledged its support.

The opposition party formally opposed the proposal during a shadow cabinet vote on Monday.

An unnamed member of the shadow cabinet dismissed the proposal as a new way to ‘politicize the day, The Daily Telegraph reported

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

Mr Greenwich has ruled out his proposed ban applying 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 from sitting alone behind a machine that is designed to be addictive and take your money,” he continued.

‘On an important day like Anzac Day, we can surely leave the damage caused by slot machines alone for a while.’

Despite this exception, the shadow cabinet member still found it “laughable” that Mr Greenwich would tackle “the slot machine issue”.

Another source from the shadow cabinet told the publication that the opposition supports the cabinet take action against problem gambling, but claimed that Mr Greenwich’s proposal would only block a proposed bipartisan retail ban on April 25.

Alex Greenwich wants Premier Minns’ proposed Anzac Day shopping ban to be extended to arcades (pictured)

Robert Borsak, MP for Riflemen, Fishermen and Farmers, called the proposal “unpatriotic” and argued that it could have a veil-ball effect and lead to the closure of pubs and clubs.

With the proposed retail ban, Mr Minns wants to ban retail until midnight on Anzac Day. A bill to introduce the new rules is currently before Parliament.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Greenwich for comment.