New-announced measures to reduce pokies harm have been welcomed by the Alliance for Gambling Reform.
Premier Daniel Andrews on 16 July announced mandatory pre-commitment limits and cards for all gaming machines.
It comes as Cardinia registered a record amount of pokies losses last year, with $32,102, 392 in gambling losses for the 2022/23 financial year.
That figure is almost $7.8 million more than the year before, and a 12 per cent increase on pre-pandemic figures in 2018-2019.
Under the reforms, gamblers’ ‘load-up’ limits will also drop from $1000 to $100, EGM spin rates will slow to three seconds a game, and all pokie venues except Crown Casino will close between 4am-10am.
“These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia – we owe it to all Victorians to take this stance and help those experiencing harm turn their lives around,” Mr Andrews said.
The mandatory pre-commitment, carded play and load up limits will be introduced subject to thorough consultation with industry through an implementation working group.
The mandatory closure periods will be enforced by mid-2024.
Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello said the “significant” reforms were long awaited.
“These reforms appear to be very significant, especially the introduction of mandatory carded play with set loss limits of no more than $100 a day,” Rev. Costello said.
“We still need to see all of the details, but this will go a long way towards minimising gambling harm in our community as well as reducing the huge amounts of dirty money being laundered through poker machines.”
According to the Government, an estimated 330,000 Victorians experience harm from gambling each year.
Monash University associate professor and head of gambling and social determinants, Dr Charles Livingstone welcomed the reforms, but expressed disappointment at the lack of a tangible timeline for them to come into play.
“This is surprising, given that the voluntary YourPlay system, already operating across all Victorian pokies, could readily be adapted to a universal pre-commitment system,“ Associate Professor Livingstone said.
“This could be achieved rapidly.”
He also cautioned the Government’s decision to consult with the gambling industry on the proposals.
“The government should ensure that gambling industry involvement does not slow down the implementation of this overdue development,” he said.
“It is not technically difficult, and could be introduced by the end of 2023, if desired. I appreciate that the government feels the need to consult with industry.
“However, the situation is a little like consulting with a fox on the design of the new henhouse.
“Such a move is not going to produce a real solution.”
