For a while there, it almost seemed like the ACT’s mandatory pre-commitment trial was going to happen. Unfortunately, local clubs have managed to let down responsible gambling advocates yet again by stalling the trial. At this rate, the federal government doubts that the reform is ever going to take place.

This week, representatives from clubs across the state decided voted against implementing the trial until after the federal election in September. The clubs voted unanimously, expressing their resistance against taking part in any measure to help reduce problem gambling rates across the country.

The reason for the delay is due to the fact that the Coalition government has explicitly stated that it does not support the ACT’s mandatory pre-commitment trial. So, should the group be elected in September, it is likely that the trial will be scrapped. It is a very strategic move by Clubs ACT, as it has the potential to ensure that the trial does not take place.

Club owners, who were concerned that the trial would cut into their profits, can rest assured that they will continue to rake in revenue from gamblers. However, the decision to delay the trial does not fare well in the eyes of local residents and politicians who have advocated for the trial from the beginning. Senator Richard Di Natale and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie are especially dismayed.

“This goes to show that the clubs were never serious about reform,” says Senator Di Natale. “They played the Government for fools, just like the mining companies did”. Fortunately, Wilkie retains some hope. He states that federal pokie reform law dictates that all poker machines across the country must be outfitted with mandatory pre-commitment technology.

So, if Clubs ACT manages to have the trial scrapped this year, there is always the potential for another state to trial mandatory pre-commitment at some point in the future.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.