Sweeping reforms of gambling have been proposed by the state government of Victoria in Australia, aimed at reducing the potential harm from electronic gambling machines, known colloquially as “pokies”
Premier Daniel Andrews and Gaming Minister Melissa Horne have outlined reforms designed to limit spending, easily track player activity, and ensure greater safety and responsible gambling.
The reforms, which will become effective by 2024, include the introduction of smaller betting limits, mandatory closing times, and slow spin speeds across all electronic gambling machines. The reforms also introduce mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play, allowing players to track the limits they are setting on their spend and to receive alerts in case their spend is about to surpass the limit they have set.
Every year, an estimated 330,000 people in the state suffer from harm due to gambling – costing an astonishing $7 billion and causing significant repercussions.
In response, starting from next year, the loads up limit will be limited to $100 instead of the previous $1000; furthermore, all new machines will require a minimal spin time of three seconds per spin, which will drag out the experience and decrease the amount of money lost.
The trial at Crown Melbourne will be closely monitored by the government, and all gaming machines must incorporate pre-commitment and carded play by the end of 2023.
