It seems that all is not lost for the poker reform trial that is scheduled to take place in Canberra. Despite reports that that the trial has been delayed indefinitely, the federal government has provided a ray of light by setting up a committee to oversee the trial. The trial will see all of the poker machines in the ACT outfitted with mandatory pre-commitment software.
This technology requires players to limit how much they can spend before they are allowed to wager in the games. It is hoped that this trial will prove that mandatory pre-commitment will reduce gambling spending and curb problem gambling rates in Australia. “Preparatory work for the trial will begin before the end of 2012," says Jenny Macklin, Community Services Minister.
This is the first positive indication of the government’s willingness to follow through with its promise to trial mandatory pre-commitment on poker machines in the ACT. Negotiations with political parties had stalled and manufacturers presented a number of obstacles that would cause delays; however, the federal government is finally taking the lead and working towards starting up the trial.