Responsible gambling advocates have spent years campaigning for the introduction of precommitment technology for poker machines across the country. While most states were reluctant to adopt the plan, Victoria has announced its plans to launch a precommitment program across the state.
Starting in December 2015, all of the poker machines in Victoria will be required to offer their players the option of using pre-commitment technology, which will allow them to set limits on their gambling spending. The technology will be made available on both club and casino pokies. According to The Age, All poker machines in the state will be linked to the system.
This means that players’ information will be shared across venues and cities. So, a player who sets a limit on a machine at Crown Casino will have their information shared with other venues in the state. They will be able to access their information on their mobile devices or computers, as well. As a voluntary program, pre-commitment does not have to be used by all players.
They can choose to use their cards or not. Venues can also link the pre-commitment cards with their loyalty programs; however, points cannot be redeemed for gambling purposes. "We are looking for a decrease in problem gambling and looking for people to feel like they are in control of their gambling," says Jane Garrett, Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
"It is a simple system and we hope it will make a difference." A trial of the program will be launch in June in four venues across the state. The venues have yet to be decided and the trial will involve a group of specially selected punters.
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