Warning to problem gamblers: clock off: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. Weekend Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 24 July 2004: 11.
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Abstract
“The problem is that what IPART is seeking, which is a simplification of the assessment procedure, might leave the door open for uncontrolled introduction of poker machines. Disadvantaged people in disadvantaged communities are already being abused by the growth of gambling in our community, and we must be very careful to prevent unscrupulous operators taking any further advantage of them.”
The report does not support other measures promoted by anti- gambling groups, including making gamblers visible from outside the venue, toning down theartwork on pokies, slowing the speed of machines, and introducing cashless gambling, where payouts are made with tickets rather than money.
Full Text
CLOCKS on poker machines and pop-up messages warning gamblers they have been playing too long would be compulsory under the recommendations of a new report.
The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, in a study released yesterday, called for increased regulation and more effective counselling services to combat problem gambling.
The report, Gambling: Promoting a Culture of Responsibility, calls for clubs and pubs to make it easier for gamblers to avoid gaming areas and urges research into the location of automatic teller machines in gaming areas.
Pre-commitment mechanisms, which set limits on how much time or money a gambler spends at a poker machine, are also being considered.
But the report does not support other measures promoted by anti- gambling groups, including making gamblers visible from outside the venue, toning down theartwork on pokies, slowing the speed of machines, and introducing cashless gambling, where payouts are made with tickets rather than money.
Acting tribunal chairman James Cox said the aim was to balance reduced problem gambling with the legitimate freedom to gamble.
NSW Minister for Gaming Grant McBride said he wanted to encourage informed choice and discourage risky behaviour by gamblers.
Clubs NSW chief executive David Costello praised the recommendations. “We think the report is an extremely positive initiative with real medium to long-term benefits,” he said.
Director of the NSW Council of Social Service Gary Moore welcomed proposals such as pop-up warning messages on poker machines after an hour’s play.
But he said recommendations to change the way social impact assessments were carried out before putting poker machines in clubs and pubs could make thesituation worse in many suburbs and towns.
“The problem is that what IPART is seeking, which is a simplification of the assessment procedure, might leave the door open for uncontrolled introduction of poker machines. Disadvantaged people in disadvantaged communities are already being abused by the growth of gambling in our community, and we must be very careful to prevent unscrupulous operators taking any further advantage of them.”