Poker machine developers are always looking for new and exciting ways to engage players. One of the most recent tactics is introduction of “immersive gaming”, which aims to engross the player in the gaming world through new visual and audio technology. Unfortunately, some local politicians believe that this type of gaming can be harmful to players, and have requested that games of this type are banned.
Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury will be introducing a legislation that bans immersive poker machines. You’ve likely seen these kinds of pokies in your local pub, as they have become quite popular. Immersive pokies are usually connected to large speakers that are located in the player’s chair, providing a surround sound experience.
While this type of technology improves the gaming experience, politicians are worried that it may be detrimental. When a player is engrossed in any type of game, it is difficult for them to know when it is appropriate to stop playing. This can be especially harmful with pokies, as these games require players to spend money.
So, immersive pokies have the potential to tempt players to spend more money when they cannot afford to do so. Rattenbury’s legislation aims to prevent this from happening. The politician is taking his cue from Victoria and NSW governments. Both areas have banned the use of headphones with poker machines, so that players cannot become entirely immersed in gameplay.
Since Victoria passed this legislation, poker machine spending has seen a sharp decline. Similar results were seen in NSW. “ACT needs to do the same,” Rattenbury says. Australian politicians are working hard to advocate harm minimization strategies for poker machines and other forms of gambling.
A ban on immersive pokies and headphones is a smell gesture, but it goes a long way to reduce the potential harm that poker machines can cause.
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