The new high-roller casino planned to open in Barangaroo in 2019 is going to boost the economy for the state and the country at large. The project has been touted as largely positive, but problem gambling researchers are concerned about the potential harm that the casino could cause for punters that exhibit compulsive behaviour.

The Gambling Treatment Clinic at the University of Sydney has made a submission to the government to address concerns about the new casino. Up until now, we have only been provided with details about the positive effects of the casino and the harm minimisation procedures that Crown Casino is taking to help players.

However, little attention has been paid to the drawbacks of opening up a high-roller casino and whether or not the harm minimisation measures will be effective. One of the major concerns is the minimum bet limit that will be placed on game in the high-roller casino.

While Premier Barry O’Farrell states that the $30 minimum bet requirement will discourage local players and non-VIPs, problem gambling researchers are not entirely sure that this is true. According to the Gambling Treatment Clinic, many client are not high-rollers, but they still spend $100 per wager on pokies and other casino games.

So, there is no guarantee that high bet limits will deter residents from gambling at the casino. Another concern is the ‘cooling off period’, which will requires non-members to wait 24 hours before placing any wagers. The Gambling Treatment Clinic argues that it is not an entirely effecting method that will prevent players from engaging in addictive behaviour.

“Given that problem gamblers often spend weeks between pay cheques thinking of gambling, such a ‘cooling off’ period would only represent a one-off, very minor irritant rather than a serious deterrent,” reads the submission from the clinic. The Responsible Gambling Fund will examine and consider submissions from organisation like the Gambling Treatment Clinic.

It is hoped that they will push for more effective harm minimisation measures at the new casino.

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.