With problem gambling becoming a growing problem across Australia, local MPs believe that gaming venues should assume more responsibility. After all, they host the games that could potentially attract addicted players. So, MPs have proposed a new bill that would allow venue operators to be easily sued if they fail to fulfil their duty of care and prevent punters from becoming problem gamblers.

Poker machines and other forms of gambling are not inherently addictive, as not everyone who plays becomes a problem gambler. There are environmental elements involved, so it is up to gaming venue operators to help ease the player away from developing addictive habits and behaviour. The MPs behind the new initiative are the usual suspects: Andrew Wilkie, Nick Xenophon, Richard Di Natale and John Madigan.

They state that many gaming operators are not doing their part to prevent gambling addiction. In fact, in cases where addictive behaviour is obvious, many pub and club owners fail to act. The new bill would aim to change this, ensuring that employees of pubs would put the best interests of the players first.

So, if a player develops addictive behaviour and the venue fails to intervene, the operator could be held responsible and, in some cases, be sued. As such, the group of MPs believe that venue operators would be more willing to help, if they know that they are being held accountable. ''We believe this would result in a change of behaviour from venues,'' a statement from the group of MPs reads.

Self-exclusion programs are currently available, allowing players to sign themselves up to be banned from gambling venues – and the MPs would like to see these programs extended. In addition to having the program extended across state borders, they would also like to see players punished for transgressions.

So, venues are not the only ones that would be responsible, as self-excluded players would be forced to forfeit their winnings. Since pokie reform no longer seems to be a possibility, this seems to be a positive alternative. Wilkie and his associates are looking for new ways to reduce problem gambling rates, and this seems to be a step in the right direction.

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.