The federal government has recently passed poker machine reform in Australia, and the plan has been met with a wide range of reactions. While MP Andrew Wilkie is pleased with the outcome of months of negotiations, some responsible gambling advocates believe that the reform is watered down and weak.

However, ClubsACT has jumped to the defence of pokie reform, stating that it is a positive step in the right direction for the local gambling market. According to Senator Nick Xenophon, the reform is ‘piss weak’. It is true that the current plan for reform is a far cry from what Wilkie had originally proposed but it is also a much better compromise than a trial of pre-commitment technology that is limited to the ACT alone.

When the plan for pokie reform was initially presented, Wilkie wanted every machine in Australia equipped with mandatory pre-commitment technology. Julie Gillard proposed the watered down trial plan, but the compromise will now see all machines in the country equipped with optional betting limit technology. Jeff House of ClubsACT backs the reform, rather than finding fault with it.

He has adopted the opposite stance from Xenophon, stating that the reform shows promise: "The legislation is unprecedented,” he says. “We're still talking about every poker machine in Australia still being equipped with pre-commitment technology. That's no small undertaking”. While the specifics of reform have come under scrutiny, House has also called attention to what the legislation symbolizes.

With Gillard taking an active role in pokie reform, it shows that the federal government will get involved in gaming issues, rather than leaving it up to individual states. The new reform sets a precedent, which is a positive aspect that many critics have overlooked. The legislation for the reform is likely to be introduced to Senate by the end of the year.

In 2013, the rollout of the technology will occur and 2016 is the deadline for all poker machines in the country to come equipped with voluntary pre-commitment technology.

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.