Pokies are the most popular form of gaming in Australia, with residents spending billions of dollars every year on these electronic gaming machines. While most players wager on these games for entertainment purposes only, gambling addiction is an issue that is beginning to get out of hand. In order to stop problem gambling rates from climbing any higher, the federal government has decided to introduce some new pokies laws and change some gaming laws.
Poker machine reform was recently passed, outlining a set of laws that are aimed at helping to reduce problem gambling rates across the country. Included in this new set of laws is the requirement for all poker machines across the country to come outfitted with voluntary pre-commitment technology, allowing players to set their own betting limits before they play.
Another law will require gaming venues to limit ATM withdrawals to $250 per day per player, preventing players from chasing losses and spending more money than they had originally planned. Victoria passed a law like this earlier this year, requiring a ban on all ATMs in pokie clubs. The result was a $62 million drop in pokies spending, but local residents are pleased that the government is no longer profiting from addicted gamblers’ spending.
These changes will help to reduce the potential harm that could be caused by gambling, rather than banning the activity altogether. It seems like a generous compromise, allowing the Australian government to curb gambling addiction while pokie operators can continue to earn a profit.