Playing pokies is a popular pastime in Australia, and many enthusiasts like having a game at home. While they are normally just used as decoration and novelty items, the Lake Illawarra Police want to warn locals that it is an offence to have a poker machine on their property – and, it could incur a fine up to $11 000. According to the Illawarra Mercury, many residents in the area have decorative poker machines in their homes.
Over the course of the past year, authorities have seized nine games from homes across the city. The police are now publically warning residents that owning, selling or buying a gaming machine is illegal – a fact that many locals are unaware of. "Even if the machine is dismantled or disabled, operating or not, it is outlawed for a citizen to own one," said Lake Illawarra Licensing Sergeant Gary Keevers.
"It is even illegal to own components, art work or boards from old machines." The private ownership of poker machines was first outlawed in 2001 by the NSW Gaming Machines Act. At the time, older, mechanical machines were outlawed. While many homeowners would like to have them in their home for a nice vintage touch, they are illegal.
When it comes to newer games, ownership is restricted to license gaming venues like casinos, clubs and hotels. Anyone who is found with a gaming machine in their home can face up to 12 months in jail or an $11 000 fin – or, both. Police have been keeping their eye on classified ads like Gumtree and auction sites like eBay.
These are common outlets through which individuals buy and selling gaming machines, and the authorities want to ensure that NSW residents are remaining compliant with the law.
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