This beloved Sydney pub just got rid of its pokie machines (plus other great pokie-free spots)

There’s a lot to love about Sydney and NSW pubs – from the communities they create to the bands they support and the cold beers they pour. But the stats on pokies and gambling are troubling. The ABC recently reported pokies take more than $1 million from NSW gamblers every hour – that's more than $24 million a day. Australia ranks among the highest in the world for pokies per capita, and NSW has the majority of them, with around 87,000-90,000 machines across pubs and clubs.

So it’s bloody welcome news to hear The Lord Gladstone, a well-loved pub in Chippendale known for its pumping live music scene, has got rid of all its pokie machines for good. Open until 3am Thursday to Saturday, the inner-city spot plans to increase its music line-up, with more free live music going down throughout the week. Plus, head there on Tuesday nights for live drawings, trivia and golden schnitties with your choice of chips and salad for just $18, and on Wednesday nights for art exhibitions.

Director Mitch Crum says they got rid of their five pokie machines to focus on increasing their live music offering.

“The machines only played a part in destroying the community vibe, not nurturing it like live music does. We plan to increase music to six nights a week shortly. The machines were owned by the landlord, not the business, so we are taking a hit on revenue and focusing on music. It’s a risk I’m willing to take to drive more music-minded punters through the doors.

“The plan for the pokie room is to knock down the wall that joins the back deck and extend it into the courtyard, with the hope of increasing our capacity," he adds.

If you want to support a venue that’s supporting the locals, here are some other awesome pokie-free pubs in Sydney:

• The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Woolloomooloo
• The Henson, Marrickville
• Petersham Bowling Club
• White Cockatoo Hotel, Petersham
• Felons Manly
• The Stoned Crow, Crows Nest
• The Imperial Hotel, Erskineville
• Lord Wolseley Hotel, Ultimo
• Forrester's, Surry Hills
• The Eveleigh Hotel, Redfern
• The Duke of Enmore
• East Village Sydney, Darlimghurst
• The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
• East Sydney Hotel, Woolloomooloo
• The Carrington, Surry Hills
• Carlisle Castle Hotel, Newtown
• The Merton Hotel, Rozelle

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Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies.

Check out our full guide to the best pubs in Sydney here.

More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.