One of the major concerns about problem gambling is the high concentration of pokies in low-income areas. Researchers believe that the number of pokies in poorer neighbourhoods is the cause of increase problem gambling rates, so Victorian politicians have decided to correct this issue.

Councils across the state of Victoria aim to introduce new planning laws which would limit the number of pokies that can be installed in low-income areas. Currently, all municipalities have their own gaming regulations, but they would now like to combine these laws with city planning rules. Two cities that have recently proposed stricter planning guidelines for pokies are Monash and Wyndham.

Both cities want to stop new pokies from being added to many different areas, which would prevent the growth of gaming in low-income areas. The new criteria would prohibit new pokies being introduced in within 400 metres of public housing or other existing gaming venues. They also want to stop pokies from being introduced into areas that do not already have pokies and in areas around shopping malls and other retail outlets.

While these new rules aim to help reduce problem gambling rates in Victoria, local politicians have explicitly stated that they do not want to enact pokie reform. The state government currently has no plans to implement new caps or venue restrictions.

"The government has no plans to change the number of gaming machines permitted in Victoria or to alter regional caps or municipal limits," says Edward O'Donohue, Liquor and Gaming Regulation Minister. While a complete reform is off the table, the proposed rules for new pokies will certainly go a long way to reducing gambling harm.

It has been proven that there are more pokies in low-income areas, which results in increased problem gambling rates. As such, it can be expected that problem gambling rates could see a decline as a result of these new rules.

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.