While Australian politicians work hard to curb problem gambling rates, it seems that they are having their work done for them in some neighbourhoods. While gambling spending continues to rise in Victoria, other areas are seeing a decline in spending.

For example, Canterbury has seen a decline in the amount of money that is being spent on poker machines and other forms of gambling, a positive sign that problem gambling rates are falling. According to recent reports, pokies spending has dropped by 1.5% over the course of the past three months in South Canterbury. This has resulted in just $3.2 million being spent during that period of time.

Since South Canterbury hosts the largest number of poker machines in the state, declining rates in the area show that players are becoming more money-conscious and responsible with their spending. Reports have also found that nation-wide gambling spending has dropped by 3.2%.

This is a positive sign for problem gambling rates across the country, as it could mean that fewer players across Australia are spending more than they can afford on gambling activities. As such, it should come as good news to responsible gambling advocates like Andrew Wilkie and Senator Nick Xenophon.

Reasons why gambling spending has dropped have yet to be determined. However, it can be assumed that the public debate over gambling reform has had some influence on how local residents feel about playing pokies.

Wilkie’s struggle with the federal government over gambling reform is likely to have encouraged players to take a second look at their spending habits, and it is hoped that gambling spending will continue to decline – along with problem gambling rates.

Currently, Wilkie, Xenophon and a wide range of other politicians are working hard to have betting limits imposed on poker machines as well as tighten up gambling restrictions across the country. With pokies spending down, it should be taken as a sign that problem gambling is becoming a less significant issue among Australian residents.

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.