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The following article was published in our article directory on December 12, 2011.
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An Overview of Pokies Reform Proposals

Article Category: Entertainment

Author Name: Mr Moose

Pokies reform has become a controversial issue in Australia due to the serious problem of gambling addiction and its connection to poker machines. Studies have shown that some 80|of problem gamblers play on these machines, which are considered among the most addictive forms of gambling and have become one of the main contributors to criminal activity, second only to the illegal drug trade. According to a study conducted by the Productivity Commission, some $7.5 billion a year is lost by problem and at-risk gamblers at the poker machines. The Commission also noted that in a standard poker machine, which accepts bets of up to $10, it was possible for a gambler to lose as much as $1,500 an hour.

Thus far, the debate over reform has focused on two proposals: a $1 maximum bet limit and pre-commitment measures. Both proposals have, understandably, been hotly opposed by the Australian gaming industry, which earns billions of dollars a year from poker machines. However, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who is the main advocate of reforms, has said that he would withdraw his support from the current Labour government if legislation imposing reforms by 2014 were not passed, which could potentially bring it down.

Of the two proposals, the more contentious one is the proposal to implement a mandatory pre-commitment system, which would involve fitting pokies with technology to accept pre-loaded smart cards. The cards would allow players to nominate how much they want to gamble with in a certain period, and are seen as vital in helping them control their addiction. ClubsAustralia, the industry body representing Australia s 4,000 licensed clubs, and the Australian Hotels Association, have launched a multi-million dollar media campaign opposing the proposal, claiming that it would be ineffective in helping problem gamblers. Instead, the group proposed a six-point plan to address problem gambling, which includes measures such as introducing a comprehensive ban on credit card gambling, establishing an independent body to compile gambling statistics and research and requiring frontline staff to take refresher courses in Responsible Conduct of Gambling to ensure adequate supervision of problem gamblers.

However, the proposal to implement a $1 maximum bet on all pokies machines in the country, which was supported by MP Wilkie as a simpler solution than mandatory pre-commitment to problem gambling, was similarly resisted by club owners, who claimed that adapting their existing machines to accept a $1 max bet would cost over $3 billion and take years to fully complete. They also said that it would greatly inconvenience recreational gamblers who only played for enjoyment. However, advocates of the measure claimed that the stated costs were exaggerated and the move would have no effect on casual gamers.

Some anti-gambling critics have similarly opposed the reform proposals, saying that problem gamblers should be prohibited altogether from having access to poker machines, rather than simply trying to control their playing through smart cards and $1 bet limits. Pokies addicts should also have increased access to counseling and support services, which would more successfully help address the roots of their addiction.

Keywords: pokies, online pokies, play pokies, free pokies

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